Gold Dome Download

March 7, 2024

Last week at the State Capitol saw Crossover Day: the deadline by which bills needed to pass one chamber (either the House or the Senate) to remain viable for further consideration. So in this week's edition of the Gold Dome Download, we'll recap all the legislation that did - and didn't - make it through. As of today, there are just 10 legislative days left until the end of Session, which will adjourn on March 28th. But still lots to come under the Gold Dome!

The deadline to vote early in Georgia's presidential primary election is also fast approaching. As a reminder, Election Day is next Tuesday, March 12th. You can vote early through this Friday. Find your polling location and hours by visiting www.mvp.sos.ga.gov!

Save the Date!

Before we dive in, we have a big announcement: the Second Annual Greater Georgia Legislative Awards Ceremony will be held on April 16th!

We'll gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our conservative leaders during the 2024 legislative session - and to honor key lawmakers for their efforts on education, public safety, economic development, election integrity, and more. Stay tuned to your email inbox for more information!

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 915

About: Mid-year budget

Sponsor: Representative Jon Burns

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Received final passage and signed into law

House Bill 1180

About: A bill to limit the state’s film tax credit

Sponsor: Representative Kasey Carpenter

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

Elections

House Bill 986

About: A bill to outlaw election deep fakes

Sponsor: Representative Brad Thomas

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

House Bill 974

About: A bill to establish a statewide database for ballot images

Sponsor: Representative John LaHood

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

Public Safety

House Bill 1105

About: A bill to crack down on illegal immigration

Sponsor: Representative Jesse Petrea

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the House

Senate Bill 421

About: A bill to crack down on swatting

Sponsor: Senator Clint Dixon

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Senate Bill 420

About: A bill to ban foreign adversaries from purchasing farmland

Sponsor: Senator Jason Anavitarte

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Senate Bill 351

About: A bill to protect children on social media

Sponsor: Senator Jason Anavitarte

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Religious Liberty

Senate Bill 180

About: A bill to protect religious liberty and freedom

Sponsor: Senator Ed Setzler

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Other

Senate Bill 507

About: A bill to create an "America First" license plate

Sponsor: Senator Steve Gooch

To read the bill, CLICK HERE.

Status: Passed the Senate

Other News to Know

Democrats Defeat Bill to Ban Noncitizen Voting

Late on Crossover night, Democrat lawmakers in the State House struck down a resolution to ban noncitizen voting in the state of Georgia. Although all Republicans voted for it, a two-thirds majority is required to pass and House Democrats were able to defeat the bill. Please note, it is illegal for noncitizens to vote in the state of Georgia - but this resolution would have prevented cities in the future from allowing noncitizens to vote in local elections. To view the full list of votes and to read the resolution, CLICK HERE.

Legislator Spotlight

Jason Anavitarte (SD-31)

Senator Jason Anavitarte represents Dallas, Georgia and its surrounding communities. Senator Anavitarte is the Majority Caucus Chair, and he also serves as Vice Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee. He is also a member of the Appropriations, Ethics, Finance, Redistricting, and Transportation Committees. This Session, Senator Anavitarte has been an outspoken advocate for heightened border security, cybersecurity, and reigning in rogue prosecutors.

To learn more about Senator Anavitarte, CLICK HERE.

Representative Jesse Petrea (HD-166)

Representative Jesse Petrea serves Savannah, Georgia. He is the Chairman of the Human Relations and Aging Committee and Secretary of the Game, Fish, and Parks Committee. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations, Health, Industry and Labor, Natural Resources, and the Public Safety Committees. Last week, his bill to crack down on illegal immigrants in our state passed the House.

To learn more about Representative Petrea, CLICK HERE.

Greater Georgia Update

Celebrating Black History Month

Our team celebrated Black History Month by engaging in a number of events across the black community. We had a great time stopping by A Taste of Black Gwinnett, the Black Bartow History Pop-Up, and the Georgia Black Republican Council's Masquerade Ball!

To wrap up the month, we hosted an insightful fireside chat called "The New Conservative Coalition: Black Leaders of Georgia." Special thanks to our emcee Melvin Everson and panelists Mesha Mainor, Kelvin King, Michaleah Montgomery, and Jalen Johnson!

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

Capitol Beat - Georgia House targets illegal immigrants after Athens murder

Fox 5 - Attorney Ashleigh Merchant testifies before senate committee investigating Fani Willis

11 Alive - Your guide to presidential primary voting in Georgia

Fox 5 - LockBit cyberattack: Fulton County refuses to pay ransom as deadline passes

Capitol Beat - Kemp signs midyear budget

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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