Wednesday, February 7, 2001
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Wednesday, February 7, 2001 |
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Hecht bill sets tax credit for targeted savings By DAVE
HAMRICK
Now that Georgia's flag controversy is history, it's "on to more important matters," says Sen. Greg Hecht. Hecht, who represents northern Fayette County, has had a busy session, most recently introducing a bill creating a tax credit for savings for specific purposes. If the bill passes, you'll be able to open an "individual development account," drawing tax-free interest, to be used for post-secondary education or job training, buying a primary residence, major repairs for a primary residence or to capitalize or use as working capital for a small business. Deposits of up to $1,200 a year could be matched by your employer or a bank or credit union, up to $2,000 a year. You would also be able to borrow from your IDA for "emergencies," but the money must be reimbursed. If you decided to withdraw the money for any other purpose, you would be dropped from the program and have to pay taxes on your earnings. Also, any matching funds would go back to your employer, along with the interest from them. Hecht also has introduced amendments to a state law that requires sex offenders to register with the local sheriff when they're released from prison. Senate Bill 66 would broaden the definition of those covered by the law to include first offenders, if the offense is violent or against a minor, and those who pleaded nolo contendere. "We've exempted these individuals from being listed in the past," Hecht said, "but I believe ... we need to protect our families from these individuals." The bill also spells out more clearly the definition of sex offenses against minors that would require registration, and provides procedures for the registration process. Hecht also has signed on as cosponsor of a bill setting up a registry of persons affected by protective orders involving family violence and stalking. Law enforcement agencies would have access to the registry under SB 57. He also cosponsored SB 36, which would require that a Superior Court judge set bail for violent repeat offenders, rather than a magistrate judge. "It's just a heightened level," said Hecht. "Not every magistrate is an attorney, and Superior Court judges are required to be attorneys," he added. "This way we make sure that the number of repetitions and the severity of the offenses is considered in setting bail," he said. Another recent bill cosponsored by Hecht would require that anyone selling beer kegs record the name, address and identification number of each person buying one, plus the date and time of the purchase.
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