ATLANTA — On Monday, the Georgia General Assembly commenced its new two-year legislative session, welcoming 180 state representatives and 56 state senators who secured their positions following the November elections.
Republicans maintain their dominance in both legislative chambers, returning to the Senate with a solid 33-23 majority, the same as in the last term. However, their lead in the House has decreased to 100-80 after recent court-mandated redistricting.
Eighteen new members have been sworn into the House, and four senators are stepping into their roles for the first time. Republicans re-elected Jon Burns from Newington as the House speaker and John Kennedy from Macon as the Senate president pro tem, a vital leadership position in the chamber.
Key issues expected to surface in the new session include Governor Brian Kemp’s efforts to impose limits on lawsuit settlements, as well as responses to the tragic shooting incident at Apalachee High School in Winder that occurred in September. While revenue growth appears to be slowing, Georgia currently boasts an impressive surplus of $11 billion that lawmakers could utilize, contingent upon Governor Kemp’s approval.
One priority highlighted is the need for increased assistance to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Although a relief package was approved by Congress in December, leaders in Georgia advocate for further measures following the hurricane’s extensive damage from Valdosta to Augusta. In the wake of Hurricane Michael in 2018, Georgia invested $470 million in addition to federal funds, with allocations for income tax credits aimed at timber and pecan farmers for replanting, as well as funds to cover response costs for agricultural losses and timberland recovery.
The House Speaker, Jon Burns, has particularly emphasized the urgency of securing additional funding for clearing downed timber, which poses a significant wildfire risk if left unattended.
In another contentious issue, Georgia Republicans are making a concerted effort to prohibit transgender women from participating in women’s school sports. Prominent figures, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Speaker Burns, have signaled their commitment to this cause. Previously, the Georgia High School Association ruled against allowing transgender women to compete in their sports events after the legislature delegated this power to them.
Amidst political discourse and opposition fueled by national figures like Donald Trump, Burns expressed concern for his athletic granddaughters and their competitive opportunities. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Jones announced intentions to extend a ban to collegiate athletics as well; however, the House’s position on this matter remains uncertain.
Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, a group that fights for LGBTQ+ rights, pointed out the lack of known cases involving transgender athletes competing in Georgia school sports, labeling the focus on this issue as an attempt to address a non-existent problem.
Furthermore, public safety in Georgia’s prisons is gaining attention. Lawmakers have indicated a commitment to exploring measures aimed at curbing violence and fatalities within these institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice recently characterized the conditions in state prisons as “inhumane,” prompting concerns regarding violations of prisoners’ rights.
In discussions with legislators, Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver revealed plans for Governor Kemp to invest over $600 million in prison renovations, staffing increases, and additional facility construction. Proposed measures to enhance safety might include restricting access to cell phones and drones, which are linked to contraband issues, as well as increasing mental health support.
On the election front, while the state’s electors cast their votes for Donald Trump in December without incident, the debate over voting regulations shows no sign of abating. The Georgia Republican Party is advocating to end automatic voter registration linked to obtaining a driver’s license and to abolish no-excuse absentee ballots.
Legislators might also reevaluate State Election Board rules that have faced judicial obstruction, including mandates for counting ballots by hand on election night. Proposals may emerge to require all voters to complete paper ballots and have officials manually tally those votes, reflecting ongoing distrust in Georgia’s electronic voting systems.
In addition, discussions about the possibility of legalizing sports betting in Georgia are anticipated to continue. Despite previously stagnating efforts, support from key figures, such as Lt. Gov. Jones and local sports organizations, may reignite attempts to move forward with legislation. However, disagreements remain concerning constitutional amendments necessary for legalization, the division of tax revenues, and regulatory frameworks.
Amid these discussions, Georgia lawmakers are also looking to address various other concerns as they embark on a new term, reflecting both the challenges and dynamics currently facing the state.
