ATLANTA – State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) announced today that the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will begin requiring new documentation for obtaining and renewing driver’s licenses on July1, 2012. Under new federally mandated SAFFE DL (Secure Automated Fast Friendly Easier Driver’s License) Program, Georgians wishing to renew their driver’s license must provide documentation proving their identity, full legal name, current residential address, and social security number. Continue reading “Rep. Penny Houston Makes Georgians Aware of New Driver’s License Requirements”
Rep. Houston Encourages Constituents to Check for Unclaimed Property
Approximately $600 million left unclaimed
ATLANTA – State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) recently announced that residents of Berrien, Cook, Colquitt and Tift counties have unclaimed money in the Unclaimed Property Program, which is managed by the State Revenue Department. Thanks to a request made by Rep. Houston, a complete list of residents with unclaimed property will soon be available to local newspapers, as well as the city halls and public libraries within the four counties. Rep. Houston previously made a similar request that resulted in these publications of local unclaimed property lists in 2008.
“Most people do not realize that they have money in the Unclaimed Property Program,” said Rep. Houston. “This money can make a significant impact on the lives of families and the local economy. As a result, I requested a list of the people who have unclaimed money. I was overwhelmed by the number of people in our area, and I have worked to ensure that this list is more accessible to local citizens. I encourage all residents to check these lists to see if they have any unclaimed property.”
The Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act protects the rights of owners of abandoned property and relieves those holding the property of the continuing responsibility to account for the property. According to the Act, when a person holds property that belongs to someone else but has lost contact with the owner for a specified period, that holder must remit the property to the state. The state then serves as the custodian for the property, allowing the owners or their heirs an opportunity to claim their property in the future. All unclaimed property will be returned to the owner at no charge.
For more information on Georgia’s Unclaimed Property Program, please click here.
Representative Penny Houston represents the citizens of District 170, which includes portions of Berrien, Colquitt, and Cook counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1997, and is currently a Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Budget and Fiscal Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism, and Ways & Means committees.
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House Passes Legislation to Decrease “Black Market” Tobacco Sales
ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 1071 with a vote 161 to 3, showing tremendous bipartisan support for the measure. Sponsored by State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville), HB 1071 would implement measures to decrease “black market” cigarette and cigar sales in Georgia. Continue reading “House Passes Legislation to Decrease “Black Market” Tobacco Sales”
South Georgia Representatives Sponsor Legislation to Protect Public from Dangerous Dogs
ATLANTA – Monday marked the first day of the 2012 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, and State Representatives Penny Houston (R-Nashville) and Amy Carter (R-Valdosta) are already working hard on House Bill 717, a new piece of legislation designed to help protect the public from dangerous dogs. Continue reading “South Georgia Representatives Sponsor Legislation to Protect Public from Dangerous Dogs”
Rep. Penny Houston Recognized as Outstanding State Legislator for 2011 by the Georgia Council on Aging
ATLANTA – State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) recently received the Outstanding State Legislator for 2011 Award from the Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA). The Council awarded Rep. Houston, who chairs the House Appropriations Sub-committees on Human Resources, in recognition of her support for aging services funding and her fight to restore funding for respite care, Meals on Wheels, and vision services. Continue reading “Rep. Penny Houston Recognized as Outstanding State Legislator for 2011 by the Georgia Council on Aging”