The House today passed a controversial abortion bill. House Bill 197, the Woman's Right to Know Act contains measures that require informed consent, a 24-hour waiting period and parental consent for minors. Lawmakers David Zelski has the highlights of that debate.

Two of Governor Sonny Perdue's education initiatives passed the legislature today. Senate Bill 34, the Georgia Master Teacher and Academic Coach program and Senate Bill 35, a local flexibility measure, passed the House and Senate respectively today. Lawmakers Jesse Freeman has the details.

A bill that would place a statewide ban on smoking in almost all public places passed the Senate today. Lawmakers Chriss Knight has that story.

Former Governor Samuel Ernest Vandiver, Jr. passed away on
Monday evening. His body lay-in-state at the Capitol today following a
brief memorial service. President Jimmy Carter, Governor Sonny Perdue
and former Governor Carl Sanders all spoke about Vandiver guiding the
state through the difficult times of school integration, including the
integration of the University of Georgia. Vandiver was Governor of
Georgia from 1959 to 1963. He was 86.

Democratic leaders from the House and Senate spoke out today
against measures that they say keep the State's dealings hidden from
the public. They also want to make sure that state employees receive
pay raises before the end of the calendar year.

The Senate today passed Senate Bill 80, a measure that would make it possible for sheriff's elections in Georgia to be non-partisan.