The 2024 Georgia state legislature has now been in session for 27 days. As you know, the State Legislature makes important decisions that affect the lives of every-day Georgians. With that said, here are some bills introduced in the past two weeks that we think you should know about:
Republicans proposed SB 446, which would reduce the early voting period by 5 days.
Republican Representative Scott Hilton proposed HB 1039, which would require social media influencers to disclose if they have received payment from political campaigns or candidates to make particular posts.
On February 8, the Georgia House unanimously passed bills cutting state income tax and local property taxes, as well as increasing tax deductions for parents.
Republicans proposed SB 359, which would expand the scope of Georgia’s hate crime laws, making some protest actions eligible for prosecution under RICO violations.
Republicans proposed SB 261, which would stop colleges and universities from accepting diversity statements from individuals applying for jobs or admission.
Republicans proposed HB 1056, which would provide a new mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses when a person 21 years or older delivers, sells, or distributes to a person under 14. Instead of being punished under pre-existing harsh standards in accordance with the type of drug involved, the sentence must include a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a total of up to 30 years. Deviation from this mandatory sentencing can only occur if both the prosecution and defense agree to a different sentence.
In our last newsletter, we mentioned some bills that had been introduced during January. Here’s an update on the progress of those bills:
SB 390, which would block libraries from public funding if they are part of the American Libraries Association, is in committee.
HB 998, which would eliminate ballot drop boxes, is still in its committee in the house.
SB 101, which would make it easier for voters to get an absentee ballot for a runoff, is still in its committee in the state senate.
SB 179, which would restore felons’ right to vote, is still in its committee in the state senate.
Comments