Day 36 - 3/28/2008

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After several years of dedicated work by grandparents and legislators, The Care of a Grandchild Act, SB 88, offered by Sen. Unterman passed the House today by a vote of 163 to 1 and will be presented to the Governor.  The bill would permit parents of minor children to delegate to any grandparent residing in Georgia care-giving authority when a hardship prevents the parent from caring for the child.

The House Health and Human Services Committee considered SB 506, The SHAPE Act, which had been tabled at its last meeting.  The bill seeks to address the problem of childhood obesity by requiring schools to conduct fitness assessments of elementary school students.  At the Committee meeting, Rep. Jergusen attempted to attach HB 904, his bill requiring that day care center employees complete a fingerprint check prior to employment.  After some discussion, the committee Chair, Representative Sharon Cooper, declared the amendment to be non-germane.  The Committee unanimously passed SB 506 which will now go to the House Rules Committee.