Special session ends with elections bill but no redistricting, property tax relief

The special session of the Georgia General Assembly called by Gov. Brian Kemp ended Tuesday afternoon after lawmakers passed an elections bill but failed to pass any bills addressing property tax relief or redistricting. An amended Senate Bill 3 EX made it through both chambers, extending the use of QR codes on ballots until 2028 and mandating hand recounts for the top two statewide races within 0.5 percent.

The House passed the measure 94-79 then sent it back to the Senate for an agree. Senators approved the measure 36-16 before gaveling the special session to a close.

The House Government Affairs committee made changes to the bill during an early morning hearing Tuesday. This followed a 2-hour hearing Monday when no vote was taken.