Bill to ban unscrupulous parking lot sales of pets in Georgia now up to governor

by Jill Nolin, Georgia Recorder
March 21, 2025

A bill designed to make it harder for unscrupulous breeders to entice animal lovers into an impulse purchase is now on the governor’s desk.

The measure, House Bill 331, would ban the practice of selling dogs, cats and rabbits in parking lots, along the roadside, on sidewalks, at seasonal flea markets and other similar outdoor areas that tend to be hotspots for unlicensed breeders who prioritize profit over the wellbeing of the animals in their care.

The Senate sponsor, Grovetown Republican Sen. Lee Anderson, said the bill targets “bad actors” in Georgia.

“We need this bill so we can make sure all our pets are taken care of, and also it protects the companies that already do it the right way,” Anderson said, referring to breeders.

Supporters of the bill say it will reduce opportunities for illicit pet sales, which they argue is commonly tied with other illegal activity.

The original sponsor, Concord Republican Rep. Beth Camp, pitched the measure as both a consumer and animal protection bill, since animals purchased from illegitimate breeders often turn out not to be as advertised.

“These dogs oftentimes end up getting dumped, and they get dumped at animal shelters, which cost our counties money every single day. And it’s just heartbreaking,” Camp said recently to state senators.  

Breeders would still be able to sell dogs, cats and rabbits from their home, business, a veterinarian’s office or other designated locations, like outside a police department.

“These individuals do not allow people to come to where these dogs live because they don’t want anyone to see where these animals live, because they’re living in deplorable, substandard conditions for anything that’s alive,” Camp said.

If approved, someone who violates the measure would be fined $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second and $500 for the third or subsequent offense. Each animal sold in violation of the measure would represent a separate offense, including if multiple animals were sold on the same day.  

In January, the state Department of Agriculture seized 136 dogs from a puppy mill in south Georgia.

The bill may be serious, but it also brought a little levity to the day.

Anderson rested his case Friday by saying a vote for his bill would help keep Lt. Gov. Burt Jones out of the “doghouse.” Jones’ wife runs an animal rescue organization. 

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.

The post Bill to ban unscrupulous parking lot sales of pets in Georgia now up to governor appeared first on georgiarecorder.com

SUMMARY: In North Augusta, SC, the class of 2025 celebrated their medical school match day, marking a pivotal moment in their journey to become doctors. Parents, faculty, and staff gathered to support the 246 students, with some pairs like Hannah and Hunter Spivey sharing their wedding plans amidst their studies. Jessica McElrheh balanced her family medicine aspirations with her new role as a mother. The class president, Queen Abure, highlighted their resilience during the pandemic and a curriculum change. Students dressed in themed costumes for the event, embodying the celebration of their achievements and bright futures in healthcare.

Read the full article

The post Medical College of Georgia celebrates 246 med students on Match Day appeared first on www.wjbf.com

Georgia Senate sends tax refund, income tax cut to governor’s desk

by Stanley Dunlap, Georgia Recorder
March 20, 2025

A pair of Georgia bills that would lower the state income tax rate and provide an extra refund to taxpayers later this year are now awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature.

The state Senate Thursday greenlighted House Bill 111 and 112, the fourth in a series of tax rebate package bills in recent years that the Republican governor prioritized.

Under HB 111, the state income tax rate of 5.39% would be reduced to 5.19% effective July 1, which would save taxpayers about $869 million.

The income tax bill was adopted by a 30-23 vote, primarily along party lines with majority Republican support. Senators unanimously supported HB 112, which would allow Georgians who filed income taxes to receive an additional refund later this year.

If signed into law, a $250 rebate would go to individual filers, $375 to heads of households and $500 to married couples filing jointly.

Sen. Josh McLaurin, a Sandy Springs Democrat, said the one-time time tax refund will mean more money sooner to most Georgians than a permanent reduction in the income tax rate.

“Some of us will be voting for immediate tax relief because $250 matters a lot more than $30,” McLaurin said. “We do not need to be making structural changes that cripple our ability to respond to social ills for the rest of time.”

Sen. Elena Parent, an Atlanta Democrat, said the problem with the income tax reduction is that it delivers outsized benefits to Georgian who are at the top of the income bracket at the expense of the average taxpayers.

Acworth Republican Sen. Ed Setzler disputed that the income tax reduction was favorable to the top 1% of wealthy Georgians. He said a majority of filers in the top income bracket are from small business owners, who could put the $3,000 refund from the state to good use.

Cornelia Republican Sen. Bo Hatchett, the sponsor of the income tax legislation, said that 100% of the overall tax savings goes to 100% of taxpayers.

“A reduction in taxes helps everyone,” Hatchett said. “It  also helps spur further job creation, which also helps the very same people some of my colleagues highlighted today. It’s very important that we continue to budget conservatively so that we can continue to provide opportunities like this tax  cut and like this rebate.”

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.

The post Georgia Senate sends tax refund, income tax cut to governor’s desk appeared first on georgiarecorder.com