DeKalb Times

This week, Georgia legislators convened for Legislative Days 26 through 28, with Thursday marking Crossover Day. This day is crucial as it is the deadline for bills to move out of their chamber of origin to remain active in the session. Bills that did not advance by adjournment on Thursday are considered dead unless their language is attached to a related bill later.

The House and Senate reviewed numerous measures on Crossover Day. The Senate concluded its business shortly after 10 PM, while the House adjourned around 11 PM. Several bills failed to pass, including those authorizing sports betting in Georgia and measures concerning DEI programs in schools, business ownership limits on single-family homes, and a statue of Justice Clarence Thomas.

Legislators will reconvene next week for further sessions and committee work. They have until April 4, known as Sine Die, to consider bills from the opposite chamber.

On Monday, both chambers agreed on House Bill 67, the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Governor Kemp signed this $40.5 billion budget into law on Crossover Day alongside Speaker Jon Burns and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. The budget includes significant allocations such as $867 million for Hurricane Helene relief and $1 billion in tax refunds.

In social issues, the Senate passed Senate Bill 36 by Senator Ed Setzler, which aims to protect religious freedom by restricting government burdens on religious exercise. It now moves to the House Judiciary Committee. Another bill passed was Senate Bill 30 by Senator Ben Watson prohibiting certain medical treatments for minors with gender dysphoria.

Senate Bill 120 by Senator Marty Harbin seeks to limit DEI programs beyond constitutional requirements but did not progress past Crossover Day due to time constraints.

In tort reform efforts led by Governor Kemp's legislative package, two bills have already passed the Senate. A subcommittee chaired by Representative Rob Leverrett is reviewing these proposals.

Tax relief measures include House Bill 111 by Representative Soo Hong aiming to reduce state income tax rates faster than planned and House Bill 112 providing one-time tax credits for taxpayers who filed returns in recent years.

For school safety and education reforms, several bills were discussed or passed including House Bill 268 focusing on student records transfer and safety systems; Senate Bill 17 mandating panic alert systems in schools; and Senate Bill 61 enhancing threat assessments and safety plans.

Efforts to legalize sports betting saw mixed results with some proposals failing committee review while others await further consideration.

Gun-related legislation included House Bill 79 offering tax credits for firearm safety courses and storage devices; Senate Bill 47 proposing a sales tax exemption period for firearms-related purchases also awaits further review.

Data center-related legislation did not progress this session following previous vetoes from Governor Kemp regarding tax exemptions.

Lastly, two measures addressing school zone speed cameras were discussed: one seeking their phase-out by Representative Dale Washburn; another setting usage standards proposed by Representative Alan Powell.