A bill that will cut full tuition payments to most HOPE scholars in an effort to keep the program afloat achieved final passage. Gov. Nathan Deal says he’ll sign the bill into law early next week.

In an early morning session, the House Appropriations Committee passes the fiscal 2012 budget. The $18.1 billion dollar spending bill is expected to be heard in the full House next.

Also, the House approved a controversial measure allowing health insurance to be sold across state lines. Supporters say it gives consumers more choices.

We continue our leadership interview series tonight with Sen. Emanuel Jones, chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.

We discuss this week’s activity under the Dome with our panel of legislative experts; Buddy Darden, a former state legislator and congressman, who is senior counsel at McKenna Long and Aldridge, and Bill Crane, a political analyst with CSI Crane.

You can watch Prime Time Lawmakers every night the Georgia General Assembly is in session at 7pm. on Georgia Public Broadcasting. The program re-airs the next morning at 5:30 am.