ATLANTA — The Georgia General Assembly will be sworn in for a new two-year term on Monday, with a total of 180 state representatives and 56 state senators beginning their duties after successfully winning elections in November.
Republicans will maintain control of both legislative chambers, preserving their previous Senate majority of 33-23. In the House of Representatives, their lead has been slightly reduced, now holding 100 seats to the Democrats’ 80, following court-mandated redistricting.
This new session will see 18 fresh members in the House and four newcomers in the Senate taking their oaths.
Key issues on the agenda include Governor Brian Kemp’s initiatives to restrict lawsuit verdicts and proposed measures in response to a fatal shooting incident last September at Apalachee High School in Winder. Although the state’s revenue growth is decreasing, there is an impressive $11 billion surplus that lawmakers can allocate if Governor Kemp, a Republican, permits their spending decisions.
One of the pressing issues for Georgia’s leadership is addressing the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Congress recently passed a relief package in December, but state officials assert more action is necessary, especially after the hurricane inflicted significant damage from Valdosta to Augusta in September.
Following the devastation from Hurricane Michael in 2018, Georgia allocated $470 million in additional funding, including $200 million in tax credits for timber and pecan farmers to replant, as well as $69 million for emergency response costs. Moreover, $55 million was designated to assist farmers facing crop losses, and $20 million was earmarked for timberland cleanup.
A plan for $100 million in loans to support impacted farmers and timber owners has already been approved, with House Speaker Jon Burns advocating for more funds for timber cleanup, warning that dead trees could pose a wildfire threat if not addressed swiftly.
Another significant focus for Georgia Republicans this term is the proposal to prohibit transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports at schools. The General Assembly previously delegated authority to the Georgia High School Association on this matter, which subsequently imposed a ban on transgender female athletes in school sports.
Republicans are asserting that more decisive action is required, influenced by heightened political discussions led by figures like Donald Trump. Burns voiced his concern for his granddaughters’ athletic opportunities, emphasizing the importance of preserving a level playing field for female athletes.
While Lt. Gov. Jones has indicated that Senate Republicans will consider extending the ban to collegiate sports, it remains to be seen whether similar actions will be taken in the House.
Jeff Graham, leader of Georgia Equality, which champions LGBTQ+ rights, pointed out that there are currently no known cases of transgender athletes competing in school sports, raising concerns that legislators are expending energy on a non-existent issue.
Additionally, enhancing conditions in Georgia’s prison system is another legislative priority. Following a warning from the U.S. Department of Justice about “inhumane” conditions, legislators are seeking ways to address violence and mortality in state prisons.
Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver reported that Governor Kemp proposes allocating over $600 million for prison renovations and staffing needs, along with plans to construct a new facility. There are discussions related to limiting access to contraband brought into prisons via smartphones and drones while considering increases in mental health professionals.
Disputes over election regulations in Georgia are likely to continue despite the state’s presidential electors voting with little opposition in December. The Republican Party aims to eliminate automatic voter registration linked with obtaining driver’s licenses and end no-excuse absentee voting.
Potential consideration could also arise around previously blocked State Election Board rules, which include counting ballots by hand and facilitating the rejection of election certification by local election board members. Some lawmakers advocate for hand-completed ballots to reflect skepticism toward Georgia’s electronic voting systems.
Finally, there is considerable interest in whether sports betting can gain traction this session. Despite backing from various stakeholders, including Pro Sports teams and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, efforts at legalizing sports betting have faltered in recent years.
Debates persist around the necessity of a constitutional amendment for legalization, requiring a supermajority in the legislature and subsequent approval in a statewide referendum. Others argue it may suffice to only need a simple majority if regulated by the Georgia Lottery, with discussions on how to allocate revenue and the taxation rate also featuring prominently in the conversation.
