Today is the first day of the 2015 session unburdened by ceremony. But that doesn't mean nothing is happening. It's time to look for new membership lists of House and Senate committees.

Aaron Gould Sheinin, the AJC's eyes in the House, has scored this tidbit, among others:

Powell, an attorney, was first elected in 2008. He takes over the House's primary tax-writing committee from the retired Rep. Mickey Channell, R-Greensboro.

Given the possibility of an increase in the state gas tax, this appointment is an important one.

The House and Senate convene at 10 a.m., but little action is expected.

The first Joint Transportation committee meeting of the session will start at 2. On the agenda is the confirmation of Russell McMurry as director of planning for the Georgia DOT, but it would be surprising if lawmakers didn’t dip a toe into the topic of the week, given the strong statements from Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston in support of raising revenue for transportation.

The governor will start picking members of two big-time study commissions that will review education funding and medical marijuana practices before heading out to his inaugural bash at the Gwinnett Arena.

Today is the last day the House and Senate will gather formally until Monday, Jan. 26. They won’t be in town Friday when the governor releases his budget plan, but many will be back for budget hearings next week.

You say you want to make your plans through mid-February? Here's the schedule lawmakers approved on Wednesday:

Tuesday Jan. 27: Day 6

Wednesday Jan. 28: Day 7

Thursday Jan. 29: Day 8

Monday, Feb. 2: Day 9

Tuesday, Feb. 3: Day 10

Wednesday, Feb. 4: Day 11

Monday, Feb. 9: Day 12

Tuesday, Feb. 10: Day 13

Wednesday, Feb. 11: Day 14

Thursday, Feb. 12: Day 15

Your welcome.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com