ATLANTA — Georgia's legislative session has drawn to a close; all eyes were on the Gold Dome as lawmakers prepared for Sine Die Day — a pivotal moment marking the end of the session.
With crucial bills hanging in the balance -- including politically contentious measures regarding sex education, immigration and library funding, as well as a bill that would establish compensation for wrongfully convicted individuals -- the final hours were fraught with anticipation and debate.
Here's a look at some of the key bills 11Alive has been covering. Click for a full list of what passed and what failed.
House Bill 1104 - Failed
- Restricts teaching sex education below the sixth grade.
- Requires parental approval for sex education curriculum.
- Mandates schools to notify parents about the books their children check out.
- Prevents transgender youth from using restrooms and participating in sports aligning with their gender identity.
- This bill has sparked controversy due to its wide-ranging provisions.
Recent Coverage: Georgia bill restricting transgender youth in sports passes
Library Funding Bill - Failed
- Aims to cut funding for libraries affiliated with the American Library Association.
- Republican lawmakers argue they are not defunding libraries but want to pool state funding for libraries associated with the ALA.
- Republican lawmakers are arguing that the ALA is promoting radical influence.
- Concerns were raised about certain books addressing gender identity and race relations.
- Democrats view the bill as restricting education and as government overreach.
- Passed in the Senate, awaiting House approval.
Recent Coverage: Georgia teachers raise concerns over legislation aimed at American Library Association funding
Compensation for Wrongfully Convicted Georgians Bill - Failed
- A bill to create a process for compensating wrongfully convicted individuals in Georgia.
- It passed in the House and is currently under consideration in the Senate.
- To receive compensation, individual resolutions need to be passed.
- Six resolutions for six men who spent a combined 129 years in prison for crimes they did not commit are pending.
- The resolutions, totaling $9 million in compensation, have encountered delays in the Senate.
House Bill 1105 - Passed
- Bill mandates local law enforcement collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
- Requires local agencies to enter "enter into memorandums of understanding" with federal bodies for immigration enforcement.
- Obliges reporting to ICE if an individual lacks lawful status upon booking.
- Non-compliance may lead to funding withholdings.
Recent Coverage: Metro Atlanta Latino groups decry immigration rhetoric, HB 1105