Conservative efforts to regulate what Georgia schools can teach about race are focusing on an executive order by former President Donald Trump that bans the teaching of "divisive comments." Many Democrats and teacher groups say mandating what gets taught insults teachers and risks a whitewashed version of history.

In a one-on-one interview with GPB Lawmakers host Donna Lowry, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan provided an update on the progression of his top legislative priorities.

Thursday on Political Rewind: A look at the slate of legislation in the General Assembly. Among those bills, we discussed a proposed parental "bill of rights” for Georgia schools. Gov. Brian Kemp said the legislation would allow parents a more active role in their child’s education, but critics warn the bill could cause a chill on free speech. Republican governors of other states, like Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida, are pushing similar legislation. 

The Georgia State Senate passed a controversial bill that would require Gwinnett’s school board elections to be nonpartisan. 

The bill would allow Georgians to carry a concealed handgun without first obtaining a permit.

Legislation intended to keep politics out of school board elections advanced out of the Georgia Senate Rules Committee and is expected on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: A judge rejected a plea deal in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Meanwhile, the Fulton County district attorney asked the FBI for security help as she investigates former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the election. Sonny Perdue could be back on track to become the next chancellor for the Georgia university system. And a Senate committee takes up constitutional carry today at 4 p.m. 

The House passed a bill on Thursday which would support the incorporation of the city of East Cobb, clearing its fate to be decided by the Senate.

The Senate Education Committee considered two bills that could impact the future of students in the state.  

On this week's episode, we dive into what to expect in Georgia's 2022 legislative session, from bold budget proposals to election-year hijinks.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston filed House Bill 1013 on Wednesday. During a morning press conference, he said the bill represents input from the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission, formed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019.

Although sponsors say it's aimed at preventing government overreach on COVID-19 vaccinations, a bill filed this week in the Georgia Senate would end the longstanding schedule of mandatory vaccinations for school-children.

Lawmakers in Georgia are expected to introduce an omnibus mental health bill at the steps of the Capitol at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022. House Speaker David Ralston will announce the bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Todd Jones and Democratic Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver.

State Rep. Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville) did not mince words at a press conference.

Tuesday on Political Rewind: Speaker David Ralston joined us to discuss one of the most contentious sessions in his 12 years of holding the gavel in the General Assembly. We asked Ralston how he intends to navigate through hot button issues like a ban on the teaching of critical race theory and book bans in schools, while keeping the 2022 session focused on the issues that matter to him most.