Tag: General Assembly

The Okefenokee Swamp, the largest blackwater swamp in North America and one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders, is a rare ecological treasure. Home to thousands of native plants and animals—including at least 15,000 alligators—it also supports a thriving tourist economy in Southeast Georgia, employing over 700 people and bringing in $64.7 million of revenue a year. But the Okefenokee’s delicate ecology is frequently threatened by mining interests: an ancient sand dune that borders the swamp is full of valuable heavy minerals, buy hydrology experts say extracting them would cause significant water loss in the Okefenokee, leading to more frequent drought and fires.

It was a busy first week back for Georgia’s elected officials. Freshmen lawmakers were sworn in, new congressional leadership was elected, and Governor Brian Kemp was inaugurated for his second term. Now, with the 2023 legislative session in full swing, here are five new developments that will likely shape this year’s lawmaking agenda.

While Georgia's recent demographic changes have favored Democrats, Georgia Republicans are benefiting from a wholly different transformation: a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court.

What survived and what didn't on Crossover Day 2021, a.k.a. the day a bill must pass either the Georgia House or Senate in order to have a chance at becoming law.

Georgia House Bill 838 passed the legislature in June and is on Governor Brian Kemp's desk. While proponents say it provides necessary protections for police and first responders, some civil rights groups argue that it is a tool to muzzle protestors. Here's how the legislation quickly came to be and what people are saying about it.

On January 13, lawmakers from across Georgia will converge under the Gold Dome downtown for the annual session of the General Assembly. Here are the major issues they'll be discussing in 2020.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has until May 12 to sign or veto the bills that cleared the Legislature during this recent General Assembly. Some proposals will be a no-brainer for the governor, others are marred in controversy. Here’s a look at some of the most impactful measures.

What happened to the Georgia adoption bill? The brunch bill? The "distracted driving" bill? Here's a brief look at some important bills that passed, some that didn’t, and whether lawmakers will make a rare summertime return to the Gold Dome to woo Amazon.

Georgia lawmakers have been accused of moving the goal posts so their party can stay in power. Could an independent set of mapmakers put an end to the process? Or must the courts decide?

Ryan Shepard launched Human Capital Theory to connect local businesses and nonprofits with talent from underserved communities. Allie Bashuk is helping artists create studio space in vacant downtown buildings. Rohit Malhotra founded the Center for Civic Innovation. Dar Vanderbeck develops opportunities for Teach for America alumni to flex their entrepreneurial muscle.