Gold Dome Download

February 5, 2024

Good morning! In this second issue of the Gold Dome Download, we dive into major legislation under consideration with an important impact on education, elections, the economy, and public safety. 

We are particularly excited about the work that has been done to date on public safety and to enhance voter confidence in our elections. If you have any questions about the legislation presented below or about any bills not mentioned in the letter, please feel free to email us at info@greatergeorgia.com. 

NEW: The Legislative Lowdown

We're excited to bring you a new social media series: The Legislative Lowdown! Get all the highlights from last week at the Georgia General Assembly in less than 30 seconds. Click HERE or on the image below to watch!

Signed into Law

Last week, Governor Brian Kemp signed the historic antisemitism bill, HB30, into law. The legislation - which was a bipartisan effort by lawmakers in the House and Senate - makes antisemitism a hate crime in Georgia.

“There is no place for hate in this great state,” Governor Kemp said during the bill signing ceremony at the State Capitol. “In Georgia, we stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters, today and every day.”

To read about the new law, click HERE.

Legislation on the Move

Elections

Senate Bill 358

About: A bill to remove the Secretary of State from the State Election Board

Sponsor: Senator Max Burns

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

House Bill 976

About: A bill to require watermark security paper for ballots used in optical scan voting systems

Sponsor: Representative John LaHood

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

Public Safety

House Bill 881

About: A bill to amend the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission

Sponsor: Representative Joseph Gullett

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

Senate Bill 63

About: A bill to end no-cash bail for serious crimes

Sponsor: Senator Randy Robertson

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Senate Resolution 465

About: A bill to create a special Committee on Investigations to probe allegations of misconduct in Fulton County.

Sponsor: Senator Greg Dolezal

To read the resolution, CLICK HERE.

Status: Received final passage

Sports Betting

Senate Bill 386

About: A bill to legalize online sports betting

Sponsor: Senator Clint Dixon

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Legislator Spotlight

Chairman Richard Smith (R-Columbus)

Last week, the Georgia General Assembly lost a true leader. Our hearts break for the family and friends of House Rules Chairman Richard Smith.

First elected in 2004, Chairman Smith served the 139th District - which includes parts of Muscogee and Harris Counties - for close to two decades. He was one of the most influential lawmakers in Georgia politics, having served as the House Rules Chairman since 2020.

He will be remembered as a steadfast conservative, a great Georgian, a proud servant of Columbus, and a friend to many. He leaves behind a great legacy, and our prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

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



TGV - Georgia Senate Republicans Announce 2024 Caucus Priorities

AP - Georgia House votes to revive prosecutor oversight panel as Democrats warn of targeting Fani Willis

Atlanta Civic Circle - ‘State doesn’t understand the technology’: Plaintiffs rest their case in trial over Georgia’s voting machines

WABE: Georgia lawmakers are looking for ways to limit rising property taxes

AJC - Georgia Senate leaders back new effort to limit lawsuits

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