On this week's Lawmakers Huddle, GPB's Devon Zwald speaks with Lawmakers host Donna Lowry about what lawmakers are working on as the legislative session quickly approaches an important milestone: Crossover Day — the deadline for a bill to get through one chamber for it to have a real shot at becoming law.
Crossover Day is less than a week away. That's the day a bill needs to get through one chamber for it to have a shot at becoming a law.
On this week's Lawmakers Huddle, GPB's Devon Zwald speaks with Lawmakers host Donna Lowry about the legislation lawmakers are working on as this important milestone quickly approaches.
Devon Zwald: This is GPB. I'm Devon Zwald. It was busy week at the state Capitol as lawmakers worked to get their legislation through before Crossover Day next week. Lawmakers debated budgets, transgender girls in female sports, and IVF legislation. Joining us now for Lawmaker Huddle, where we break down the week under the Gold Dome, is Donna Lowry, host of GPB's Lawmakers. Welcome.
Donna Lowry: Glad to join you, Devon.
Devon Zwald: The legislative session is quickly approaching an important milestone with Crossover Day less than a week away. That's the day a bill needs to get through one chamber for it to have a real shot at becoming law. Where do things stand with the budgets lawmakers are mandated to approve?
Donna Lowry: Yeah, well, the Senate passed the 2025 midyear budget this week with amendments and that budget which goes through June 30 will now go — undergo negotiations between the House and Senate for that final version. And then the fiscal 2026 budget, which starts July 1, is in the works and we'll see it pass out of the House in a couple of weeks.
Devon Zwald: The House passed a bill similar to one in the Senate a few weeks ago regarding transgender girls in female sports. Did it pass this week mostly along party lines?
Donna Lowry: Yes, Republicans backed the bill heavily, but three Democrats did vote for it. It's called the Riley Gaines Act, after a former college swimmer who competed and then lost to a transgender opponent. And supporters say the legislation will protect girls who compete in sports, but opponents say it harms transgender athletes. And as you know, Devon, this issue has been the focus of national debate. The bill now goes to the Senate and the two chambers will need to come to some kind of consensus on which version of the similar House and Senate bills will go for a final vote.
Devon Zwald: Another bill that passed codifies access to in vitro fertilization treatment. This one had overwhelming bipartisan support. Tell us a little bit about this bill.
Donna Lowry: Yeah, this measure had the personal stamp of House Speaker John Burns, and he announced last year he wanted to ease access to in vitro fertilization for families struggling to have children. And Burns chose Rep. Lehman Franklin to lead the bill. He and his wife have tried IVF several times and are now expecting a girl this summer. And Franklin's personal story really touched the chamber. In the end, the vote was unanimous to pass the bill, and we'll now see what happens in the Senate.
Devon Zwald: Yeah, a really personal story from him.
Donna Lowry: Yes.
Devon Zwald: What can we expect coming up next week?
Donna Lowry: Well, Devon, the scramble is on now to pass as many bills as possible in each chamber before Crossover Day on Thursday. And as you mentioned, the 28th day of the session is designated for getting legislation out of the House or Senate for bills to have the chance of becoming laws. So what's left to pass? Well, there's quite a bit. Sen. Cardin Summers of Cordele told me he's ready for his sports betting and casino gambling bill. It's kind of perennial now. And we're also likely to see more legislation regarding civil litigation reform, or tort reform, and school safety. Two top issues this session.
Devon Zwald: Donna Lowry is the host of GPB's Lawmakers. Thank you so much for being here with us, Donna.
Donna Lowry: Always glad to join you, Devon. Thank you.
Devon Zwald: You can watch Lawmakers weeknights at 7 p.m. when the legislature is in session on GPB TV and streaming at GPB.org.
