Lawmakers continued the debate on a familiar issue under the Gold Dome today as a bill legalizing sports betting made its annual appearance in the Senate. Lawmakers will convene again on Tuesday.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 30, which creates a state definition of antisemitism, into law this afternoon. Rep. Esther Panitch, Georgia’s only Jewish lawmaker, said she is elated with the bill’s signing and the bipartisan effort to make it happen. 

Lawmakers started Day 12 with sad and shocking news. House Rules Chairman Richard Smith had died overnight after battling the flu. He was 78.

In the House, members re-ignited a fiery debate over HB 881 and the Senate went back-and-forth about SB 354.

It was an emotional day nine in both the House and Senate as lawmakers in both chambers passed a bill that could help with hate crime prosecution. 

Republicans and Democrats gave press conferences this afternoon to address some of their top priorities this session.

A Georgia Senate committee wants to give the appointed State Election Board the legal power to investigate Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's handling of elections. But Raffensperger's office says it's unconstitutional for board members to legally oversee him.

Gov. Brian Kemp celebrated 50 years of friendship between Georgia and the Japanese Consulate in Atlanta. Lawmakers in both chambers also acknowledged Maternal Health Awareness Day. And Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) introduced a resolution to look at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ alleged mishandling of state money during her indictment of former President Trump. 

Monday at the Georgia capitol, a woman’s right to reproductive freedom was on the agenda as lawmakers looked back at the landmark 1973 decision. State senators also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. 

Some Georgia lawmakers are looking for ways to provide relief from property taxes. The proposals are coming as increases in home values have caused taxes to rise.

Lawmakers honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Day 5 of the General Assembly. 

Kemp also promoted action on school vouchers, announced pay raises for state employees, and expressed support for the Atlanta police training center.

 

Day 2 of the Georgia General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session did not bring the same busy energy as Day 1. But there was still business to be done. 

Protesters awaited lawmakers as they arrived at the Georgia Capitol Monday. The session began on a somber note, as state Rep. Sandra Scott took to the House floor to honor a cousin who died as a result of gun violence this year. She urged lawmakers to pass gun safety laws.

Lowry is the host of GPB's Lawmakers program. She spoke with GPB's Orlando Montoya about what's on tap for the show, which kicks off its 54th season tonight at 7 p.m. ET on GPB-TV.