Fayette's state legislative delegation members are digging through mountains of proposed bills and pushing for passage of their own measures as the end of the 1999 session approaches.

Today is the 40th day of the session, and predictions of when the gavel will fall on this year's legislation range from 7 p.m. to midnight.

"It's been productive," said Sen. Rick Price of Fayetteville. "There have been a lot of initiatives."

Senate and House had agreed on the state budget by Tuesday morning, leading Price to predict an early end to the session tonight. But in the waning moments, he added, legislators are processing more than 100 bills.

Price was pleased with passage of Senate Bill 210, which guarantees Georgians the right to choose a doctor, regardless of insurance plan.

"This is an issue I've always felt strongly about," he said.

He also offered a bill that provides a mandatory prison term of 10 years for anyone fleeing or attempting to flee from police officers. The bill applies to passengers in a fleeing car as well, once the car is brought to a halt. At press time, Price said he was still pushing for passage, but didn't know the final fate of the bill.

Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Tyrone was pushing for passage of two measures that he says would speed up the permitting and inspection process for builders in the final days.

The bills passed the House and the delegation's newest member, Sen. Greg Hecht of Jonesboro, was working for passage in the Senate, he said.

Westmoreland said he is pleased with the General Assembly's work thus far, adding that newly elected Gov. Roy Barnes has worked well with Republicans in the legislative body.

"I have voted with Barnes on practically everything but the regional transportation authority," he said.

The governor's programs haven't always been to his liking, Westmoreland said, "but I'll tell you this... he's making an effort on some of these tough issues."

Cooperation is paramount currently, Westmoreland said, but added he has no unrealistic illusions about the future. "He'll come after Republicans at campaign time," he said.

Early this week, the budget agreement included $100,000 for the town of Tyrone's sidewalk program, Redwine Park improvements and library enhancements, but whether the appropriation survived last-minute cuts was unclear at press time, said Westmoreland.

Hecht, the only Democrat in the delegation, has been among the most active members in the legislature, sponsoring or cosponsoring more than 30 bills and resolutions.

Among those that passed the Senate is a bill that allows adult protective service workers to gain immediate access to examine older or disabled people if there is evidence of abuse. His Taxpayer Notification Bill also passed the Senate. It would allow taxpayers to know the reasons for increases in the value of their property for tax purposes.

"It's been a good session for Fayette County, my district and for Georgia," said Hecht as the session drew to a close. "The Fayette delegation worked well together," he added.