Today is Crossover Day in the Georgia General Assembly. In other words, it’s do or die day for legislation — pass one of the chambers by today, and the bill stays alive. Don’t pass by today, and lawmakers must find innovative ways to attach their legislation to another bill to get it passed. With today looming, Friday was a busy day for representatives and senators looking to get their bills across the line.
One of those bills that made it through the Senate Friday was Senate Bill 200 which would allow churches to continue to hold all services and activities during a declared state of emergency. Businesses also would be able to operate as long as they meet safety protocols as established by the governor. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas) passed 29-19, and is now headed to the House for consideration.
A bill by state Rep. Wes Clark (R-Acworth) that would keep Georgia on daylight savings time permanently, passed the House Friday and is headed for the Senate. HB 44 would put an end to the time changes that take place two times a year.
However, even if this bill passes both Chambers and is signed into law by the Governor, it still needs approval from the U.S. Congress. Federal law currently prohibits states from observing daylight saving time year-round. Last month, the State Senate passed SB 100, sponsored by Sen. Ben Watson (R-Savannah) that calls for Georgia to make standard time permanent.
Senators passed SB 236 by Matt Brass (R-Newnan) that would allow restaurants to sell two take-away cocktails per entree in sealed containers, as long as the drinks are put in a glove compartment, trunk or the back of the vehicle. The Senate supported the bill by a 36-10 vote.
On Friday, the Senate passed two pieces of gaming legislation.
Senate Resolution 135, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis R-Chickamauga), would amend the Constitution of the State of Georgia to allow sports betting. The substitute states that proceeds shall be used for need-based scholarships, rural health care services, health insurance coverage, and for the deployment of broadband services. An amendment states that at least 50 percent of the proceeds go to need-based scholarships or loans.
Mullis’ Senate Bill 142 would allow for the licensing and regulation of sports wagering in Georgia through the Georgia Lottery Corporation. An amendment would add an effective date of January 1, 2023 if the bill is passed by the General Assembly and approved by voters in the 2022 General Election.
Senate Bill 152 by Sen. Randy Robertson adds language to the pledge of allegiance to the state flag: reading — ‘I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and to the principles for which it stands: Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation, and Courage.‘ It passed by a 30-14 vote.
House Bill 81, the state budget for Fiscal Year 2022, which begins on July 1 got House approval Friday. HB 81 now moves to the Senate.
A number of education bills made it across the line Friday:
HB 606 by Rep. Randy Nix (R-LaGrange) adds the Georgia Independent Schools Association to the list of approved accrediting agencies for schools; SB 153 by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) would create a category of charter schools—known as Graduation Opportunities and Advanced Learning (GOAL) academies—for students at risk for dropping out; SB 220 by Sen. Chuck Payne (R-Dalton) would create a commission to oversee Georgia civics education; and SB 246 by Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan) would limit state requirements on student learning pods, described as parents voluntarily grouping children together to participate in or enhance their primary educational program as long as virtual learning was an option in the state.
One of the biggest bills being watched for Monday is SB 241, the omnibus election bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton). It has been listed on the Senate Rules Calendar for a floor vote today. The House has already passed HB 531, its omnibus election package, sponsored by Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem).
