Proposed rules would ban lobbyists from buying airfare for Georgia's state lawmakers under an amended plan from a leading Republican. The latest changes to House Speaker David Ralston's bill would prohibit lobbyists from buying free airplane tickets for lawmakers.

House lawmakers Thursday tweaked last year’s the tax reform bill to lighten the load on Georgians who lease rather than purchase a car. Car leasers would no longer have to pay a monthly sales tax on the vehicle. When lawmakers passed the tax reform bill last year, their aim was to give taxpayers a break.

President Barack Obama says he wants to make preschool available to all 4-year-olds, a vast expansion of existing early childhood education programs. He says that education has to start at the earliest possible age.

A suburban Atlanta sheriff is asking state lawmakers to consider the mental health of a potential gun buyer to be part of a background check. DeKalb County Sheriff Tom Brown spoke during a forum discussion Wednesday assembled by state Sen. Donzella James, who represents parts of Douglas and Fulton counties.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has announced plans to run for re-election in November. Reed made the announcement Wednesday during the annual State of the City address.