The Jonesboro

Democrat represents the 34th Ditrict, which

includes part of Fayette County.

The new laws cover

the expansion of the DNA database for serious

felons, the prevention of fraud and physical

abuse upon elderly and disabled Georgians, the

Mentoring Act of 2000, and consumer protection

legislation dealing with cemetery and funeral

home practices.

The DNA database

legislation will put Georgia in the top five

states in the country on the use of this advanced

DNA technology. The database will allow law

enforcement to track down unknown suspects such

as burglars, murderers and other serious

criminals if they leave saliva, blood,

perspiration or any other bodily fluid at a crime

scene.

In addition, the

technology will assist in the exoneration of

innocent citizens, Hecht said. Georgia Bureau of

Investigation director Buddy Nix called this the

most important forensic legislation for solving

crimes in the last 40 years.

The funeral and

cemetery consumer protection bill provides

penalties against defrauding citizens in pre-need

sales transactions and penalties for charging

outrageous fees for placing markers at

gravesites. In addition, the legislation requires

cemeteries to maintain the perpetual care of

gravesites, and the legislation disqualifies

felons and persons in violation of fraud statutes

from selling pre-need sales merchandise.

The Elder and

Disabled Adult Protection Act puts forth

penalties for misusing funds and property of

disabled and elderly Georgians. The bill also

penalizes care givers and long-term care

facilities for denying sustenance to these

Georgians.

The Georgia

Mentoring Act begins a program of training,

screening and recruitment of volunteers

throughout the state to assist academically

challenged students. The two other states putting

this initiative forward have shown strong results

in lowering the drop out rate, keeping children

away from drugs, enhanced academic achievement,

and better career opportunities for children

receiving this assistance through such programs.

The bills were

signed into law Friday morning at the state

Capitol. "I am appreciative of this team

effort," said Hecht. "Many citizens,

government officials and, most importantly, many

citizens came forward to help us pass these

bills, and I am indebted to every one of

them."

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