Georgia's lawmakers are gearing up for a last-minute legislative scramble as the 2024 session heads into its final day. The Capitol staff prepare for a long night Thursday, with expectations of debates stretching until the traditional paper-tossing "sine die" at midnight, according to WABE. The approaching primary elections add to the urgency, with legislators eyeing re-election bids and dealing not just with the partisan split, but with tension between the House and Senate as well.
Among the measures still up for debate is the contentious issue of online sports betting, a proposition mired in conflict between lawmakers and religious groups opposed to gambling. The bills in question, SB 386 and SR 579, are still waiting for a House vote and could require a return nod from the Senate due to recent tweaks. Meanwhile, immigration legislation is on the radar after an urgent push from Republicans in the wake of a high-profile murder case involving an undocumented immigrant. The House is expected to give final approval to HB 1105, which would mandate local government coordination with federal immigration agencies.
Election laws are also on the chopping block, with various bills needing House or Senate approval. These include measures for adjusting election day voting booths and rules around poll watcher access. A notable bill, HB 986, which would criminalize the release of "deep fake" media by political entities before an election, is still awaiting Senate passage. As primaries loom, tight races amplify the significance of these election-related legislation, with each party pushing their respective agendas.
The "culture wars" are also prominent in the final legislative hustle, with uncertain futures for bills concerning LGBTQ youth and education. SB 1170, targeting puberty blockers for minors, and HB 1104, setting limits on sex education and transgender student participation in school sports, are particularly polarizing and could have lasting impacts on Georgia's political landscape. And in the environmental arena, the proposed titanium mine near the Okefenokee Swamp faces potential roadblocks as lawmakers have proposed a three-year construction moratorium via SB 132, though some critics argue the bill doesn't go far enough.
Finally, economic considerations are on lawmakers' minds, with several significant tax credit proposals up in the air. This includes HB 1019 and HB 1021, which seek to increase the homestead tax exemption and the child tax credit, respectively. Not to be overlooked is SB 429, a bill designed to streamline compensation for the wrongfully convicted, still waiting for the Senate's green light after passing the House.
