The 2007 legislative session is just a few short weeks away.  Now is the time for us to start thinking about new legislation that will cross our desks, and perhaps become new laws next year.  Over the next couple of weeks, Id like to preview some of the important issues that may come before the legislature in the 07 session.

Identity Theft Protection

As you know, identity theft occurs when one person obtains another persons identity to commit fraud or deception for economic gain.  A stolen name, social security number, or personal bank or credit card number is all that a thief needs to steal an identity.  The Federal Trade Commission estimates that ten million Americans have their identities stolen each year.  Several states have passed legislation increasing criminal penalties for persons convicted of identity theft, and I anticipate that legislation will be introduced in the 2007 legislative session strengthening Georgias identity theft law.

Some states have passed legislation that allows victims of identity theft to apply for an identity theft passport through law enforcement agencies and the Attorney Generals office.  The identity theft passport is a card that identifies a person as a victim of identity theft, thus providing victims with a method of proving to law enforcement and creditors that their identity has been stolen.  The General Assembly may also consider legislation to provide similar protection to victims of identity theft.

Protecting Families from Sexual Predators

In 2006, we passed one of the toughest sexual predator laws in the nation, HB 1059.  Several states have established a new procedure to keep extremely dangerous sexual offenders, classified as sexually violent predators, away from the public in the most permanent manner that is constitutionally feasible.  Civil commitment is based on the reality that sexually violent predators generally have personality features that render them highly likely to engage in sexual violence unless prevented from doing so. 

For example, other states require that every sex offender be evaluated prior to release from prison.  If the offender is determined to be a sexually violent predator, the highest risk category, he or she is recommended for commitment.  Last year, a bill was introduced in an effort to create a civil commitment process in Georgia; and while the bill did not pass, it may be re-introduced during the upcoming legislative session.  The legislation would create a new code section to allow for civil commitment in certain aggravated sexual offense cases.

Improving Graduation Rates and Dropout Prevention

The General Assembly continues to answer the call for more programs and funds aimed at dropout prevention in Georgia schools.  Last session, funds were appropriated to the Department of Education (DOE) for dropout prevention.  Those funds are being used to create a Graduation Specialist position in DOE, hire graduation coaches in high schools throughout the state, develop a Graduation/Dropout Prevention Toolkit for school personnel, and provide leadership and school improvement personnel in Needs Improvement schools.

Earlier this year, legislators drafted regulations concerning mandatory attendance and student withdrawals from school.  In 2007, the discussion will most likely focus on legislative initiatives that change the compulsory school attendance age for students; provide graduation coaches for students in middle grades; and offer students career coaches beginning in elementary school through high school and into college.

The next two years are going to be very important for the General Assembly.  Hundreds of bills will cross our desks in the Senate and the House of Representatives, and we must review this legislation, and pass laws that will be of the greatest benefit to Georgias citizens.