GA Legislative Watch | Feb. 11, 2022
Presented by OHIO RIVER SOUTH
GA Legislative Watch
By Rebecca Wallace ● Feb 11, 2022
Smart Brevity™ count: 2 mins… 581 words
Show some love — On Monday, both chambers will convene at 10 am for Legislative Day 16, after which 24 legislative days will remain.
Committee hearings are set to begin as early as 7:00 am on some days; Wednesday is a committee work day. Check the changing schedule regularly.
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1 Big Thing: Control Over Curricula
Republicans are introducing various versions of laws to impose control over how race and identity are discussed in the education system, from K-12 to higher education.
SB 377, HB 1084, SB 375 all require state agencies and local government entities to prevent the use of curricula or training which act upon, promote, or encourage certain concepts, with exceptions.
Formally opposed by the Atlanta School Board, another one, HB 888 would:
- Control the treatment of race in education.
- Prohibit state agencies, school boards and educators from compelling any individual to affirm, adopt, adhere to, profess, or promote concepts that violate federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
- Prohibit the inclusion of certain concepts in courses offered in elementary and secondary schools.
- Promotes and protects the intellectual freedom of students and educators
Also, Rep. David Knight (R-Griffin) sent an 11-page letter to USG requesting information about courses, curricula, jobs and research that focus on topics such as anti-racism and social justice.
The bottom line: Local leaders are jumping on the Critical Race Theory BANwagon, which — even though it’s not taught in public schools — has become a national wedge issue.
2. Notable Bills Passed or Introduced
The Amended 2022 State Budget passed out of the House today, providing funding through June 30, 2022.
Cityhood in Cobb: In stark contrast to the Buckhead proposal, the first cityhood bill, East Cobb, is headed to the Governor’s desk setting up a May 24 referendum.
- What’s next: The House passed cityhood bills for Vinings and Lost Mountain, also in Cobb County. If passed by the Senate, they will also be on the ballot.
An increase in postpartum coverage from six months to one year after birth comes under Medicaid with SB 338, passed unanimously by the Senate.
Regional development authorities may be a thing as HB 1044 passed the House Committee on Economic Development & Tourism.
One to watch: HB 1093 enacting zoning requirements for single-family rental dwellings has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
- Our thought bubble: Residential real estate developers and counties will duke it out on right-to-rent and home rule regulations for the communities.
3. Big Political News
Speaker Ralston and a growing number of Republicans have opposed the Buckhead City movement. Lt. Gov. Duncan voiced his opposition just before the Senate passed his anti-crime measure as a better alternative to address the movement’s main argument.
- SB 361, the LESS Crime Act will reduce individuals’ and companies’ state income taxes when they donate to local police or sheriff foundations.
- The tax credits would be capped at $5K per individual and 75% of a corporation’s tax liability.
- The bill will require law enforcement departments to use the money for pay raises, new hires, and other improvements. None would be allowed to receive more than $5M annually.
A federal judge ruled that Gov. Kemp can’t use a special leadership committee to raise unlimited campaign contributions in the GOP gubernatorial race.
- Yes, but: He can still use the committee to raise money — including during session — to spend in the potential general election, and the committee doesn’t have to give back money already spent or committed.
During the Cobb schools redistricting hearing, Rep. David Wilkerson, Democratic Caucus whip, was nearly tossed out and sheriffs were called in.
Former Democrat Vernon Jones drops bid for Governor, endorses Sen. David Perdue, and is now running for the open U.S House 10th district seat with the endorsement of Trump.
4. Leadership Changes
Kathy Waller, a veteran executive of The Coca-Cola Company, is the new executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress.
5. What’s Next
The Senate Committee on Rules added the following bills to the Rules Calendar for Monday:
SB 84 – Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund
SB 316 – Stalking against a minor
SB 341 – Prior authorization of a prescribed medication for chronic conditions
SB 364 – Violating provisions relating to telephone solicitations
HB 907 – Revise provisions relating to dates for special elections
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