THAT'S ALL, FOLKS! State lawmakers conclude 2023 session
A look at what passed and what failed in the 2023 session
The 2023 session of the Georgia General Assembly has officially concluded. State lawmakers worked as Wednesday night turned into Thursday morning hashing out last minute deals on important legislation. We were even treated to surprises as some of Gov. Brian Kemp’s biggest priorities were defeated.
Here is an overview of what all passed and failed this session.
PASSED: The budget
The state budget is the only item that lawmakers are required to debate every year. With the state’s economy running a $6 billion surplus, Gov. Kemp and his GOP allies in the legislature proposed a budget plan that offered pay raises to state employees such as police officers and public school teachers. Additionally, it fully restores HOPE, one of the state’s most popular scholarship programs. But it also includes cuts to the university system’s teaching budget. Georgia Public Broadcasting will also see its state funding reduced by 10%.
FAILED: Buckhead Cityhood
A handful of Republican lawmakers once again attempted to revive a push to divide Atlanta by allowing the neighborhood of Buckhead to vote on becoming their own city. It finally reached a vote on the Senate floor this session, but it was defeated 23-33 after failing to earn enough Republican support. Cityhood activists have long argued that Atlanta officials are turning a blind eye to issues such as violent crime. Opponents, meanwhile, warned that this could set a dangerous precedent for other cities. They also found an unlikely ally in their corner: Gov. Brian Kemp.
PASSED: Limiting gender-affirming care for minors
Perhaps the most controversial bill this session was Senate Bill 140, which seeks to limit healthcare access for transgender minors. A House amendment went a step further: removing language that protected healthcare providers from civil and/or criminal liability. Democrats argued that bills like this will do little to protect transgender children, with many worried that we could see increases in black market procedures and even suicides. Republican supporters, meanwhile, believe that this legislation is about preventing children from making decisions that they could later regret. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill with little fanfare after it was sent to his desk.
FAILED: Private school vouchers
In one of the biggest surprises Wednesday, House lawmakers defeated a measure that would have created a voucher program for private school families — despite a last-minute endorsement from Gov. Kemp. Under Senate Bill 233, families who switch their children from public to private schools would have been given $6,500 to help cover tuition costs. Students must be enrolled in a public school with below-average standardized test scores in order for their families to receive the credit. Supporters believed that the bill would have allowed parents to choose between public and private schools, while opponents warned that this bill takes money away from public schools that need it most.
PASSED: Reigning in prosecutors
Gov. Brian Kemp has signaled that he will soon sign a measure that creates a new statewide panel to exercise oversight on local district attorneys and solicitors general. It is seen as part of Kemp’s larger push to crack down on crime. It is also part of a nationwide GOP movement to go after left-leaning prosecutors who they believe aren’t carrying out their duties. Here in Georgia, much of the Republican anger has been directed at Athens District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez, who has refused to prosecute abortion cases and low-level drug offenses. Gonzalez has faced criticism for a staff exodus, a case backlog and failing to meet court deadlines. But Democrats believe that these measures usurp local control, arguing that these prosecutors already face oversight from the voters that elect them. Fulton County DA Fani Willis went a step further, slamming the move as racist.
FAILED: Sports betting
Another session, another defeat for sports betting supporters. Despite an intense push from Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Senators could not agree on a bill that would have legalized the practice statewide. Supporters failed to convince some on-the-fence Republicans who opposed the idea for religious reasons. Democrats also withheld support for sports betting as retaliation after Republicans passed SB 140.
PASSED: Tax refunds
Expect new state tax credits to hit your bank account in the coming weeks. This is because Gov. Kemp has followed through on his plan to issue more rebates to taxpayers. Single filers will be receiving $250, a head of household will receive $375 and married couples will receive $500. Those who did not file in 2021 will not be eligible for this year’s refund.
FAILED: Mental health overhaul
Despite overwhelming support in the House, only a small portion of the 2023 mental health overhaul will reach the governor’s desk this year. A standoff between House and Senate leaders resulted in the bill failing to meet certain deadlines. A disappointed Speaker Jon Burns said early Thursday morning that he will continue fighting for this issue in the coming years. Mental health was a top priority for his predecessor, the late former Speaker David Ralston. It was one of the last major pieces of legislation that Ralston championed before he passed away.
Here is a look at which bills could soon be signed into law.
another interesting and informatiive read. keep up the excellent reporting...