Deal enacts pro-life bill

PHOTO ATTACHED: Gov. Deal signing the pro-life bill alongside representative from Archdiocese of Atlanta, Sen. Tommie Williams, Mary McKillip, Rep. Doug McKillip, president of Georgia Right to Life Dan Becker, Rep. Doug Collins, Rep. Donna Sheldon and Rep. Ed Setzler (from left to right).

Governor signs bill that eliminates state agency

Gov. Nathan Deal today signed into law a pro-life bill that gives additional protection to unborn babies. HB 954 will put an end to most abortions in Georgia after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the time when some believe a fetus can begin to feel pain.

“Today, we are reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of all human life,” Deal said. “This legislation provides humane protection to innocents capable of feeling pain, while making an important exception for in the case of medically futile pregnancies.”

The law, sponsored by Rep. Doug McKillip (R-Athens) and Sen. Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) takes effect Jan. 1.

Deal also signed a bill to abolish the State Personnel Administration (HB 805), sponsored by House floor leader Rep. Doug Collins (R-Gainesville) and Senate floor leader Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone).

“This is yet another concrete example of how we are reducing the size of government and creating greater efficiencies for the taxpayers of Georgia,” Deal said. “Money not spent by the state government is money that can stay in the family pocketbook, where it can do the greatest good to create jobs in our state.”

Also today, the governor signed the following:

HB 541
HB 642
HB 865
HB 933
HB 1114
HB 1166

SB 153
SB 289
SB 324
SB 372
SB 414
SB 427
SB 428