Georgia 2009 legislative session opens

01/14/2009
Story Photos – Click to Enlarge State Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) speaks to the Senate on Monday, the opening day of the 2009 session.

By Ashley Fuller
afuller@cherokeetribune.com

Legislation that could withhold state funds from local governments not in compliance with the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act is moving forward this session.

State Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Hickory Flat) said the legislation was proposed out of a policy committee appointed by the Speaker of the House. He said the final bill has not been completed.

“We don’t pass Georgia law to be ignored,” he said.

Cherokee County has been criticized for not collecting affidavits affirming the citizenship of applicants for public benefits, specifically business licenses.

Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens said the county’s interpretation is that it is not in violation. Ahrens said the county is waiting for a memorandum of understanding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before it can access the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements database to verify residency.

“We want to have the whole bag of tools,” Ahrens said, adding the county currently only can take the affidavits.

Rep. Sean Jerguson (R-Holly Springs) said he is proposing his own related legislation.

The legislation would “tighten down” citizenship requirements to hold alcohol licenses, especially for package stores…

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