January 10, 2022, Issue 1

Welcome back to Under the Gold Dome, your weekly synopsis of the 2022 session of the Georgia legislature. We’ll tell you what is happening, where legislation stands, and what you need to know in order to take action.  The session runs from Jan. 10 to late March or early April.

What to watch for…so far: It’s an election year. Although the legislature must pass a balanced budget before they can adjourn which sometimes stretches the 40-day schedule, this session will be as short as they can manage. Members running for office will be anxious to get home to campaign. The primary is May 24.  As it relates to legislative activity specifically, the election will mean members will lobby for laws that will resonate with voters. Lower taxes, higher pay, greater access to public services all are issues that Georgia voters care about. Having a good story to tell on the campaign trail will serve those running for office well.

If your county faces potential redistricting legislation, notice must be posted in your local newspaper.  If you see such a notice, please contact Poy Winichakul at poy.winichakul@splcenter.org

Gov. Brian Kemp’s legislative agenda.  In-person student learning during the pandemic  Ban critical race theory in Georgia schools  Raise teacher pay Crack down on gang activity and human trafficking Pass Constitutional Carry which would allow concealed handguns without a permit  No additional abortion limits (the heartbeat bill he signed in 2019 is still making its way through the courts) No additional election laws  Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan’s legislative agenda:  Pass the Less Crime Act which includes a $250 million tax credit for those who donate to local police departments and sheriff’s offices through certified foundations Use that donated money to hire additional officers, raise pay, improve training, buy equipment and improve resources for mental health-related emergencies Improve foster care to keep children out of extended-stay motels, and to provide wrap-around services to teens as they age out of the system House Speaker Dennis Ralston’s legislative agenda: Vote on legalizing gambling in some form Greater access to mental health and behavioral resources

Pre-filings to watch.  Outlaw absentee ballot dropboxes, SB 352, proposed by Rep. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) For complete list of pre-filed legislation: https://legiscan.com/GA  Watch for Under the Gold Dome in your inbox to stay abreast of how issues you care about are faring in the Georgia Legislature.

Important Links

Georgia General Assembly Schedule

Find your Senator/Representative

Under the Gold Dome will be distributed to League members and partners each week that the Georgia General Assembly is in session. It is a product of our Education Fund, allowing us to report legislative facts and activities at the State Capitol. The UTGD Team is comprised of LWVGA staff and volunteers, who will be tracking and reporting on legislation and committee hearings throughout the legislative session.

UTGD Team Editor: Rebecca Rolfes, LWVCGA rolfesr@lwvcga.org Volunteer legislative observers:

Mikayla Arciaga  Gail Buckner  Blake Caldwell  Mary Kay Clyburn Daniel Eason  Ashleigh Ewald  Jessica Fields  Gina Hill  Sharon Hill  Keona Lynn Jones

Alan Kaufman  M Maguire  Rosemary Mackey  Margarita Moldovan Renee Rubens Laurie Tyson Michelle Weston Elizabeth Melville Maxie Kirk Williams

League of Women Voters of Georgia | Website

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