>>> I DIDN'T PLAN TO COME DOWN HERE TODAY.

I DIDN'T WRITE ANYTHING.

I REALLY WAS JUST GOING TO LET THIS GET DEBATED.

YOU KNOW, IT REALLY KIND OF OCCURRED TO ME THAT SOMETIMES YOU JUST GOT TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT.

>> SPEAKER DAVID RALSTON TAKES TO THE FLOOR FOR EMOTIONAL WORDS ABOUT THE RIGHT TO VISIT THE HOUSE.

LEGISLATIVE DAY 28 AND HOUR-LONG CROSSOVER DAY.

I'M DONNA LOWRY IN ATLANTA.

WE GIVE YOU A FULL RUNDOWN OF THE DAY'S ACTIONS AT THE CAPITOL IN THE SHOW AND AS LAWMAKERS WORK INTO THE NIGHT TO TRY TO PASS SOME OF THE BIGGEST BILLS OF THE SESSION WE'LL BRING YOU WHATEVER HAPPENS.

WE'LL ALSO HAVE ANALYSIS FROM TWO POLITICAL COMMENTATORS.

FIRST A LOOK AT THE DAY FROM BRENDA WATERS.

BRENDA?

>> Reporter: HEY, DONNA, BUSY DAY.

TODAY ON THE SENATE FLOOR, MAJORITY LEADER MIKE DUGAN PRESENTED HIS AEKAGE PACKAGE, SB 241, SEEKS TO REGULATE VOTING BY MAIL-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT.

THE SENATOR OUTLINED HIS REASONING FOR THIS CHANGE AND HEARD SOME DISSENT.

>> THE INCREASING BURDEN ON LOCAL ELECTION OFFICES AND THE INCREASED COST TO EACH OF OUR COUNTIES HAS RISEN SIGNIFICANTLY.

IN RECENT YEARS THE NUMBER OF MAIL-IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS INCREASED WHERE COUNTIES ARE IN ESSENCE RUNNING THREE ELECTIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY.

THE HIGHEST RATE OF REJECTED BALLOTS ARE THOSE BALLOTS SENT IN BY MAIL.

>> IF WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT LOSING VOTES WE SHOULD BE SAYING HOW DO WE DEITER THAT?

OPENING MORE POLLING PLACES, WE CAN EXPAND NO EXCUSE ABSENT YE BALLOTING.

>> THIS IS NOT PREVENTING ANYONE FROM VOTING BY A MAIL-IN ABSENTEE.

THIS IS CREATING A GROUNDWORK TO HELP RELIEVE SOME OF THE STRESSES THAT WE HAVE, SEE IN THE FUTURE.

>> SENATOR DUGAN SAYS THE BILL WITH A RANGE OF REASONS TO REQUEST THE MAIL-IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF DUNCAN DID NOT PRESIDE OVER THE DEBATE AND VOTE BECAUSE HE OPPOSES SB 241.

THE SENATE BILL PASSED IN THE SENATE 29-20, FOUR REPUBLICAN SENATORS DID NOT VOTE.

HB 290 STATES IT WOULD PREVENT HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES FROM PROHIBITING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FROM VISITING LOVED ONES DURING DECLARED PUB HEALTH EMERGENCY THE SPONSOR OF THE BILL IS REPRESENTATIVE ED SELTZER.

>> THIS IS A PROPOSITION THAT TOUCHES 11 MILLION GEORGIANS.

>> HOUSE BILL 290 WOULD CREATE A LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE PATIENT'S RIGHTS AND BE ABLE TO ENTER A HOSPITAL HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME DURING A HEALTH EMERGENCY, ONE OF THE STRONGEST SUPPORTERS OF HB 290 WAS HOUSE SPEAKER DAVID RALSTON, WHO CAME DOWN TO THE FLOOR WHERE HE SPOKE WITH EMOTION.

>> I'M HERE -- FOR A FRIEND OF MINE WHO SAID GOOD-BYE TO HIS MOTHER THROUGH A HOSPITAL WINDOW WHILE HE AND HIS FAMILY STOOD ON A HELIPAD OUTSIDE.

BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T SAY GOOD-BYE IN PERSON.

AND I'M HERE TO SPEAK FOR A DAUGHTER WHOSE CONVERSATIONS I HAVE HEARD, WHO TRIES TO EXPLAIN TO MAMA WHY SHE CAN'T COME SEE HER, FOR ALL THOSE REASONS I ASK TO YOU VOTE YES ON THIS BILL.

>> I WILL INTERVIEW SPEAKER RALSTON LATER IN THE SHOW, SITTING WAITING FOR THE LIVE INTERVIEW.

AND HERE ARE A COUPLE OF OTHER BILLS THAT ABOUT CROSS OVER FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR.

HOUSE BILL 114 AN EXTRA BENEFIT FOR FOLKS WHO ADOPT FOSTER CHILDREN >> THIS BILL TRIPLES THE TAX CREDIT FOR FAMILIES THAT ADOPT FOSTER KIDS AND TRIPLES IT FROM $2,000 TO $6,000.

WHEN A FAMILY ADOPTS A FOSTER CHILD, THEN THEY DO NOT RECEIVE AS MUCH SUPPORT FROM THE STATE AS THEY DO WHEN THE CHILD IS IN THE STATE'S CUSTODY AND OFTENTIMES CHILDREN THAT HAVE SERIOUS NEEDS, THEY SUFFERED EXTRAORDINARY TRAUMA.

>> Reporter: HOUSE BILL 114 PASSED 158-0.

HOUSE BILL 544 RELATES TOE WIDE RELIEF FOR EDUCATION AND WOULD ALLOW CONVENIENCE STORES TO SELL GIFT CARDS FOR COIN-OPERATED GAMES.

IT WAS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALLAN POWELL AND STACEY EVANS, A DEMOCRAT FROM THE FLOORPLANED TO VOTE AGAINST THE MEASURE BUT CHANGED HER MIND AT THE LAST MINUTE.

>> HERE IN THIS STATE JUST LIKE WITH THE LOTTERY, WE'RE WILLING TO ACCEPT THE ILL IF WE GET A BENEFIT FOR OUR CITIZENS.

IT IS MY BELIEF THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE MORE MONEY THEN WE NEED TO MAKE MORE MONEY AND THE PERCENTAGE TO THE LOTTERY EDUCATION FUND NEEDS TO GO UP.

>> Reporter: THE BILL PASSED 110-543.

>>> PROTESTERS CONTINUED TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT BILLS IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE THAT WOULD CHANGE THE ELECTION PROCESS IN GEORGE.

A SMALL GROUP SAT SILENTLY INSIDE THE CAPITOL CHAINED TOGETHER AND HOLDING SIGNS THAT READ "KILL THE BILLS" REFERRING TO HOUSE BIB 531 AND SENATE BILL 241.

COMMISSIONER LARRY JOHNSON AND ROB PITTS SAID FULTON HAS BECOME AN EASY TARGET.

>> IT WAS NO SURPRISE FOR US TO SEE PROVISIONS NO HOUSE BILL 53 1 AND SENATE BILL 23 1R5 THAT TARGET FULLSON COUNTY'S ACCESS TO DEMAND ACCESS.

>> I'M HERE TO SPEAK OUT, AND MAKE TROUBLE AND MAKE SURE WE DON'T GET 531 AND 241 PASSED.

>> Reporter: THAT IS MY REPORT ON THIS CROSSOVER DAY.

BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU, BRENDA.

WE'LL HEAR FROM YOU MORE IN THE SHOW.

>>> I HAVE TWO POLITICAL EXPERTS.

TRICIA MURPHY SERVED AS CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT LAST YEAR AND NOW IN THE POLITICAL INSIDER COLUMNIST AND COVERED STATE AND NATIONAL POLITICS, CONGRESS AND THE WHITE HOUSE.

GLAD TO HAVE YOU BACK WITH US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MEMORY, MEMORIES.

ALSO RETURNING TONIGHT, BILL CRANE OWNER OF CSI CRANE AND LONG TIME COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST.

HE COVERED STATE AND NATIONAL POLITICS AND WORKED FOR GEORGIA LAW MAKERS UNDER THE GOLD DOME AND CAPITOL HILL AND ALSO JOINED US FOR CROSSOVER DAYS IN THE PAST.

>> AND "LAWMAKERS" INTERN.

>> REALLY?

SEE, GLAD TO HAVE YOU BOTH HERE.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE BIG OMNIBUS BILL, SB 241.

YOUR THOUGHTS, IT DID PASS BUT IT WAS INTERESTING.

>> SB 241 WHICH IS THE BILL TO RESTRICT NO EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING TO RESTRICT OTHER MEASURES THAT WERE POPULAR IN THE LAST ELECTION GOT BY BY JUST ONE VOTE IN THE REPUBLICAN-LED STATE SENATE.

WHAT I THOUGHT WAS MOST NOTABLE WAS WHO WAS ABSENT.

WE SAW A NUMBER OF GOP LAWMAKERS FOR SWINGY SUBURBAN DISTRICTS EXCUSED FROM THE DEBATE, DIDN'T SHOW UP, DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE THE VOTE AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF DUNCAN WATCHED IT FROM HIS OFFICE INSTEAD OF PRESIDING OVER THE ACTION ON THE FLOOR.

HE DOESN'T SUPPORT A LOT OF WHAT'S IN THIS BILL.

THAT I FOUND INTERESTING.

>> I'LL GET BILL TO COMMENT QUICKLY.

WHAT DID YOU THINK?

>> I DON'T THINK IT WILL PASS INTO LAW.

THE SPEAKER AN THE HOUSE HAVE MORE PALATABLE OPTIONS.

I WOULD SAY DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP AT THE CAPITOL, IF YOU PASS THAT MONSTROSITY, GET THE BRASS KEYS THAT TURN THE DOORS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES READY TO HAND THEM ON OVER.

YOU CAN SKIP THE 2022 GENERAL ELECTION.

TOO MANY SWING VOTERS AND INDEPENDENTS AND NON-ALIGNED VOTER ALSO NOT TOLERATE IT.

THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN WRAP IT AND NO BOW, YOU CAN'T PUT IT UNDER BALANCE MOTT SECURITY OR MAKING THINGS EASIER.

IT WAS A PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT OF THE GOP WHO ASKED FOR THREE RECOUNTS.

>> YOU MENGED THE SPEAKER AND RIGHT NOW BRENDA WATERS HAS HIM THERE FOR AN INTERVIEW.

BRENDA?

>> THANK YOU, DONNA AND THANK YOU, SPEAKER, FOR DOING THIS.

YOU SPOKE FROM THE WELL AND YOU TALKED HOUSE BILL 290 AND THE FIRST THING YOU SAID WAS SOMETIMES YOU GOT TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT.

WHAT WAS IN YOUR HEART THAT MADE YOU COME TOWN?

>> WHAT WAS IN MY HEART WAS THE MANY GEORGIAIAE GEORGIANS THAT THAT YOUR LOVED ONES IN HOSPITALS, LONG-TERM NURSING MOMENT, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND IT'S BEEN A HEARTBREAKING EXPERIENCE FOR THEM AND SO I WANTED TO GIVE A VOICE TO THOSE PEOPLE TODAY.

I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THEY BE ABLE TO -- THAT GEORGIANS KNOW WE HEARD THEM AND I THINK WE DID TODAY IN A VERY, VERY STRONG BIPARTISAN WAY.

I COULDN'T BE PROUDER OF THE HOUSE TODAY FOR ITS VOTE ON HOUSE BILL 290.

I THINK IT'S A GREAT BILL AND I'M VERY PLEASED TONIGHT WITH IT.

>> AND YOU SPOKE FROM THE HEART FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

YOU WERE NOT JUST A POLITICIAN TODAY.

YOU WERE A PERSON SPEAKING FROM THE HEART.

>> SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH, I AM A PERSON BUT YOU KNOW, I TOLD THREE INSTANCES OF PEOPLE THAT ARE VERY, VERY CLOSE TO ME WHOM I HAVE DEALT WITH OVER THE LAST YEAR AND SO I HAD A PRETTY GOOD PERSPECTIVE ON THIS, A VERY CLOSE PERSPECTIVE THAT HAS ENABLED ME TO FEEL THE HEARTBRAC AND PAIN AND THE LONELINESS THAT THE PATIENTS HAVE HAD.

THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT TODAY, TOO.

THIS HAS BEEN, TAKEN A REAL TOLL ON PEOPLE IN ASSISTED LIVING OR PEOPLE IN NURSING HOMES, NOT TO BE ABLE TO SEE THEIR FAMILIES, AND IT'S A LONELY EXISTENCE, AND SO I THOUGHT WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS STRIKE A GOOD BALANCE BETWEEN SAFETY FOR OTHER PATIENTS, AS WELL AS ACCOMMODATING A REAL NEED FOR THE FAMILIES TO BE ABLE TO VISIT WITH AND INTERACT WITH THEIR LOVED ONES.

>> ONE FINAL QUESTION, SPEAKER.

YOUR THOUGHTS OR CONCERNS ABOUT HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES THAT WANT TO HAVE A FINAL SAY ON WHO COMES AND GOES IN TERMS OF VISITING PATIENTS.

>> THAT NEEDS TO BE A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PATIENTS, BETWEEN THEIR FAMILIES AND BETWEEN THEIR FACILITIES.

YOU KNOW, I GUESS IF THERE'S ONE THING THAT'S DISAPPOINTED ME IN SOME INSTANCES OVER THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN THAT SOME OF THESE FACILITIES HAVE NOT BEEN MORE PROACTIVE INTERACTING WITH THE FAMILIES AND THE PATIENTS AND THAT WAS PART OF THE REASON THAT BROUGHT US TO TODAY.

>> SPEAKER, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

HAPPY CROSSOVER DAY.

>> DONNA, BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU, BRENDA.

I WANT TO TALK TO OUR, YOU KNOW, PANEL ISTS IN HERE TODAY.

THAT WAS EMOTIONAL.

THE RIGHT TO VISIT WAS BIPARTISAN.

VISITING SOMEONE IN THE HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME EMOTIONAL.

>> OUR MOTHER AND MY FAMILY SPENT THE BETTER PART OF THREE AND A HALF WEEKS IN AND OUT OF ICUs AT EMERY AND EMERY CLIFTON, AND FACETIME IS NOT THE SAME THING AS BEING ABLE TO BE BEDSIDE AND HOLD HER HAND.

PATIENT ATTITUDE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH WANTING TO SURVIVE.

I'M HAPPY TO TELL EVERYBODY MOM IS STILL WITH US.

IT WAS TOUCH AND GO ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

DAD WAS AT HOME WITH COVID, DAUGHTER, SON-IN-LAW AND TWIN GRANDSONS ALL HAD COVID AND EVEN THOSE WHO WERE HOMEBOUND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO JUDGE AS A LAYPERSON CAN I BE OF MORE HELP DROPPING GROCERIES AND DOING PHARMACEUTICAL RUNS OR DO THEY WANT TO KNOW, BESIDES CALLING THEM ON THE PHONE OR FACEBOOK.

BECAUSE OF THE CONVERSATIONS I'VE HAD WITH SO MANY PEOPLE YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON THE IN-PERSON CONNECTION WHEN SOMEONE IS ILL, YOU SAYING I'M HERE FOR YOU, EVEN IF IT'S AS SIMPLE AS BEING AT THEIR BEDSIDE WITH A MASK ON, HOLDING THEIR HAND.

>> IT WAS TOUCH AND GO.

BACK AND FORTH, BACK AND FORTH AND IN THE END DID THEY NEED SPEAKER RALSTON TO PASS THIS, TO COME UP TO THE WELL AND SPEAK?

>> I THINK IT WAS AT ONE POINT TOUCH AND GO BUT SEEING RALSTON TOOK THE TOUCH OUT OF IT AND IT WAS GO.

THIS SHOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LAWMAKERS HAVE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH ISSUES IN FRONT OF THEM.

YOU'VE DONE A TERRIFIC SHOW ON "LAWMAKERS" WITH TWO MEMBERS, ONE MEMBER'S SISTER IN A NURSING FACILITY, ONE MEMBER'S HUSBAND IN A NURSING FACILITY, COULDN'T VISIT THEM AND NOT OVERSEE THEIR CARE.

THAT WAS THE SCIENCE OF THE DEBATE MISSING.

FOR THE HOSPITALS WHICH HAVE A POWERFUL LOBBY IN GEORGIA.

>> WELL COMPENSATED, SHARP LOBBYISTS.

WE HAD TO REMIND SOME OF THE BEST THAT MOM HAD A DIRECTIVE IN PLACE, NO RESPIRATOR.

THAT SHOULDN'T BE SOMETHING THAT FAMILY HAS TO TRACK TWO AND THREE TIMES IN MORE THAN ONE HOSPITAL STAY, THE ELECTRONIC THINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE RECORD BUT THE REALITY IN A PANDEMIC WHEN ALL OF THE STAFF ARE STRETCHED AND STRESSED IS THAT AGAIN, THE PATIENT'S FAMILY OFTENTIMES ARE THE ONES WHO REMEMBER THOSE THINGS.

SHE'S ON A BLOOD THINNER AND CAN'T TAKE THIS AND THAT.

>> ALSO AT SO MANY POINTS WEEKER RALSTON HAS BEEN PERSONALLY IMPACTED BY COVID.

I INTERVIEWED HIM.

HE COULD NOT COUNT HOW MANY FUNERALS HE'S BEEN TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORHOODS WHO DIED FROM COVID, THAT AFFECTS HOW HE HAS CONDUCTED THE CAPITOL, THE MASK REQUIREMENT, THE TESTING REQUIREMENT, THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE OTHER MEMBERS WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT IT AND THEN EVEN A BILL LIKE THIS, SEEING HOW IT'S IMPACTED THE FAMILIES IN HIS COMMUNITY, AND HIS WILLINGNESS TO GO TO THE WELL TO TALK ABOUT IT.

>> AS HE RELAID TO LEADERS IN A BYLINE, THE FIRST THING THAT STICKS IN HIS MIND EARLY, ON A CONFERENCE CALL WHEN THE HUGE EXPLOSIONS, AND WHAT DO YOU NEED?

WE NEED MORE BODY BAGS.

>> IT'S BEEN VERY EMOTIONAL WITH ALL OF THIS.

WE'RE GOING TO MOVE NOW, JOINING US FROM THE GOLD DOME IS A JOURNALIST AND A MEMBER OF OUR "LAWMAKERS" TEAM, RAOUL.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU TODAY?

>> Reporter: FIRST THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MAKING THE DECISION TO NOT PRESIDE WHEN SENATE BILL 241 WAS ON THE FLOOR.

THE LARGE ELECTIONS BILL.

WE DIDN'T NOTICE IT AT FIRST.

AFTER A FEW TWEETS WE REALIZED IT.

YOU JUST HAD THE SPEAKER ON.

HIM TAKING TO THE FLOOR.

WE SEE THE SPEAKER TAKE THE FLOOR TO TALK ABOUT THE BUDGET SOMETIMES, OR YOU HEAR HIM FOR SOMETHING LIKE HONORING HANK AARON, BUT TO SEE HIM COME FOR THIS BILL, IT REALLY CAUGHT PEOPLE'S ATTENTION AND I THINK IT'S GREAT INSIGHT THAT THEY'VE BEEN SEEING THAT WITH THE SPEAKER THROUGHOUT THE COVID CRISIS.

>> TRUE.

THANKS, RAOUL.

WE'LL HEAR MORE WERE YOU LATER.

>>> LET'S GO TO BRENDA, BACK TO BRENDA.

I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE ANOTHER GUEST FOR US.

>> I DO.

I HAVE REPRESENTATIVE ERICA THOMAS.

THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS.

>> DOING GREAT.

>> MY FIRST CROSSOVER AND YOUR FIRST, YOU'VE BEEN HERE SINCE 2014.

THE CITIZENS ARREST BILL, HOUSE BILL 479.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DONE DIFFERENTLY IN.

>> IT'S GREAT WE'RE ABLE TO BE THE FIRST TO BE ABLE TO REPEAL CITIZENS ARREST.

I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE, THOUGH, THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS STARTED OFF AS A DEMOCRATIC BILL.

WE'RE HAPPY THAT THE GOVERNOR TOOK THIS ON BUT THIS STARTED OFF AS A DEMOCRATIC BILL.

WE WORK HARD AND GOT NO MOVEMENT ON IT SO WHEN THE GOVERNOR'S FLOOR LEADER TOOK IT ON IS WHEN IT GOT THE MOVEMENT AND GOT THE ATTENTION, THE NATIONAL ATTENTION, BUT I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE KNOW THAT WE WORKED HARD ON THIS BILL WHEN AHMAUD ARBERY WAS KILLED.

WE WENT TO BRUNSWICK IN THE MIDST OF COVID, RENTED A HUGE VAN AND WE HAD SO MANY REPRESENTATIVES ON THERE, SOCIAL DISTANCING, RISKING THEIR LIFE REALLY TO MAKE SURE WE STOOD WITH HIS FAMILY SO WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR A LONG, LONG TIME AND SO I'M SO GLAD THAT IT CAME INTO FRUITION TODAY AND THAT WE WERE ABLE TO PASS A BILL TO REPEAL SOMETHING THAT WAS SO DETRIMENTAL TO OUR COMMUNITY.

>> YOUR WORK HAS PAID OFF?

>> IT HAS.

AND I'M VERY PROUD OF REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM BOIE AND OTHERS THAT WORKED HARD ON THE LEGISLATION.

>> LEGISLATORS ARE ALSO PEOPLE, YOU HAVE FEELINGS.

WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND?

>> IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT.

AT ONE APPOINTMENT I SAW SOME REPRESENTATIVES HAD TO COME OFF THE FLOOR.

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT SO MUCH HARD WORK PUT INTO IT AND YOU THINK ABOUT THE SITUATION OF WHY WE ARE EVEN HERE TO REPEAL THIS BILL.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, IT'S LIKE, WOW, THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF THIS WAS NOT IN PLACE.

AND SO WE DON'T WANT ANYONE TAKING ON THE LIBERTY AND SAYING THAT THEY ARE THE LAW AND TRYING TO TAKE SOMEONE DOWN JUST BECAUSE THEY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG.

SO I'M JUST EXCITED THAT THIS PASSED TODAY AND SO MANY PEOPLE PUT WORK IN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

BE SAFE, GOOD LUCK.

>> THANK YOU.

>> BYE-BYE.

>> DONNA, BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU, BRENDA.

WE'RE GOING TO TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME A LITTLE BIT.

LAST YEAR CROSSOVER DAY WAS OUR LAST DAY BEFORE THE WORLD SHUT DOWN.

TONIGHT WE WANT TO GIVE YOU A SNIPPET OF THAT SHOW.

GOVERNOR KEMP WAS OUR FIRST GUEST IN THAT SHOW AN AS WE GO TO BREAK LET'S HEAR ABOUT WHAT HE SAID BACK THEN.

>> Reporter: THERE'S PANIC BUYING, PEOPLE TAKING KIDS OUT OF SCHOOLS.

>> CONTINUE TO REMAIN CALM.

THAT'S BEEN OUR MESSAGE OVER THE LAST WEEK OR SO.

WE'VE BEEN TRANSPARENT WITH GEORGIANS AND CONTINUE TO BE TRANSPARENT AND GIVE YOU THE INFORMATION AS WE GET IT IN SO YOU CAN BEST PLAN TO PROTECT YOURSELVES AND YOUR FAMILIES, YOUR ECONOMIC INTERESTS.

>>> HOUSE SPEAKER DAVID RALSTON MADE MAJOR CHANGES TO THE LEGISLATIVE SCHEDULE.

AFTER CROSSOVER DAY, THE HOUSE WILL HAVE A LIMITED SCHEDULE TOMORROW AND BOTH CHAMBERS WILL BE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

>> THE TALK ABOUT THE SUSPENSION OF THE SESSION, WHAT EXACTLY DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE PUBLIC?

>> BASICALLY WHAT IT MEANS IS THAT WE'RE JUST GOING TO TAKE A TIME-OUT.

WE'RE GOING TO GO THROUGH DAY 28, GET THE BILLS THROUGH, SEND THEM TO THE SENATE, GAVEL IN TOMORROW, DO THE FIRST AND SECOND READERS AND GOING TO TAKE A TIME-OUT UNTIL THE SPEAKER CALLS US BACK.

>> WELCOME BACK TO "LAWMAKERS" ON THIS SPECIAL HOUR-LONG CROSSOVER DAY.

WITH ME OR POLITICAL ANALYST PATRICIA MUSHMURPHY AND BILL CRANE.

IT WAS A YEAR AGO THE SPEAKER SAID WE'RE GOING TO SHUT DOWN.

WE WERE IN SHOCK.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

>> LITTLE DID WE KNOW A TIME-OUT WOULD BE ALMOST AN ENTIRE YEAR.

OBVIOUSLY THE LEGISLATURE CAME BACK FOR AN ABBREVIATED SESSION OVER THE SUMMER.

I REMEMBER CLEARLY AROUND THAT TIME GOVERNOR KEMP SUGGESTED SCHOOLS PREPARE TO CLOSE FOR TWO WEEKS AND WE COULD NOT BELIEVE OUR EARS AND COULD WE HAVE POSSIBLY IMAGINED WHAT WOULD BE AHEAD AND REALLY THE CHALLENGES THESE LAWMAKERS AND LEADERS WOULD FACE TO GET THE STATE TO WHERE WE'VE GOTTEN SO FAR.

>> THAT WAS BEFORE THEY GAVE THE GOVERNOR THE UNPRECEDENTED POWERS.

THAT DAY.

>> DID WE EVEN HAVE THE TWO CASES IN GEORGIA, THE WAFFLE HOUSE?

I DID WANT TO POINT OUT I DIDN'T HEAR ANY DENIAL THAT WE GOT A PROBLEM COMING.

THERE WERE OTHER STATES THAT WAS NOT THE CASE.

THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF CHOPPY DAYS SINCE THEN.

THE GOVERNOR WAS GETTING READY FOR WHAT FELT LIKE WHAT WOULD BE A LONG HAUL.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE'LL RETURN TO THE CAPITOL AND BRENDA WATERS HAS ABINTERVIEW FOR US.

>> Reporter: I DO.

SENATOR ORMAND WITH ME.

SENATE BILL 241 THE ELECTION BILL.

>> YES.

>> CAN YOU TELL ME ARE THERE ANY OBSTACLES THAT SHOULD BE REMOVED?

>> WELL SINCE LAST NOVEMBER ELECTION, WE'VE BEEN HEARING VOTER FRAUD AND SUPPRESSION.

>> PROTESTS.

>> ALL OF THE PROTESTS, WE DID NOT FIND ANY CREDIBLE EVIDENCE THERE WAS VOTER FRAUD.

SINCE WE CAME TO SESSION, ONLY THING WE'VE BEEN HEARING ON THE BILLS IS HOW TO COUNT HOW MANY WE HAVE IN TERMS OF VOTER SUPPRESSION.

MY ANSWER IS INSTEAD OF DOING ALL THIS VOTER SUPPRESSION BILL I URGE MY COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE, REACH OUT TO THE FOLKS, THE VOTERS OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA TO ALL VOTERS TO PEOPLE THAT LOOK LIKE US, LIKE ME, THAT'S THE ONLY WAY, VOTER RESTRICTION, INSTEAD WE NEED TO HAVE VOTER OUTREACH.

WE SHOULD NOT ONLY BE THE NUMBER ONE STATE TO DO BUSINESS BUT THE NUMBER ONE STATE OF VOTER PARTICIPATION.

WE SHOULD ALLOW TO PEOPLE EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS, WHATEVER WAYS THEY CHOOSE.

EITHER VOTE BY MAIL OR IN PERSON OR ABSENTEE BALLOT, WHATEVER IT IS.

WE NEED TO OPEN UP.

WE DON'T NEED TO GO BACKWARD.

WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD.

SO MANY IN THIS BILL IS HARD TO COUNT.

A LOT OF THE ONLY BILLS WE DIDN'T GET HEARING.

UNFORTUNATELY WE DIDN'T GET ANY HEARING.

>> HOW CAN YOU ENSURE EVERYONE GETS A VOTE?

>> IF YOU OPEN UP, REMOVE ALL THE RESTRICTION THEN THE OPPORTUNITY THAT PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE.

IF WE PUT RESTRICTIONS IN ORDER TO, WHEN WE CAN VOTE OR HOW OFTEN OR HOW EARLY WE CAN VOTE AND WHEN WE CAN GO, THEN THERE'S A CHANCE ARE WE'RE RESTRICTING PEOPLE TO VOTE, GO TO THE POLL TO PARTICIPATE.

SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE REMOVE ALL THE BARRIERS POSSIBLE TO MAKE IT EASY FOR FOLKS TO VOTE.

>> OPERATIVE WORDS, OPEN UP.

>> OPEN UP.

OPEN UP.

OPEN UP.

REACH OUT TO THE VOTERS.

REACH OUT TO VOTERS.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

DONNA, THANKS.

BACK TO YOU.

>> BRENDA, THANK YOU.

NOBODY COULD ANTICIPATE WHAT THE ELECTION THAT WAS COMING UP WAS GOING TO BE LIKE.

IT WAS A GAME CHANGER ONCE THE PANDEMIC HIT.

WE KNEW WE HAD AN ELECTION YEAR BUT NOTHING LIKE WHAT WE EXPERIENCED.

AND -- >> WE MAILED OUT ABSENTEE BALANCE LOTS TO 2 MILLION GEORGIANS AND PUSH FOR THE PRIMARY FROM MARCH MOVED TO THE SUMMERTIME AND THE EMERGENCY ORDER TO ALLOW ABSENTEE BALLOTS TO BE TABULATED EARLY.

I ENCOURAGE THE GOP LEADERSHIP TO REMEMBER THE GOVERNOR AND ASSEMBLY GAVE GEORGIA THREE WEEKS OF EARLY VOTING AND THE DROP BOXES, NOW TAKEN AWAY.

THEY WERE A GOOD IDEA FROM 2 0U THAT UNTIL NOW.

>> UNTIL NOW.

2020 WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS AROUND THE CORNER.

THE SENATE DEBATE WAS QUITE EMOTIONAL ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE AND DEMOCRATIC SENATORS SAYING THAT THEIR OWN PARENTS HAD GROWN UP AND JIM CROW AND REMEMBERED NOT BEING ALLOWED TO VOTE.

THEY WERE TECHNICALLY LEGAL VOTERS BUT THERE WERE SO MANY OBSTRUCTIONS IN FRONT OF THEM TO GET TO THE POLLS THAT COULD NOT EFFECTIVELY VOTE, EVEN SOMEBODY WHO HAD BEEN THE GRANDSON OF THE SHARECROPPER.

THESE ARE THE REALIIES THEY THINK ABOUT INGESTING THE INFORMATION AND SEEING SUBTLE AND NOT SO SUBTLE RESTRICTIONS PUT IN FRONT OF LARGELY AFRICAN-AMERICAN VOTERS IN DIFFERENT WAYS OF VOTING AND ELECTION THAT DEMOCRATS DID VERY WELL AT TOP OF THE TICKET.

THE RISK FOR REPUBLICANS, REPUBLICANS DID VERY WELL AT BOTTOM OF THE TICKET AND ALL OF PEOPLE IN THE STATE, SENATE AND STATE HOUSE AND DEMOCRATS THOUGHT THEY'D SWEEP BOTH CHAMBERS.

REPUBLICANS HELD ON STRONG SO MAKING CHANGES TO AFFECT POSSIBLY WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AT THE TOP OF THE TICKET BUT DEALING WITH THEIR OWN VOTING BASE AS WELL.

YOU DON'T HEAR A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THAT AMONG REPUBLICANS OUTWARDLY BUT IN THEIR INSIDE VOICES ARE A LITTLE MORE CONCERNED.

>> WE'LL TALK TO A REPUBLICAN WHO IS THE HEAD OF STATE, PLEASED JOINING US AT IS GOVERNOR BRIAN KEMP.

>> GOOD EVENING, GUYS.

GOOD TO BE ON WITH YOU.

MY PLEASURE.

>> GOVERNOR, I WANTED TO START WITH BILLS IN YOUR LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN ON THE FLOOR.

THE FOSTER ADOPTION TAX CREDIT, ALLOWS FOR SOMEONE ALLOWING A TAX CREDIT FROM $2,000 TO $6,000 AND LASTS FOR FIVE YEARS AND GOES TO 2,000 A YEAR UNTILLED CHILD TURNS 18.

YOU MUST FEEL PRETTY GOOD.

>> VERY MUCH SO.

I WILL SAY NOT JUST FOR YOURSELF BUT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

ANOTHER GREAT VOTE TODAY BUT GOT TO KEEP PLUGGING ALONG.

VERY EXCITING FOR SURE.

>> YOU HAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT WAS HB 479, CITIZENS AREST OVERHAUL.

>> AMAZING.

UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE STRONGEST YOU CAN GET.

APPRECIATE THE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

OUR TEAM IS WORKING HARD WITH BOTH PAERLGTS AND GROUPS THAT WERE FOLLOWING WITH THIS, OUR DAs AROUND THE STATE, LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT A LOT OF OTHER FOLKS THAT FELT LIKE THIS NEEDED TO BE DONE, INCLUDING MYSELF.

I APPRECIATE THE COLLABORATION THAT WE'VE HAD FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE AND FROM ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS AND THIS IS JUST A REALLY STRONG OUTPUT TONIGHT.

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING TO THE SENATE.

>> GOVERNOR, ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT COME OUT OF THIS SESSION HAD TO DO WITH THE GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY POWERS AND SO WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON CURTAILING OR LIMITING EMERGENCY POWERS FOR GOVERNORS AFTER WHAT YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH, SO SOMEBODY IN YOUR POSITION?

>> LISTEN, ALL GOVERNORS ARE MAING TOUGH CHOICES.

THE FIRST TIME A GOVERNOR HAS HAD THAT, TAKING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE STATE.

THAT CAME CAN BROAD POWERS, CAREFUL HOW DR. TOOMEY AND I USED THAT.

WE'VE BEEN COMMUNICATING ON ACTIONS AVENUE WE TAKEN.

GEORGIA SHOULD BE A SANCTUARY STATE FOR PEOPLE OF FAITH AND WORKING WITH THE NFIB AND OTHER STAKE HOLDERS SO BUSINESSES CAN BE OPEN AND THEY'RE NOT AT RISK AND LOSING EVERYTHING LIKE WE OWN LIKE WE'VE SEEN IN OTHER STATES BUT OTHERS, TOO, THAT GO TOO FAR THAT I THREATENED TO VETO.

WE CONTINUE TO WATCH THAT PROCESS.

>> IN TERMS OF YOUR BILL, THE BILLS WITH CHURCHES BEING ABLE TO DO WHAT THEY WANT, FOR THE GOVERNOR NOT TO HAVE THE POWER TO TELL RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS WHAT TO DO.

>> CORRECT.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT, YOU KNOW, IN OUR CONSTITUTION AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE HONORED EVEN PANDEMIC PEOPLE NEED TO WORSHIP, RELY ON THEIR FAITH.

I HAVE IN A LOT OF DECISIONS THAT I'VE MADE AND WHY THAT IS ONE OF MY BILLS AND WE'RE PUSHING THAT AND REALLY APPRECIATE THE LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT WE'VE GOTTEN ON THAT.

>> WE HEARD EMOTIONAL WORDS FROM THE SPEAKER IN THE HOUSE ON THE RIGHT TO VISIT LEGISLATION.

AS GOVERNOR, HOW CAN HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES BALANCE THEIR ABILITY TO CONTROL THEIR FACILITIES VERSUS THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES TO SEE THEIR LOVED ONES.

IS THIS A SPACE YOU COULD STEP IN WITH A BILL OF YOUR OWN?

>> WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE LEGISLATIVE LEADERS.

OBVIOUSLY SPEAKER RALSTON IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

THESE ARE GRUELING CHOICES FOR DR. TOOMEY AND I, TALKING ABOUT FAMILY BEING ABLE TO SEE THEIR LOVED ONES, JUST TOUGH SITUATIONS BUT ALSO TRYING TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH.

THESE ARE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO COVID-19, 77% OF DEATHS WE'VE SEEN FROM PEOPLE AGED 65 AND UP AND GRUELING WHAT OUR NURSING HOME STAFF, THE PATIENTS, BUT ALSO THEIR LOVED ONES HAVE HAD TO DO THROUGH ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU FALL ON IT.

WE'LL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH LEGISLATURE.

I'M CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR ALL THOSE THAT LOST LOVED ONES OR BEEN IN THAT SITUATION.

IT'S A GRUELING SITUATION, NO DOUBT AND ONE THAT I HOPE WE NEVER EXPERIENCE AGAIN INCLUDING ANOTHER PANDEMIC AT LEAST IN MY LIFE TIME.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I WANT TO WRAP UP WITH OTHER POPULAR TOPIC, CHANGING OF THE CLOCKS TWICE A YEAR COMING UP THIS WEEKEND.

DO YOU HAVE A POSITION, STANDARD TIME, DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ALLOWED YEAR-ROUND, WE'RE LOOK TO SEE WHO CONGRESS IS GOING TO DO.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THAT.

WE'LL TALK WITH THE LEGISLATURE AND OTHERS AND DIFFERENT PROPOSALS ON THAT.

I DON'T LIKE SWITCHING TIMES MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE BUT IT HAS TO HAVE FEDERAL INTERVENTION AT SOME POINT.

WE WILL WORK ON THAT THROUGH THE REST OF THE SESSION.

>> THANK YOU, GOVERNOR KEMP, FOR TALKING WITH US AT THIS TIME.

HAVE A GOOD EVENING.

>> MY PLEASURE.

THANK YOU.

>> THE GOVERNOR TALKED ABOUT INTERESTING TOPICS INCLUDING HIS EMERGENCY POWERS, EVEN HAVING THEM CURTAILED A LITTLE BIT.

HE PUSHED FOR A BILL THAT SURPRISED SOME THAT HE'D TALK ABOUT THAT BUT THE CHURCH USH EYE HAS BEEN A BIG ONE.

>> REALLY BIG ONE.

YOU'VE BEEN HEARING FROM MEMBERS OF HIS OWN CHURCH, WHY WON'T YOU OPEN US BACK UP.

AS WE'RE GAINING THROUGH COVID WE ARE STARTING TO LIVE WITH THE NORMAL -- SURPRISED TO SEE THE GOVERNOR TAKE A MORE PERMANENT STEP LIKE THAT WITH TAKING THE POWER AWAY FROM THE GOVERNOR BUT IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S RESPONSIVE TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

THE GOVERNOR IS FOCUSING ON NUTS AND BOLTS GOVERNANCE AND NOT BILLS.

HE'S NOT SAID A LOT ABOUT THE BILLS COMING THROUGH GETTING SO MUCH PASSION BRAND AROUND THEM.

HE'S DOING BONUSES AND HAVING A PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT COVID VACCINES ABOUT EVERY DAY OR VISITING VACCINE SITES, BREAD AND BUTTER ISSUES AND NOT GETTING WRAPPED UP IN THE DRAMA OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WE'LL SEE WHAT HE DOES WITH A NUMBER OF THE BILLS LIKE THE RIGHT TO VISIT THAT ARE CONTROVERSIAL AND HAVE STRONG ADVOCATES ON BOTH SIDES.

WHERE IS HE COMING DOWN TELLS US ABOUT THE RACE HE MIGHT RUN IN 2022 AND THE REST OF HIS TERM IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE.

>> HE'S LOOKING AHEAD, BILL.

>> AND COMES WOUNDED OUT OF THE JANUARY 5th RUNOFF WITH THE REPUBLICAN BASE.

HE'S A SMART POLITICIAN.

HE UNDERSTANDS THAT IT'S NOT JUST THE PEOPLE THAT GOT HIM ELECTED THE FIRST TIME HE HAS TO PLAY FOR IN 2022 IF HE WANTS TO SERVE A SECOND TERM AND HAVING A FRANK CONVERSATION ABOUT THE POWER THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY GAVE HIM THERE'S PLENTY OF THINGS HE'D LIKE TO GIVE BACK BECAUSE IT WAS A LOT TO UNDERTAKE AND OVERSEE THAT THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH HADN'T HAD TO HANDLE BEFORE PARTICULARLY IN PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY ON THE GO WITHOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN EXAMPLE PUTTING PLACE A PLAN ON TESTING OR A PLACE IN PLAN ON VACCINATION.

>> CERTAINLY DEALING WITH THINGS THAT NO GOVERNOR IN RECENT YEARS HAS EVER HAD TO DEAL WITH.

RAOUL IS DOWN THERE AT THE CAPITOL.

WHAT YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON RIGHT NOW?

>> SINCE WE'VE COME ON THE AIR, SENATE BILL 10 IS THE DRAG RACING BILL FOR THE SENATE SIDE, DEMOCRATIC STATE SENATOR JONES.

HOUSE BILL 534 WE'RE KEEPING AN EYE ON THAT PASSING IN THE HOUSE.

SENATE BILL 156, THAT WAS THE ONE THAT PRODUCES A CHIEF LABOR OFFICER.

THERE'S CHALLENGES WITH UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, PEOPLE GETTING APPLICATIONS IN, A LOT OF LAWMAKERS, REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT UNHAPPY THAT BILL PASSED WHICH PRODUCES A CHIEF LABOR OFFICER.

TO THE HOUSE A RATE BILL PASSED FOR THOSE FOLLOWING SCOTT HOLCOMB FROM THE BROOKHAVEN AREA ONE OF HIS PASSIONS IS IN RAPE KITS AND WHAT HIS BILL THAT PASSED IN THE HOUSE PRODUCES A SEXUAL ASSAULT TRACKING SYSTEM SO WHEN THERE ARE MATCHES BETWEEN DNA FROM A SUSPECT FROM A CASE, THERE'S GOING TO BE A NOTIFICATION.

ONE OF THE THINGS IN THAT BILL.

HOUSE BILL 617 THAT DEALS WITH COLLEGE ATHLETES MAKING NAMES MONEY OFF THEIR NAMES AND LIKENESS.

THE IN-STATE TUITION FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IS ONE OF THE BILLS AND COUPLE OTHER BILLS, CHURCHES AND EMERGENCY STATE, THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED, STATES OF EMERGENCY.

SOME OF THE BILLS WE'RE FOLLOWING 'TIL MIDNIGHTOR 1:00 A.M. >> HOPE YOU HAVE MORE TO TELL US MORE LATER IN THE SHOW.

WE'LL TAKE A BREAK AND COME BACK WITH MORE ON CROSSOVER DAY 2021 ON LEGISLATIVE DAY 28.

YOU'RE WATCHING "LAWMAKERS" ON GPB.

>>> I'M SHOCKED WE'RE STILL HAVING THIS CONVERSATION, YOU AND I ARE QUARANTINED RIGHT NOW.

>> THAT WAS ONE YEAR AGO, WELCOME BACK TO "LAWMAKERS" ON THIS SPECIAL HOUR-LONG CROSSOVER DAY WITH ME, PATRICIA MURPHY AND BILL CRANE.

WE HAD NO IDEA THE SNOWSTORM WAS GOING TO COME.

IT WAS KIND OF A SNOWSTORM.

>> AND CUE DONNA LOWERY'S QUARANTINE THAT SEGMENT.

>> WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THE CITIZENS AREST BILL THAT PASSED.

NO SURPRISES THERE.

IT HAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT AND IT WAS NEEDED.

THERE WAS THIS FEELING AFTER WHAT WE WENT THROUGH OVER THE SUMMER AND AHMAUD ARBERY HAPPENED.

>> I AGREE.

I'M SURE TO THE STATE'S REPRESENTATIVE GLORIA THOMAS?

>> ERICA THOMAS.

>> ERICA THOMAS THAT AHMAUD ARBERY WOULD BE US BECAUSE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES BUT I HOPE THERE ARE NO SITUATIONS WHERE ANYONE DECIDES TO TAKE THE LAW UNDER THEIR OWN HANDS AND BASICALLY PURSUE SOMEONE WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE OF CRIME.

I WOULD REMIND THE VIEWERS AND I AM A FRIEND OF MANY IN BRUNSWICK AND GLENN COUNTY THE GPI WENT DOWN THERE, FIVE DAYS LATER THE CHARGES WERE BROUGHT, THE THREE INDIVIDUALS ARE IN CUSTODY IN JAIL AWAITING TRIAL.

I'M INTO THE SURE WITHOUT THAT STATE PRESH PRESSURE AND GBI THE ARRESTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MADE.

THE CHANGING AND REPEALING OF THE 150-YEAR-OLD SOME-ODD STATUTE, BUT BUT THERE IS LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS AND 911.

YOU DON'T BREAK OUT WEAPONS AND CHASE SOMEONE DOWN IN 2021.

>> WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT A YEAR AGO TODAY HIS DEATH HAD TAKEN PLACE BUT HADN'T RECEIVED THE AMOUNT OF ATTENTION IT RECEIVED.

TOOK WEEKS LATER.

BRENDA WATERS IS WITH REPRESENTATIVE JASMINE CLARKE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT, I'M HERE WITH HER, HER SEC TERM, SECOND CROSSOVER.

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING FOR TONIGHT?

>> SO FAR, I'M EXCITED WE WERE ABLE TO PASS THE CITIZENS ARREST REPEAL AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO REALLY CONTINUING THE DEBATE ON THINGS LIKE VOUCHERS AND SEEING SOME GOOD BILLS PASSED TONIGHT.

IT'S GOING TO BE A LONG NIGHT.

>> WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GOOD BILLS THAT WERE CAST?

>> CITIZENS IS ONE WE WERE EXCITED.

WE ARE VOTING ON SO MANY BILLS TODAY.

>> I AGREE.

>> IT'S A LONG LIST.

>> TRYING TO THINK WHAT OTHER GOOD BILLS DO WE HAVE OUT THERE?

HONESTLY MOST OF THE BILLS ARE NOT HORRIBLE BILLS.

THERE'S A FEW I'M REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT.

>> CONSTITUENTS WHEN YOU GO BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY, WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO THEM?

>> RIGHT NOW THE BIG THING IS THE VOTING BILL.

I GET THE PHONE CALLS ABOUT AND EMAILS ABOUT.

IT'S ON THE FOREFRONT OF PEOPLE'S MINDS RIGHT NOW.

>> THE PROTESTS, WHAT IS GOING ON?

>> IT'S REMINISCENT OF THE IMAGES WE'VE SEEN FROM THE PAST.

I DO NOT CALL IT A COINCIDENCE WE JUST HAD THE 56th ANNIVERSARY OF BLOODY SUNDAY WHERE THE PEOPLE CROSSED OVER THE EDMUND PETTIS BRIDGE AND WERE MET WITH VIOLENCE IN ORDER TO PROTEST FOR VOTING RIGHTS AND HERE WE ARE CROSSOVER DAY, BILLS CROSS FROM ONE CHAMBER TO THE OTHER AND LIKE THOSE CROSSING THE BRIDGE, WE ARE STILL FIGHTING FOR VOTING RIGHTS, RIGHT NOW TODAY IN 2021.

>> IT JUST GAVE ME CHILLS.

POWERFUL.

THANK YOU.

>> AMAZING.

>> BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU, BRENDA.

>> WE TALKED A LITTLE ABOUT THAT BILL.

SOME THINGS THAT RAOUL TALKED ABOUT.

THE CHIEF LABOR OFFICER BILL THAT PASSED, THE FEELING THAT WE JUST WENT THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC AND SO MANY PEOPLE HAD TROUBLE TRYING TO GET UNEMPLOYMENT.

SO THE FEELING IS SOMEBODY ELSE SHOULD TAKE OVER THAT POSITION.

>> YES, I THINK CRISES REVEAL THE WEAKNESSES IN THE SYSTEM.

AFTER THIS INCREDIBLE INFLUX OF DEMAND OR REQUEST FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, THE STATE LAW MAKERS SAW WE DON'T HAVE ANYONE IN CONTROL OF THE QUESTION.

WE CAN PRODUCE THE DATA, WHERE ARE THE STRONG POINTS AND WEAK POINTS.

LAW MAKERS CREATED A CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER WORKING WITH DR. TOOMEY AND ACKNOWLEDMENT WE ARE IN A LONG-TERM POSITION.

AND THEY DEAL WITH THE ISSUES THAT ARE NOT GOING AWAY OVERNIGHT >> THE OTHER ONE IS THE CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> YOU'RE ROLLING YOUR EYES?

>> THEY'RE ALL THE WAY BACK IN MY FOREHEAD.

THE VOTERS WANT A SAY IN WHO RUNS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SECRETARY OF STATE.

THEY GO INTO THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH THAT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE CONTROLS AND CONTROLS THOSE BUDGETS BUT THE REASON THAT MARK BUTLER AN THE LABOR COMMISSIONER OFFICER AND THEY COLLECTED UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, THE INVESTMENT THE LEGISLATURE IS MAKING BACK FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY.

THEY HAVE WINDOWS 10, SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN MOST OF THE -- IF YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO SPEND THE TECHNOLOGY AND KEEP THE SYSTEMS UP TO DEAD YOU CANNOT BLAME THE OFFICERS AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO INVEST.

A SITUATION 2% TO 3% PRACTICAL FULL EMPLOYMENT OVERNIGHT TO AS HIGH AS 17% OR 18% UNEMPLOYMENT IN GEORGIA AND I DON'T THINK ANY STATE HAD A FLAWLESS OUTCOME AS IT RELATES TO BENEFITS CHECKS OR GETTING PEOPLE REGISTERS.

THAT'S WHERE THE EYEBROWS WENT.

>> NOTHING TONIGHT IS GAMBLING AND THE DACA BILL WE THOUGHT MIGHT GET SOMEWHERE.

WE EXPECT SOMETHING WITH GAMBLING WITH SPORTS BETTING?

?

>> SPORTS BETTING HAS GOTTEN THROUGH ONE CHAMBER.

CASINOS AND HORSE RACING REQUIRE BRICK AND MOROR INVESTMENT AND A LOT OF INVESTMENT UP FRONT.

SPORTS BETTING IS HAPPENING.

IT'S HAPPENING ILLEGALLY AND GEORGIA IS LEAVING ITS SHARE OF MONEY ON THE TABLE.

>> NOT GETTING ANYTHING.

>> EXACTLY.

THAT'S A MUCH MORE SUCCESSFUL ARGUMENT.

I DON'T KNOW THE LEGISLATORS HAVE THE APPETITE OF THREE TYPES OF BETTING TO ADD BUT WE'LL FIND OUT.

>> IF WE HAD AS MUCH MORE TROUBLE WE MIGHT SEE MORE APPETITE BUT IT CONTINUES TO BE THE DOG AND PUPPY THAT GETS PUSHED BACK, BIGGER ISSUES TO TRUE.

FRY.

>> YOU CAN FEEL THE OXYGEN FROM ALL OF THE OTHER ISSUES THE BIG VOTE, ATTENTION GETTERS, ALL OF THE OXYGEN IS SUCKED UP BY THE VOTING BILLS.

YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE CHAMBERS.

WE HAVE A LOT TO DEAL WITH.

THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID LAST YEAR.

>> WE'LL GET BACK TO THE CAPITOL.

BRENDA HAS ANOTHER INTERVIEW FOR US.

SHE'S GOT BUTCH MILLER, THE FABULOUS BUTCH MILLER WHO ALWAYS MAKES ME LAUGH.

>> Reporter: SHE CALLED YOU THE FABULOUS BUTCH MILLER.

>> IN SMALL CIRCLES I'M CALLED THAT.

>> Reporter: SENATE BILL 241.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

WE HAD A BIG DAY.

ONE WAS A STREET RACING BILL, WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS PROBLEM WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES DRIVING TOO FAST, SOMETIMES I R. SENATE BILL 89, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE MAINTAIN INTEGRITY IN OUR ELECTIONS AND EARLIER THIS WEEK SENATE BIG 117, CLOW CLOSE HOOPHOLE BETWEEN TEACHERS AND OPPORTUNITIES AND STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COACHES AS WELL.

>> OTHER BILLS ARE LIKELY HEADED TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

>> THAT'S CORRECT >> WHO SHOULD BE AT THAT TABLE?

>> THE MAJOR STAKE HOLDERS THE AUTHORS OF THE BILL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEES THEY CAME THROUGH AND INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE GOING TO TAKE THE TIME AND HAVE THE PATIENCE NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE WE GET THIS RIGHT AND WE NEED TO GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

YOU CAN'T PUT THAT GENIE BACK IN THE BOTTLE.

>> HOW LONG WILL YOU BE HERE TO GET IT RIGHT?

>> THE NIGHT IS YOUNG AND SO ARE YOU.

>> I LIKE HIM.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> BRENDA?

>> HE'S ALWAYS GOOD FOR A LAUGH AND LOVES COMING TO OUR AREA.

THANK YOU.

>>> LET'S GO BACK TO THE CAPITOL AND OUR JOURNALIST RAOUL BALI.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED LATELY?

>> HOUT BILL 534 WAS PASSED, THE GOVERNOR'S DRAG RACING BILL.

BOTH DRAG RACING BILLS PASSED THE HOUSE AND SENATE VERSION.

THE WE ARE TRYING KEEP ON ONLINE SPORTS BETTING.

DOESN'T NEED THE VOTES OF GEORGIANS AND SABER GIRLS SPORTS.

IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT'S MOVING IN THE SENATE OR THE HOUSE.

>> ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU EXPECT THAT YOU THOUGHT WOULD BE THERE.

THE DACA BILL WE HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING MORE ON THAT ONE?

>> WE'VE NOT.

DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BILLS WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON.

>> THINGS SEEM TO BE MOVING QUICKLY?

>> PROTEM SAID THEY HAVE A BIT OF WORK TO FINISH UP AND THE HOUSE CAME BACK IN THE 7:00 HOUR.

WE'LL UPDATE ONLINE AND TOMORROW NIGHT ON "LAWMAKERS."

>> THANK YOU, RAOUL.

PA PATRICIA, ANYTHING?

>> I'M KEEPING AN EYE ON THE DHAKA BILL.

CASEY CARPENTER HAD A SPECIAL APPEAL AND I EXPECT OPPOSITION FROM GOP LAW MAKERS.

INTERESTINGING TO SEE IF HE COULD PEEL OFF A COALITION TO GET THAT THROUGH.

I FEEL LIKE A LOT OF THINGS HAPPEN ONCE THE LIGHTS GO OUT ON LAWMAKERS AND THE NIGHT GETS LATER AND LATER.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO WAKE UP AND SEE WHAT THE REST OF US WEREN'T PAYING ATTENTION.

YOU'LL HAVE A FULL CREW.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

ANYTHING FOR YOU?

>> ON A DRAG RACING BILL, I CAN'T OVERSTATE IF YOU LIVE IN ATLANTA PROPER, I WAS OUGHT FOR THE NBA ALL-STARS, I SAW CARS THAT DIDN'T LOOK STREET LEGAL?

BUCKHEAD AND MIDTOWN, IT'S BECOME A CENTER OF ACTIVITY WITH NIGHTCLUBS CLOSED DOWN AND OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONGREGATE NOT EXISTING AND OVER THE SUMMER, 12 PEOPLE SHOT IN ONE INSTANCE WITH THE CAR SLINGING AROUND AND KILLED SOMEBODY.

IF YOU LIVE IN THE IN-TOWN YAURZ YOU EXPERIENCED THIS TRYING UP TRAFFIC, IT'S DANGEROUS TO THE POINT OF PEOPLE DYING.

I'M SURPRISED WE HAVE TWO BIZ THE GOVERNOR'S BILL AND HOUSE BILL AND PRETTY GOOD ASSISTANCE WHAT THE TWO BILLS WANT TO DO.

I THOUGHT WE'D BE FURTHER ALONG.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE CONFERENCE PROCESS, WHEN.

COMES TO THE ELECTIONS BILLS, IT COMES TOGETHER.

ANY PREDICTIONS ON WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN AND YOU HEARD PATRICIA ASK WHO MIGHT BE INVOLVED WITH THAT.

THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS AND I THINK THERE'S SOME WORRY THERE WON'T BE ENOUGH OF THEM INVOLVED.

>> WE KNOW THEY'RE APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SO IT'S HARD TO SEE HOW MUCH INPUT THE DEMOCRATS HAVE IN THE PROCESS AND THE IMPORTANT DEBATE IS MOCK THE MORE MODERATE OF MEMBERSHIP AND SENATORS GOING HARD AND NO EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING.

WHO LAYS DOWN ON THE TRACKS TO STOP THE RUNAWAY TRAIN.

THE SPEAKER WILL HAVE A BIG SAY IN IT AND THE GOVERNOR WHAT IS HE WILLING TO SIGN.

>> I SHOULD HAVE ASKED HIM WHETHER OR NOT HE WANTS SOMEBODY -- >> OTHER THAN I WANT TO MAKE VOTING EASY, CHEATING HARD.

YOU HAVE A FEW SHOWS LEFT.

SPEAKER RALSTON IS NOT IN FAVOR OF THE SENATE PACKAGE.

MARY MARGARET OLIVER FORMERLY CHAIRED THE SENATE JUDICIARY.

SHE'S MADE A GREAT -- AND IN THE ATTORNEY COULD LEND A REASONABLE VOICE FOR THIS.

>> GREAT TO HAVE YOU BOTH HERE.

>> EVEN AGAINST THE SPECTACULAR BUTCHMILLER.

?

>> HE ALWAYS LIKES TO GET IN ON MY LIFE SHOTS.

WE'LL UPDATED ON TWITTER AND DIGITAL PAGES.

GOOD NIGHT.