ATLANTA — Wednesday is the 40th day of the current legislative session — better known as Sine Die.
It's the last day for the Georgia House of Representative and state Senate to pass legislation and send the bills on to Gov. Brian Kemp's desk.
Kemp has already signed off on several bills, including controversial legislation that would prevent transgender minors from receiving certain surgical procedures and hormone replacement therapy with few exceptions.
There are several bills that could be voted on before the work ends. Some of the key legislation includes:
The FY2024 budget
Both the House and Senate agree on much of the 2024 fiscal year budget, which takes effect July 1.
However, Senators made changes last week that would cut $88 million from the state's college and university teaching budget, $18 million university system health insurance increase and roughly $3.7 million from Georgia Public Broadcasting.
The difference will have to be sorted out before Kemp can sign off on the spending plan.
Update: The House and Senate reached a deal on the FY2024 budget. The $32.4 billion spending plan would cut $66 million from higher education and $1.4 million from Georgia Public Broadcasting. It also includes raises for law enforcement and state employees. Both chambers passed the budget.
Sports betting
Senators used HB 237, a bill to name the Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby the state's official soap box derby, and tacked language to it, reviving efforts to legalize sports betting in the state.
It seems unlikely to pass as multiple betting bills have failed this session.
Update: This bill did not advance.
Mental health
HB 520, a reform package that aims to hire more mental health workers and provide better collaboration between mental health providers and the criminal justice system, has not been approved by the state Senate.
Senators rewrote portions of the bill last week, but the Senate Health and Human Services Committee didn't take a vote, the Associated Press reports.
It's the second phrase of legislation champion by former House speaker, the late David Ralston.
11Alive has reported on mental health issues in Georgia in our #Keeping series.
Update: This bill did not advance.
School vouchers
Gov. Brian Kemp is backing a push that would give $6,500 per student to cover the cost of private school tuition and homeschooling costs. Under the current proposal, the vouchers would go to families with students zoned for schools performing in bottom 25%.
The Senate passed SB 233 earlier this month, but the legislation hasn't passed the House yet.
11Alive reported on the bill earlier this month. Critics said SB 233 would undermine funding for public schools.
Update: The House defeated SB 233 by a vote of 85-89. It could have been brought again for a vote after representatives approved a motion to reconsider. It was not.
Anti-Semitism
The Georgia Senate has yet to pass HB 144, a bill that defines anti-Semitism and could provide Jewish residents protection under the state's hate crimes law.
11Alive reported that residents in several communities across Georgia are reporting anti-Jewish flyers showing up at homes including in Cartersville, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Athens.
Update: This bill did not advance.
Other bills of note
- HB 88 (the Coleman-Baker Act) - This bill would allow victims' families a way to reopen cases that have gone cold. New technology could provide breaks in the case. The bill needs to pass the Senate. Update: This bill passed.
- HB 119- This bill would outlaw the practice of booting in Georgia. Update: This bill did not advance.
- HB 196- This bill would address issues with the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Update: This bill did not advance.
- HB 249: This bill would expand need-based aid for Georgia college students. A student in a four-year program would be eligible for the aid after completing 70% of the program. A student in a two-year program would need to complete 80% of their program. The maximum award amount would be increased to $3,500. This bill needs to pass the Senate. Update: This bill passed the Senate by substitute, 51-1. It must go back to the House.
- HB 404 (Safe at Home Act)- This bill would establish a set of protections for renters. Rental properties to be “fit for human habitation” when the lease is signed, and landlords must maintain the property throughout the lease. This bill needs to pass the Senate. Update: This bill did not advance.
- SB 31: Under this bill, Georgia Attorney General’s Office would be reimbursed expenses for prosecuting a criminal case or cases if a local district attorney failed to prosecute. The AG’s Office would have to obtain a guilty plea or verdict. This bill needs to pass the House. Update: This bill didn't advance.