Some relief may be coming for small business owners and others who have faced an unintended consequence of Georgia's immigration law. They've seen big delays in obtaining and renewing professional licenses.
Fayetteville tax accountant Eddie Brown said that he supports strong immigration laws, but he knows about the law of unintended consequences.
"Almost everything that the feds or the state does ends up with unintended consequences," Brown said.
Legislation has been introduced at the state Capitol that attempts to correct an unforeseen problem in Georgia's 2011 immigration law.
The Secretary of State's office says long waits have been experienced to renew professional licenses. Applicants from accountants to barbers to plumbers have been affected.
The bill would require proof of citizenship to be submitted once instead of each time a license is renewed.
Gov. Deal says he supports the change.
"It sounds to me like that is a reasonable and practical approach. I think it still meets the criteria of the original intent of the legislation but solves the practical problems of delaying the relicensing of people," Deal said.
The bill is supported by the National Federation of Independent Business.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
