A state trooper gunned down in a traffic stop late last year has prompted a scramble at the state Capitol to make sure his widow is able to keep her health insurance benefits. Lawmakers - led by House Speaker David Ralston - are rushing through a bill that would permit the spouse of a state employee killed in the line of duty to continue health coverage under the state plan.

Governor Nathan Deal is pushing alternative sentencing programs as a way of reducing the prison population. It's all about the cash-strapped state budget. Deal wants more drug courts as a way to keep non-violent offenders out of jail, reducing the need to lock them up. Coastal Glynn County started up a drug court about twelve years ago.

Some rural lawmakers in the state house want to make sure water transfers from one river basin to another get more scrutiny from State officials. The move comes after the Department of Natural Resources issued new rules on water tansfer permits.

Some state lawmakers want to shorten the length of time people can vote early from 45 days to 21. The bill has bipartisan support because it would save money. Many smaller counties think it’s a good idea.

Local cleanup cost totals are coming-in from around the state for the winter storm that hit Georgia three weeks ago. And it does not appear any communities will be in-line for federal reimbursement.