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.