New ban on texting while driving

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New laws targeting teens and distracted driving go into effect July 1.  No more texting behind the wheel.  Teens with provisional licenses can’t use a cell phone at all. Governor Perdue signed SB 360, better known as "Caleb’s Law", Friday, despite reservations about how it’s going to be enforced.  And the law isn’t just for teens.  Police will be on the lookout for any driver reading, writing or sending emails. SB360 is named after a Dahlonega teen who crashed and died while texting and driving last December. WSAV reports teen drivers caught texting or talking on the phone face a $150 fine, which doubles if they have an accident.   Despite reservations about how “Caleb’s Law” will be enforced, Gov. Perdue states in a press release that “We need to do everything possible to focus young drivers on the road ahead.” The Atlanta Journal Constitution says the legislature plans to revisit the texting law next year to clarify parts of it.

Prison costs burden Georgia as other states test alternatives

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Georgia taxpayers spend $1 billion dollars a year locking up criminals in prison.  An eye-opening analysis by the Atlanta Journal Constitution shows one in 70 Georgians is behind bars and each offender costs $49 a day.  It is not because the state has more crime, but because sentencing laws are tougher here, keeping criminals behind bars longer.  In the first of a two-part series, the AJC raises questions about Georgia’s tough-on-crime stand, and whether it’s worth the cost at a time when the state is cutting teachers, transportation and critical programs.  Even some conservative policymakers like former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Georgia) are studying alternatives to prison.  In a surprising interview, Gingrich argues treatment programs for non-violent offenders work, and can be safer and less expensive. In part two, the AJC reports about 2-thirds of inmates locked up are non-violent. For them, alternatives such as drug courts and work-release might work and save money.  Other states across the south, such as Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas are working on research-based alternatives.

Courts Automation Commission gets Hard Look as State Hunts for Budget Cuts

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The Georgia Courts Automation Commission has spent $2.4 million in the last five years to study computers and technology that could unify software systems in courts across the state. That would make it easier to track cases, gather data and share information.  But the AJC reports the Commission has no real power and the majority of local courts are ignoring its recommendations. As lawmakers search for $1 billion in budget cuts, some are wondering if the Courts Automation Commission should be abolished.  Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta) says, “This commission is like a study committee gone mad.”

But many judges support the agency and its mission to improve technology. Douglas County Superior Court Judge David Emerson says the work is “desperately needed.”

Zero Tolerance Bill Sails through Senate

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Georgia's zero tolerance school policies are getting an overhaul.  SB299 would give school officials more discretion to handle discipline problems. The bill would stop the widespread use of rigid zero tolerance policies that currently mandate arrest and jail for children, and encourage principals to use common sense.  It passed the senate without opposition and now heads for the House. Sponsor Emanuel Jones ( D-Decatur) got involved when the son of a friend was kicked out of school after he accidentally brought a fishing knife to campus, then told school officials about his mistake. The boy landed in jail. Former School Resource Officer Jason Mitchell tells the AJC he has "grave concerns about public safety" if the bill becomes law.  He claims a child arrested for delinquent activity could not be held in detention without a court hearing first.  And since juvenile court judges are not available 24/7,  police might have to release some dangerous suspects.