Lawmakers return today at 10 a.m. for the 153rd session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Has it really been a year already?
The first day is usually short on action and long on ceremony, but as usual, it’s what you can’t see that’s important.
Given that this is the second year of a two-year session, some bills left over from last year could be ready for their close up. One that that we’ve heard might surface quickly is SB 127, an ethics bill that would give amnesty to elected officials who failed to file disclosures on time. The House and Senate were still squabbling over differing versions when time ran out last year.
Lobbyists, who never really stop trying to woo lawmakers, will shift into high gear. Among them, casino advocates who might try to make an early move to gain support, despite opposition from Gov. Nathan Deal.
On the lighter side: the Florida activist who brought the “Festivus” pole to the Capitol says he will be back Monday with a “tolerance and love” display -- a not-so-subtle message to lawmakers who are set to consider the latest incarnation of the religious liberty proposal.
About the Author
