Immigration, Biking, Child Restraint Laws Take Effect

Amid all the clamor over Georgia's new immigration law, a number of other measures signed by Gov. Nathan Deal went into effect in Georgia on Friday that may have a more direct impact on citizens. 

HB 87, which  to get a job in the state of Georgia, also penalizes government officials who violate state laws on immigration enforcement. 

The story has gained nationwide attention for its Arizona-like similarities. Earlier this week, a federal judge put a hold on several provisions of that law, which the state has vowed to appeal. all week, including at a community meeting in Smyrna on Thursday held by the Cobb Immigrant Alliance. 

Other laws that took effect today include: 

HB 101 - . Makes it safer for bicycle riders and drivers on roads by requiring drivers to pass cyclists by at least three feet, among other things.

Bike Cobb was one of many biking advocacy groups that strongly supported this law. As HB 101 was working its way through the legislative session, a began in East Cobb to demonstrate solidarity for measures to improve conditions for bikers. 

SB 10 - . This law allows counties and municipalities to vote on if they will allow retailers to sell alcohol on Sundays between 12:30pm and 11:30pm.

Many Cobb lawmakers support putting measures on the ballot, including East Cobb Republican Rep. Sharon Cooper. Cobb municipalities, including Kennesaw, may be the first to vote on Sunday sales because of elections later this year. 

The likely earliest date for a referendum in unincorporated Cobb would be in primary elections in early 2012. 

SB 88 -  Raises the age requirements for children riding in booster seats from six to eight.

To see more bills signed into law by Gov. Deal this year, see the Georgia General Assembly's website.