What Have We Learned: One Month Into The Legislative Session

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Legislative Democrats Fight For Georgians

One month into the 2026 legislative session, Georgia Democrats have made clear they are fighting on two fronts: blocking harmful legislation and advancing proposals that reflect a different vision for the state.

Democrats have worked to resist HB 54, which would ban certain medical care for transgender Georgians covered by the State Employee Health Benefit Plan. While Republicans hold the majority, Democrats have used floor speeches, committee debate, and public pressure to slow and challenge the bill’s progress.

But this session hasn’t only been defensive. Democratic lawmakers have introduced a slate of bills focused on accountability and consumer protection. SB 414, sponsored by Democratic Sen. Kim Jackson alongside Republican Sen. Russ Goodman, would require landlords to disclose the full cost of renting a residential property, a meaningful step toward housing transparency. 

In response to federal immigration enforcement overreach, Democrats introduced a coordinated package of bills: SB 389, requiring federal agents to be clearly identifiable; SB 391, requiring warrants to enter schools, hospitals, libraries, and houses of worship; SB 397, creating a civil cause of action for constitutional violations committed within Georgia; and SB 390, requiring gubernatorial approval before armed forces from other states may operate in Georgia.

We have also seen many Democratic legislative leaders meet at the moment. State Rep. Saira Draper criticized the FBI raid on the Fulton County Board of Elections, noting that the claims used to justify the raid have already been litigated and rejected in court. State Sen. Josh McLaurin called the move “extremely alarming,” warning against reopening settled elections and undermining public trust. Meanwhile, Rep. Shea Roberts has led opposition to legislation targeting librarians and school media programs, defending educators and emphasizing the importance of protecting intellectual freedom in public schools.

Taken together, the first month of session shows a Democratic caucus fighting to turn public concern into legislative action by defending civil rights, protecting election integrity, and proposing practical reforms on affordability and transparency. The path forward remains difficult in a Republican-controlled legislature, but Democrats have made clear they will not give an inch on either policy or principle.

Intimidation and Repression: The Republican Majority

Fulton County Raid

Last month, the FBI raided the Fulton County elections office in a not-so-surprising overreach of executive power justified by a 22-page affidavit released by the Department of Justice earlier this week. The affidavit regurgitates the false MAGA election narrative of “election fraud” in Fulton County. Under this conspiracy theory, 700 ballot boxes and other election materials from the office were taken by the FBI.

The Fulton county’s Board of Commissioners sued the federal government for the return of these materials last week. Authoritarian displays of brute force have become an increasingly defining characteristic of the Trump administration in the past months, with top Trump officials across cabinet positions all performing for an audience of one.

The “SAVE America” Act

Republicans’ questionable dealings in the realm of voter rights doesn’t end here. On January 30th, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE America Act), which aims to impose stricter voting and documentation requirements of US citizens. These measures include requirement for documentary proof of US citizenship, a federal photo ID requirement, periodic voter registration purges, and mandates for individual states to share voter data with the Department of Homeland Security. The House passed the act on February 11th, sparking a heated debate in the Senate over concerns that some lawmakers view as burdensome and unnecessarily harsh. Make no mistake, this bill would make it extremely difficult for millions of American Citizens to vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) declared the bill “dead on arrival” after it passed through the house, yielding some supporters across the aisle, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The SAVE America Act currently needs 60 votes to overcome the Senate filibuster.

Threatening Librarians

Senate Bill 74, sponsored by Republican Sen. Max Burns, was first introduced in the 2025 legislative session and has made its way to the House just last week. In line with Georgia’s obscenity laws, this bill would charge librarians who knowingly distribute "materials harmful to minors” with a “misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.” This comes after Marietta, Georgia banned 25 books in public schools, 11 of which were written by LGBTQ+ authors, and after an even longer history of book banning in the United States. Under the language of “protecting the children,” we are allowing our government to fine our librarians up to $5,000 and possibly up to 12 months of jail for doing their job.

From the Hayes Code, which discourages queer representation in films beyond villain roles to the McCarthy era, obscenity laws have reflected both puritan interest and social conformity. Too often, banned books are a threat to the current social order. Book banning by conservative movements reflect their true fear of free thought and expression. 

It cannot be understated the importance of free access to information in a healthy environment. Suppression of identity and education only harms young queer youth as well as possible allies to their movement. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, the very nature of allowing our librarians to be fined and jailed for providing free information from their libraries is, to put it lightly, frightening. 

There is still time for the House to reject the bill, but as the vote will likely come down to party lines, it will be up to you, the voter, to call your Republican representatives to demand that they stand up for librarians. 

From Outrage to Action: Building the Majority Georgia Deserves

The abuses of power by Georgia Republicans and their continued disregard for working families are not accidents, they are the result of unchecked control. When lawmakers silence communities, undermine public education, restrict healthcare access, and prioritize political theater over real solutions, it becomes clear: change won’t happen on its own.

That’s exactly why the 2030 Project exists.

Our mission is straightforward but urgent: flip the Georgia State House by 2030. We are building toward a future where every Georgian has fair representation and where the state government works for the people, not those in power. By targeting key districts and supporting strong Democratic candidates, we can create a majority that lowers costs, protects rights, and delivers meaningful results for families across the state.

One of the most critical races in this effort is House District 99, where we are proud to support Michelle Kang in both her primary and general election campaigns.

Michelle’s platform centers on what everyday Georgians actually need: lowering costs while improving essential services. She is fighting to expand affordable housing access, establish universal childcare, broaden healthcare coverage, invest in public education, support small businesses, and protect Georgia families from harmful federal overreach, especially ICE intimidation.

Two years ago, Michelle came within just 2% of flipping this seat in an incredibly difficult year for Democrats nationwide. That margin proves this district is competitive and winnable. With the right resources and grassroots energy, we can finish the job.

Sign up to volunteer or contribute to Michelle’s campaign here:
https://michellekangforga.com/

Change doesn’t start in Washington. It starts here district by district, seat by seat.

More Powerful Than Hate: Bad Bunny Halftime Show

Surrounded by Puerto Rico’s sugar cane fields, Bad Bunny emerged ready to perform in the highly anticipated 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. The lead up to this performance was nothing short of politically charged with Donald Trump claiming the NFL made a “terrible choice," along with Turning Point USA promoting an alternative “All-American Halftime Show.” Yet, within this 13 minute performance, Bad Bunny sent a clear message that cultural pride and authenticity are in itself forms of resistance in a time when minority communities are under attack. 

From costume to setting, Bad Bunny was intentional with the symbols and messaging that this performance would have. Clad in a cream monochromatic outfit (similar to that of a Jíbaro), Bad Bunny began his show with “Titi Me Pregunto” walking alongside vendors selling tacos, coco frio, along with the iconic Puerto Rican treat, Piraguas. A pair of sparring boxers, tables of dominoes, along with women at a nail salon were a nod to the cultural joy of Puerto Rico. 

He continued with songs such as “Yo Perro Sola” and “Safera” until he ended up at a wedding fiesta on the rooftop of La Casita, reminiscent of a traditional Puerto Rican home. As the dancing and singing continued, one would find it difficult to resist an invitation to this party. Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Karol G, and Pedro Pascal were some of the few familiar guests at this party along with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin making an appearance. 

As joy radiated from the countless dancers and the performance from Bad Bunny himself, the stark political symbolism towards the end spoke numbers. Bad Bunny’s climbing atop power lines while singing “El Apagón” (the Blackout) was a recognition of Puerto Rico’s extremely fragile power grid. It’s been 5 years since the federal government has promised to fund these upgrades, however this has yet to happen. 

Just before closing out the performance, people bearing flags from all the nations of North and South America were named and led out of the stadium with the jumbotron of the stadium displaying the words “The Only Thing More Powerful Than Hate is Love.” This was a reminder to all that together we are one America. Singing his final song, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” Bad Bunny left the stadium continuing to celebrate with those around him.  

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