What’s at Stake Under the Incoming Trump Administration 

On Monday, January 13th, Georgia's General Assembly started its 2025 legislative session. With less than a week before a twice-impeached convicted felon is sworn in as President of the United States, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant and highlight the GOP's actions at both the state and national levels.

As this session unfolds, we at The 2030 Project are watching all the usual suspects: reproductive freedom, gun legislation, voting rights, immigration, healthcare, and more.

Reproductive freedom

Jon Burns, the Speaker of Georgia's House of Representatives, claims the six-week abortion ban law is clear, despite reports last year linking it to the preventable deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller because doctors were uncertain of its application. Since that report, the Georgia Department of Public Health disbanded the maternal mortality review committee.  

While Burns and the GOP insist the ban doesn't need clarification, he believes there is "nothing more important" than passing a law to "protect the integrity and fairness of girls' sports at every level here in Georgia"—even though lawmakers haven't identified any trans athletes. 

Gun Legislation

Immediately after the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA, Speaker Burns said the legislature might address gun safety this session. It shouldn't be hard to do, granted Dr. Michelle Au (D - Johns Creek) submitted a gun safety bill just last year, which received one hearing but no committee vote. We wait to see if the GOP will fulfill this promise. 

Voting Rights

Speaker Burns has downplayed the likelihood of significant changes to voting legislation. However, the MAGA-stacked (thanks to the infamous SB202) State Election Board has considered abolishing no excuse absentee ballots, granting county election boards the ability to not certify elections, and requiring hand counting of all ballots after polls close. The courts blocked the latter two, but it's possible the GOP legislature may try to revive them.

Immigration 

The incoming Trump administration's platform promised mass deportations of undocumented residents. Last year, the US House passed the Laken Riley Act, allowing deportations of undocumented individuals arrested for theft or burglary without convictions or charges. Whereas Georgia enacted HB1105, legalizing racial profiling and mandating police to detain undocumented individuals. We are monitoring additional state bills supporting this immoral GOP objective.

Healthcare 

Once again, we urge the legislature to pass Medicaid expansion and replace Governor Kemp's failing "Georgia Pathways" program, which cost Georgians $40 million and registered less than 5"000 participants by June 2024. 

Medicaid expansion passed the House in the 2024 session, only to be killed in the Senate committee by Senator Bill Cowsert (R - Athens). With the GOP-controlled Congress seeking to cut healthcare programs for the disadvantaged to fund another massive tax cut for the wealthy, Medicaid's future remains uncertain. 

Looking Ahead to the Future 

While the outlook seems discouraging, remember we still have American democracy, and elections are just two years away. Although the 2024 election results (a gain of 2 seats in the GA House, none in the Senate) were disappointing, we are confident voters will return to the Democratic Party as they witness the GOP mishandling. 

This year, we are building the groundwork to capitalize on those swing voters in 2026. With three election cycles remaining before the next census and redistricting, our mission is far from over.

Thank you for your help, and please continue everything you do. Democracy will prevail in the US and here in Georgia.

Legislative Session FAQs

What is the legislative session, and why is it important? 

The legislative session is the annual period when Georgia’s General Assembly convenes to propose, debate, and vote on new laws and policies. It determines the direction of Georgia’s policies on critical issues like healthcare, education, and public safety, affecting the lives of all residents.

How long does it last?

According to Georgia’s Constitution, the session begins the second Monday of each January and lasts for a maximum of 40 legislative days, typically ending in late March. 

What is Sine Die? & What is Crossover Day?

Most bills switch chambers on Crossover Day, the 30th day of the legislative session. A bill must pass its original chamber before the session ends to advance. Sine Die marks the final adjournment or last day of the Georgia legislative session.

How are bills introduced and passed?

• Introduced: Bills in the Georgia Legislature are drafted with the help of the Office of the Legislative Council to ensure proper terminology and formatting. Senators file bills with the Secretary of the Senate, while Representatives file with the Clerk of the House. On the next legislative day, the bill is introduced through a "First Reading," where its title is read aloud in the chamber of its author. The presiding officer then assigns the bill to a standing committee for review.

• Passed: In the Georgia State Legislature, a bill originating in the House is reviewed in committee, presented to the House, and voted on. If approved, it moves to the Senate on Crossover Day, where senators can discuss, amend, and vote on it. If the Senate approves, it returns to the House for review. The bill proceeds to the governor once the House agrees to the Senate's changes.

What role does Governor Kemp play? (B)

Governor Kemp can sign or veto a bill once it passes both chambers. If the legislature is in session, he has six days to act; after the session ends, he has 40 days to decide. If vetoed, the bill returns to its originating chamber, where a two-thirds majority in both chambers is required to override the veto. Alternatively, the bill automatically becomes law if the governor takes no action within 40 days.

What happens if a bill does not pass during the session?

Georgia operates on a biennial legislative cycle, meaning each session spans two years. For example, proposed legislation introduced in 2025 that does not pass can be revisited, amended, or passed in 2026. However, if it still does not pass by the second year, it expires and can be reintroduced in the next cycle (2027-2028).

What legislation do we expect to see proposed this session? 

• Republican priorities: Legislation targeting transgender athletes (despite no cases in Georgia) and tort reform favoring big businesses while failing to lower insurance costs.

• Democratic priorities: Medicaid expansion to insure over 400,000 Georgians and gun violence prevention, addressing the state’s low rankings in healthcare and worker welfare.

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

Join for free today!