ATLANTA — House Bill 161 and House Bill 458, introduced by state Representative Alex Atwood (R-Brunswick), received final passage in the Senate on Monday, March 25, 2013, and will now go to the Governor for consideration. HB 161 would increase bailiff responsibilities within the courtroom, and HB 458 would reduce insurance costs for condominiums.
“Both bills were thoroughly vetted in both the House and Senate,” said Rep. Atwood. “I am truly grateful to my all my House colleagues and the Georgia senators for recognizing the true benefit of these bills.”
House Bill 161 passed unanimously in the Senate, and would increase the responsibilities of the bailiff in the courtroom. This legislation was requested by the judges of the state. It rewrites and modernizes existing law associated with bailiff responsibilities and items allowed pursuant to jury trials under the authority of judges. For more information about HB 161, please click here.
House Bill 458 also passed unanimously in the Senate. This bill would reduce insurance costs for condominiums. The bill increases the minimum deductible cap imposed by the State of Georgia for condominium association insurance policies from $2500 to $5000. The current deductible cap was set by the State of Georgia prior to the 2008 recession. For more information about HB 458, please click here.
Representative Alex Atwood represents the citizens of District 179, which includes portions of Glynn County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of Juvenile Justice, and as the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security. He also serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, and Judiciary Non-Civil committees.
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