Construction on the new legislative office building continues north of the Georgia Capitol across Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. It is slated for completion before the 2027 Session.

Much like construction happening with the legislative offices, gutting and stuffing began in earnest today — the 35th day of the legislative session. But we aren’t talking about the Georgia Capitol renovations that are scheduled to begin soon or HB 451, which will allow schools to teach hunting and fishing safety. Lawmakers have caught on that if they want their proposals to pass, they best find a “vehicle” (otherwise known as a speedy red car!) to construct legislation to include their language to cross the finish line. It was evident in several committee meetings this afternoon as lawmakers scrambled to ensure new committee substitutes contained their preferred verbiage. It is a “sport” that occurs annually here under the Gold Dome. We anticipate even more changes to occur during tomorrow’s committee work day as chairs hold their last meetings.

There is nothing noteworthy to report on the FY 2026 budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee is still in its bunker poring over numbers offered by the House. Needless to say, we are waiting anxiously for Chairman Blake Tillery’s (R-Vidalia) and his committee’s proposal. #GoldDomeReport

In this Report:

• Floor Action
• Committee Notes
• New Legislation
• What’s Next

Floor Action

The House took up the following measures on Legislative Day 35:

• HR 273 - City of Incheon, South Korea; designate as sister city-state of State of Georgia (SP&CA-Hong-103rd) - ADOPTED 165-0
• SB 42 - Penalties for violating Code Sections 16-6-9 through 16-6-12; certain penalty provisions for the offense of prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, pimping, and pandering; repeal (JudyNC-Hong-103rd) Hatchett-50th - PASSED 169-0
• SB 110 - Definitions Relative to the Juvenile Code; definition of neglect and to provide for new definitions (JudyJ-Lumsden-12th) Anavitarte-31st - PASSED 100-69
• SB 112 - Selling and other Trade Practices; certain protections for consumers relative to warranties of HVAC systems and components of such systems; extend - PASSED 166-1
• SB 119 -  Manufactured or Mobile Homes; limited exceptions to circumstances under which a manufactured home shall become real property; provide (B&B-Leverett-123rd) Goodman-8th - PASSED 168-0
• SB 123 - Compulsory Attendance; provisions of the state's compulsory school attendance laws; update and revise - PASSED 160-1
• SB 149 - Tuition Equalization Grants at Private Colleges and Universities; definition of approved school; revise - PASSED 162-2
• SB 193 - State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia; establish the adult workforce high school diploma program; authorize  -PASSED 159-2

The Senate took up the following measures on Legislative Day 35:

• HB 53 - Georgia veterans; allow certain persons to be buried in Georgia veterans cemeteries (Substitute) (VM&HS-25th) Bonner-73rd - PASSED 54-0
• HB 92 - Revenue and taxation; postpone date by which local governing authorities can opt out of base year homestead exemption (Substitute) (RULES-52nd) Blackmon-146th - PASSED 52-2
• HB 143 - Water resources; water-measuring devices for farm use of surface and ground water; revise provisions (NR&E-11th) Dickey-134th - PASSED 53-0
• HB 290 - Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code and Internal Revenue Code of 1986; revise terms and incorporate certain provisions of federal law into Georgia law (FIN-56th) Carson-46th - PASSED 54-0
• HB 340 - Distraction-Free Education Act; enact (C&F-31st) Hilton-48th - PASSED 54-2
• HB 360 - Revenue and taxation; rehabilitation of historic structures; revise tax credit (ED&T-45th) Efstration-104th - TABLED
• HB 392 - Georgia Tax Court; certain events; revise dates (JUDY-42nd) Martin-49th - PASSED 54-0
• HB 475 - Income tax credit; film, gaming, or digital production; revise a definition (ED&T-6th) Gambill-15th - PASSED AS AMENDED 49-5
• SR 310 - Senate Study Committee on Additional Services and Resources for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care; create (C&F-32nd) - ADOPTED 54-0

Committee Notes

Senate Judiciary Committee - Subcommittee on HB 268

Chairman Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), met with his committee members on Monday afternoon to work on the school safety measure that is a top priority for Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington).

• HB 268, by Representative Holt Persinger (R-Winder), seeks to providethe  for “safety, health, and well-being of students and school communities,” which is the short caption to the 65-page bill. This effort is largely in response to the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting, which occurred in the author’s district. Representative Persinger explained that the legislation addresses five basic things:

1. Timely transfer of student records: required to be transferred within 5 days.
2. Create a position of behavioral health coordinator in schools.
3. Students in 6th grade and above are to have an hour of suicide awareness and an hour of violence prevention training annually.
4. Increase penalties for terroristic threats from a misdemeanor to a felony.
5. Training for Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management teams (BTAM) in schools and the implementation of the School and Student Safety Database (S3).

Senator Cowsert asked if the idea is that most of these events are mental health related and how a behavioral health coordinator is different from a school counselor. Yes, the legislation seeks to address the root cause of violence by focusing on mental health. School counselors are academic advisors and behavioral health coordinators deal with mental health. The S3 database is a clearinghouse for logging credible threats for school systems and law enforcement to track and share information.

Senator Shawn Still (R-Johns Creek) asked if this bill essentially criminalizes free speech. No, only credible threats are logged, as determined by the BTAM team. He also asked what the price tag for this database, implementation, and operation. Representative Persinger isn’t sure, but stated “I don’t think we can put a price tag on a child’s life.” If the bill passes, GEMA will put out RFPs fairly quickly.

Senator Cowsert noted that the only part of the bill he's been getting emails about is regarding the S3 database. Many people signed up to speak to the bill including members of the public, other House representatives, and professional advocates.

Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) spoke in favor of the bill. He was a teacher, coach, principal, and school superintendent before serving in the House. “The most important part of anything we do is parent involvement.” During his 30 years, he noticed increases in mental health related incidents. This will allow parents, school systems, and law enforcement to share information to protect the kids. Senator Still said that schools are struggling to keep teachers in the classroom and asked if this will make that harder. Representative Townsend said no, the schools are asking for it. Senator Cowsert asked if there was anything in the bill that he thinks would’ve prevented Apalachee. Impossible to say, but there was a breakdown in communication between the school system and law enforcement (info that Barrow County school did not receive when the student transferred in) which could have prevented the incident. This process keeps parents engaged and involved.

Representative Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough) spoke in opposition to the bill. She voted no on the bill in the House, not out of opposition to all of its provisions but out of concern as a parent over the S3 database. She doesn’t want to see children misidentified as threats through incorrect reporting. Senator Coswert acknowledged her concerns, calling this a balancing act. “We have to figure out the line between what is a dumb or stupid thing and what is a dangerous thing or a warning sign,” he said.

Margaret Ciccorelli with PAGE expressed strong support. She shared a list of recommendations, one of which was to change the deadline for sharing records from five business days to five school days. They also want the required school safety risk assessments not to be shared publicly because it could allow bad actors to exploit vulnerabilities that are identified.

Kaitlin Ward, who oversees the Carter Center’s mental health programs, spoke in favor. She called the measure a great start to providing greater mental health access in schools. They would like to see guaranteed funding for the behavioral health coordinator positions to make sure that the responsibilities don't have to get absorbed by other faculty or staff. Senator Cowsert noted that the legislation does include grant funding, and the legislature will make appropriations for it.

Megan Gordon of the Council on American Islamic Relations spoke in opposition, noting there is no process for removal if there is incorrect information in the database. If a 5th grader makes a mistake, they're on the list until 12th grade. There should be a time period for them to roll off. She is concerned that misunderstandings could be perceived as serious threats.

Thomas Weaver, a private citizen who speaks often at Judiciary Committee meetings, thinks the bill is too broad in some respects. He thinks the language should be changed to reference “student” instead of “person” or “individual of concern.” He would also like to see a mechanism for a student's S3 data to eventually roll-off (like what happens with bad credit or points on a driver's license). Others echoed this opinion.

Mikayla Arciaga of the Intercultural Development Research Association is concerned about who has access to records and recommends more intentionality on a need-to-know basis. Outside agencies could abuse access.

Mazie Lynn Guertin, executive director of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, is in favor of the measure as passed by the House.

Jane Robins, a private citizen, believes the bill conflicts with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and described the S3 database as Orwellian. She believes that at some point the database will be hacked and noted that psychiatrists agree that it is impossible to predict who will be a school shooter.

Rhonda Thomas with Truth in Education is concerned about due process. She believes the motives of the legislation are good, but we could be creating more harm and psychological damage to children that will follow them for the rest of their lives.

Finally, Linda Criblez, deputy director for Homeland Security, and Anna Burton, GEMA general counsel, presented. Senator Cowsert asked them to focus on the S3 database. They noted that too often, signs of self-harm are there but nothing is done before it’s too late. The S3 database is simply a system of record. It is separate from educational records and won’t impact a student’s ability to get a scholarship or enroll in university, etc. S3 is essentially a case management system. If a BTAM team evaluates a student and there is no problem, then the case is closed (the record does still exist though). Senator Coswert asked who has access to the database. GEMA’s role is to take the burden off the schools to create the database and must adhere to the FBI standards for criminal justice information (even though it is not a criminal database). Cowsert asked when schools would be looking at the database. Burton said that for instance whenever students transfer, the school can check and see if they’re in the database. Senator Still asked if there were any other states with this model. There are some with similar approaches. Florida has something similar to S3, but it's tied into their educational records, so less secure. Again the senators asked what is the cost to implement this. GEMA estimates $25 million over two years upfront cost. Senator Cowsert asked for a rough estimate of the percentage of kids who will end up in this database. Maybe 1 or 2%.

There was no time for everyone to testify, but Chairman Coswert invited everyone to send written suggestions. The subcommittee did not take any action on the bill.

Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Senator Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), convened his committee Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. First, the committee heard presentations from Rena Ann Peck and Joe Cook from Georgia Rivers with concerns about the Okefenokee Swamp and boating access on Georgia’s streams. The committee then heard two measures:

• HB 14, by Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton), has grown beyond its original scope, which was to designate cornbread as the official state bread of Georgia, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. The substitute to the bill, LC 590163 S, sought to expand Georgia’s film tax credits to include post-production work, and the measure also now includes the provisions from Senator Sonya Halpern’s (D-Atlanta) SB 182, the "Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act."

Senator Josh McLaurin (D-Sandy Springs) moved to amend the bill to remove the post-production tax credit language because he is afraid this bill would be viewed as a revenue bill and that the tax credit language should not originate in this committee. The amendment was adopted, and the committee voted to recommend DO PASS.

Chairman Beach, who was recently tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as the next Treasurer of the United States, closed the meeting by notifying everyone that this was his last committee meeting after 13 years of service.

House Education Committee

Chairman Chris Erwin (R-Gainesville) and members of the House Education Committee took up three measures this afternoon:

• SB 1, authored by Senator Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), is the legislation to be known as the “Riley Gaines Act of 2025.”  It incorporates language from Representative Josh Bonner’s (R-Fayetteville) legislation. The bill considered in O.C.G.A. 20-2-315 today was a substitute, LC 49 2383S. Senator Dolezal shared the various changes made in the new version such as the bill’s title; definition of “sex”; references to standard medical procedure (rather than birth certificate); references to sleeping quarters; providing a boundary around female sports; visual screening; restrooms and changing rooms; private cause of action; appeal process; statute of limitations; as well as incorporating language to require the provisions to be applied to higher educational institutions. It would also apply to private schools that receive state dollars. 

The committee did hear public testimony — Matt Sharp, counsel for Defending Freedom, noted that Georgia is one of few states without a law protecting girls' sports. He noted the physiological differences between girls and boys with some of those differences appearing before puberty. He stated this creates an “eligibility rule.” It also seeks to protect privacy. The legislation also aligns with court precedent including the 11th Circuit’s ruling. 

Several young women spoke in opposition to the substitute. Some argued that it sends messages that women are smaller, weaker, and less. There were others who discussed the overly broad language in the legislation as well as the definition of male versus female. They also raised issues with trainers having an exception to enter locker rooms. One recited that the legislation is hateful and cruel. Yet, more noted that the legislation can possibly create trauma. A creator of an ultimate frisbee professional team spoke to the fact that it impacted women’s opportunities, freedoms, and fairness. More spoke about the possible inaccuracy of the sex definition and how sex is determined by the Olympics. 

A minister also spoke in opposition to the legislation as he feared the legislation would create negative stereotyping which he feels is cruel and wrong.

A parent of a trans youth also spoke against the legislation, stating that he wanted his child to participate in sports and this legislation would target youth.

Chelsea Thompson, with Frontline Policy, supported the legislation, noting it upheld Title 9. Matt Parnell, with the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition, also noted his organization is in favor of fairness.

The substitute received a DO PASS recommendation to the substitute, moving it forward to the House Rules Committee. Representative Bonner will carry the measure forward in the House.

• SB 148, authored by Senator Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), is the legislation which is not new to the committee. It has previously been proposed by Senator Sheikh Rahman (D-Lawrenceville). The effort addresses O.C.G.A. 20-2-590, authorizing the Department of Education to establish for the 2025-2026 school year a pilot program for outdoor learning centers. The purpose is to determine how to implement best practices for such programs and develop standards for those. Senator Hatchett noted his own personal experience in his 7th grade life science class which was held outdoors; there he learned about “dissecting owl pellets!”  There were inquiries by the committee on how many schools would be in the pilot and how the programs would be funded. There are foundation dollars available for these purposes but Senator Hatchett noted he had talked to the House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) about funding. Representative Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn) inquired about the curriculum for the programs and assessments; she was told there is no set curriculum. There were also questions about the use of these spaces being used now — such as those on St. Simons and in Forsyth County. Senator Hatchett and Senator Rahman indicated that the legislation was to help encourage children to be outside rather than to look at electronics. Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) asked about the substitute proposed as it includes language about automatic external defibrillators used in schools. The new substitute before the committee incorporates language from HB 629 which would amend O.C.G.A. 20-2-775 and the requirement of a physician in the AED program (these manufacturers already employ physicians to work with schools). The substitute was drawn at the request of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. No one testified on the bill except Tara Boockholdt from CHOA explained CHOA’s interest in the substitute. Representative Will Wade (R-Dawsonville) noted that local systems have access to ELOST funds which can be used for the outdoor spaces. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation to LC 33 9823S, moving the legislation forward to the House Rules Committee. Representative Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville) will carry the legislation in the House.
• SB 212, authored by Senator Shawn Still (R-Johns Creek), is the legislation that has been dubbed the Protection of Minors From Campaigns in Public Schools in Chapter 2 of Title 20 and Chapter 5 of Title 21.  The legislation was before the committee in the form of a new substitute, LC 47 3473S.  It addresses situations where political campaigns enter into public schools to harvest minors’ data. It seeks to clarify that campaigns may not enter into schools under false pretenses to get access to students and their personal information. Senator Still noted he had learned of these problems in schools in his district. Further, after the legislation passed the Senate, Senator Still worked with Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II (D-Augusta) and other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus on language that has been incorporated in lines 32-55.  Senator Still noted that, if passed by the House, the Senate would agree to the changes made. Representative David Wilkerson (D-Marietta) asked questions about instances when a parent might come to school for a career day or that parent trying to access a yearbook and whether those would be banned as the events were not “public.” Senator Still argued that those instances were different. This legislation is about solicitations. Nonprofits holding voter fairs are still permitted if registered with the Secretary of State’s Office and documented with the school. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation to the substitute, moving it forward to the House Rules Committee.  Representative Todd Jones (R-Cuming) will carry the bill in the House.

House Retirement Committee

Chairman John Carson (R-Marietta) convened his committee Tuesday afternoon to quickly approve one measure:

• SB 23, by Senator John Albers (R-Roswell), was presented to the committee by Jim Potvin, Executive Director for the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia. The bill seeks to adjust the cap on the percentage of assets that the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia can allocate to alternative investments. Previously, this system was restricted to a maximum of 5% of its assets in such investments, but this limitation has been removed, allowing for potentially greater investment flexibility. The committee unanimously recommended DO PASS.

Senate Retirement Committee

Chairman Rick Williams (R-Milledgeville) and his committee met Tuesday afternoon to hear two bills for recommendation for actuarial study:

• SB 339, by Senator Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta), provides semiannual postretirement benefit adjustments for all beneficiaries of the system. These adjustments aim to maintain the purchasing power of retirees by increasing their retirement allowance by 1.5% every six months. Chuck Freedman from Georgia State Retirees’ Association spoke in support of the bill. The committee voted to convey the bill for actuarial study. 
• SB 342, by Senator John Albers (R-Roswell), proposes an increase in the percentage of 9-1-1 charges allocated to the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund and the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund, with 20.75% directed to the Peace Officers' Fund and 20% to the Firefighters' Fund. Additionally, it mandates a $1 increase in monthly 9-1-1 charges, including wireless and prepaid services, assessed by local governments. The legislation also introduces a $9.11 increase in vehicle registration fees, with specific allocations of $5 to the Peace Officers' Fund and $4.11 to the Firefighters' Fund. Furthermore, the bill increases the per-pack tax on cigarettes from 37¢ to 57¢, with legislative intent to appropriate proceeds from 20¢ of this tax to the aforementioned funds. The legislation stipulates that dues for the Firefighters' and Peace Officers' Funds will be paid by employers rather than individual members, with an increase in dues to $100 per month. The committee voted to convey the bill for actuarial study. 

Senate Education and Youth Committee

Chairman Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) convened his committee for a Tuesday afternoon meeting where they considered three House bills:

• HB 451, by Representative Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie), outlines a provision for local boards of education in Georgia to offer instruction in hunting safety for students in grades 6th through 12th by Georgia DNR-certified instructors. Representative Cannon testified that he had the good fortune of growing up on a farm, and he seeks to increase opportunities for young people to learn more about hunting and fishing. The bill does not require schools to offer this instruction, but rather allows them to do so if they choose. The committee voted DO PASS.
• HB 37, by Representative Rob Leverett (R-Elberton) mandates local school systems to inform employees about their social security withholdings and eligibility for inclusion in certain benefits, pension, or retirement plans. Starting July 1, 2025, new employees must be notified upon hiring whether social security taxes will be withheld from their pay, their eligibility for benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act, and any other pension or retirement plans they may be eligible for. If eligible for any plans, they must receive detailed information about these plans. By December 31, 2025, and at least once every five years thereafter, current employees must also receive this notification. Upon separation, employees must be informed whether social security taxes were withheld during their employment. Senator Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) presented the bill and proposed an amendment that would authorize school boards to permit their members to purchase health insurance under the State Health Benefit Plan for dependents of the board members — an offering that is currently prohibited in law. The committee voted 7-2 DO PASS as amended.
• HB 200, by Representative Debra Bazemore (D-South Fulton), establishes a three-year pilot immersive writing program for public elementary schools, targeting students in grades 2nd through 5th. This program aims to enhance literacy skills and motivate students through immersive writing experiences aligned with state standards. Subject to appropriations, the program will offer up to $2 million in grants annually. The bill also mandates that any new elementary school constructed from July 1, 2027, must include a playground adhering to specific design standards for inclusivity, ensuring that playgrounds provide a sensory-diverse environment suitable for children of all abilities, with features such as accessible pathways, a minimum area of 10,000 square feet, and various equipment to cater to different needs (which is also included in HB 371). Finally, the measure also includes provisions for civic groups such as the Boy Scouts to meet on school property. The committee voted DO PASS.

New Legislation

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced:

What’s Next

The General Assembly is in adjournment on Wednesday, March 26, for a Committee Workday. The House and Senate will reconvene for Legislative Day 36 on Thursday, March 27, at 10 a.m.

The House has not yet set a calendar for Legislative Day 36.

The Senate is expected to consider the following on Legislative Day 36:

• HB 86 - Public officers and employees; calculating and setting the salaries of certain state officials; revise provisions
• HB 164 - Highways, bridges, and ferries; allowable variance for weight limitations upon a vehicle or load; repeal automatic repeal provisions
• HB 175 - Education; employee comprehensive background checks for early care and education programs and Head Start programs; revise provisions
• HB 196 - State employees' health insurance plan; drugs dispensed for self-administration; provisions
• HB 208 - Special license plates; support state parks and historic sites; establish
• HB 241 - Contracts; convenience fees for payment by electronic means; revise provisions
• HB 307 - Quality Basic Education Act; students significantly at risk of not achieving grade level reading proficiency or with characteristics of dyslexia; include provisions
• HB 428 - Health; codify right to in vitro fertilization for individuals
• HB 473 - Controlled substances; Schedule I; provide certain provisions
• HB 484 - General Assembly; digitization and electronic publication of Georgia Laws; provide
• HB 551 - Motor vehicles; conditions, procedures, and limitations for issuance of temporary operating permits; provide
• HB 579 - Professions and businesses; licensure to engage in trade; provisions
• SR 292 - Senate Special Committee on Investigations; investigate additional matters; to authorize the use of compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses; authorize