Gold Dome Download

February 13, 2024

Happy Tuesday! In this edition of the Gold Dome Download, we highlight pivotal election, tax relief, and public safety legislation that's moving quickly through the legislative process. But before we dive in, we have an announcement:

On February 26, Greater Georgia is hosting "The New Conservative Coalition: Black Leaders of Georgia." We've got an incredible lineup of speakers - including State Rep. Mesha Mainor, Albany City Commissioner Jalen Johnson, Let's Win for America Chairman Kelvin King, and Blexit State Director Michaelah Montgomery - plus free food and drinks. To claim your spot, CLICK HERE or on the image below.

If you have any questions about the above event or regarding pending legislation, please feel free to email us at [email protected].

The Legislative Lowdown

Have you seen the latest Legislative Lowdown? Get all the highlights from last week at the Gold Dome in less than a minute. Click HERE or on the image below to watch!

Legislation on the Move

Economy

House Bill 1015

About: Accelerated state income tax cut to 5.39% (House Tax Package)

Sponsor: Representative Lauren McDonald

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

House Bill 1019

About: Increased homestead tax exemption from $2,000 to $4,000 (House Tax Package)

Sponsor: Representative Matt Reeves

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

House Bill 1021

About: Increased child income tax deduction from $3,000 to $4,000 (House Tax Package)

Sponsor: Representative Lauren Daniel

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

House Bill 915

About: 2024 Mid-Year Budget

Sponsor: Speaker of the House Jon Burns

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

Senate Bill 362

About: A bill to reform union rules in Georgia

Sponsor: Senator Mike Hodges

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Senate Bill 344

About: Tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, safes, and accessories sales

Sponsor: Senator Jason Anavitarte

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Elections

Senate Bill 189

About: A bill to ban QR codes from ballots

Sponsor: Senator Max Burns

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Public Safety

Senate Bill 63

About: A bill to eliminate no-cash bail for high-level crimes

Sponsor: Senator Randy Robertson

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Received Final Passage

Other News to Know

Senate Special Committee on Investigations

On Friday, the Senate Special Committee on Investigations held its first meeting - where lawmakers revealed that whistleblowers had come forward from the Fulton County DA's office to testify about District Attorney Fani Willis.

According to the Senators, several whistleblowers allege misuse of federal and state funds - in addition to the conflict of interest allegations that will be heard by a court later this week. Earlier this month, Willis admitted to having an affair with Nathan Wade - the prosecutor she chose to lead the grand jury investigation into President Trump.

The Senate Special Committee has subpoena power and the authority to compel documents and testimony. It will conduct interviews and author a report on its findings, as well as recommend changes to state law to improve transparency for local prosecutors. As State Senator Bill Cowsert (SD-46) emphasized, "This is not a political witch hunt; this is a quest for the truth." To read more about the first meeting, CLICK HERE.

Mid-Year 2024 Budget

The State House passed a $37.5B mid-year budget with $5B in new spending. Highlights include $1.5B for transportation, $1,000 teacher bonuses, and funding for new medical schools at the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University. To read more about the budget, CLICK HERE.

Legislator Spotlight

Senator Randy Robertson (SD-29)

Senator Randy Robertson serves the 29th Senate District which encompasses Troup, Meriwether, Harris, and Muscogee Counties. He is the Majority Whip and serves as Vice Chairman of the Public Safety Committee. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations, Government Oversight, Insurance and Labor, and Redistricting Committees. Senator Robertson has sponsored several key pieces of legislation this session including a bill to eliminate no-cash bail (SB63), a bill to amend the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (SB332), and a bill to ban ranked-choice voting (SB355).

To learn more about Senator Robertson, CLICK HERE.

Representative Lauren Daniel (HD-117)

Representative Lauren Daniel serves the people of Locust Grove in Georgia's 117th House District in Henry County. She is the Secretary for the House Education Committee as well as for the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee - and also serves as a member of the Transportation Committee. Representative Daniel has sponsored a number of key bills - including HB1021, the bill to increase the child income tax deduction in Georgia.

To learn more about Representative Daniel, CLICK HERE.

Find your Legislators

Did you know you can look up your state senator and state representative on the My Voter Page? Visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov to find out who represents you at the State Capitol - and while you're there, double-check your voter registration to make sure it's up to date!

What We're Reading

James Magazine - New Greater Georgia poll good news for conservatives

Capitol Beat - General Assembly looking to limit film tax credit

AJC - Ballot pics could be posted online under Georgia bill

Axios - 1 arrested in fire to protest public safety training center, police say

AJC - ‘Whistleblowers’ seek to speak with Senate panel investigating Fulton DA

To learn more, visit www.greatergeorgia.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest information.

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