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.