Legislative bills Atlanta supports — and fears — as the new session begins
Atlanta’s political leaders watch with baited breath every year when state lawmakers descend on Georgia’s Capitol for the 40-day legislative session.
That’s because some members of the GOP-led state House and Senate tend to introduce bills that affect the city, which Atlanta lawmakers adamantly oppose and are often pushed by legislators who live well outside city limits.
Throughout his first term in office, Mayor Andre Dickens has successfully thwarted multiple attempts by some GOP lawmakers to back legislation that would have paved the way for a vote on Buckhead becoming an independent city.
Other legislative initiatives that have troubled city leaders are making sleep on city streets illegal; forcing the city to increase the number of Fulton County jail inmates housed in the Atlanta City Detention Center; and threatening a state takeover of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
City Council members say they are cautiously optimistic Atlanta won’t become a target this year. But just in case, the body approved a list of legislative items it would support and oppose under the Gold Dome.
A potential takeover of the detention center is atop the list of legislation city officials say would hurt Atlanta. The lease agreement with Fulton County is set to expire at the end of this year.
“Handing control to outside entities risks diverting resources away from Atlanta’s reform-oriented goals and could lead to operational changes that may not align with the city’s values or needs,” officials said in a legislative summary approved by City Council.
But there are some bills Atlanta leaders say they hope state lawmakers pass:
- Tax credits for small businesses
- In-state tuition for DACA students
- Water consumption reporting requirements for data centers
- Stronger street car racing legislation
- Creation of an event ticket fee
- Penalties for crimes using artificial intelligence
- Educational incentives for police officers and mental health support for first responders
City Council members get committee assignments
Part of the duties of Atlanta City Council president is to make committee assignments that are crucial to setting the legislative agenda. City Council has seven standing committees that meet biweekly and must approve most pieces of legislation before they can be voted on by the full council.
Chairing a committee also means in-depth interactions with city department heads. Some committee heads are delegated duties outside City Hall and sit on powerful planning boards like Invest Atlanta and the Beltline.
After the official swearing-in ceremony last week that kicked off the start of a new four-year term for Atlanta lawmakers, newly elected President Marci Collier Overstreet announced committee chairs.
Overstreet said while campaigning that she would select chairs who align with both her and the mayor’s legislative goals.
“Every member of this City Council has something powerful to offer,” Overstreet said last week. “I will ensure that every member of council can bring their passion, expertise and heart to their committee assignments.”
The committee chairs are:
- City utilities: Dustin Hillis
- Committee on council: Byron Amos
- Community development/human services: Matt Westmoreland
- Finance/executive: Jason Winston
- Public safety and legal administration: Andrea Boone
- Transportation: Alex Wan
- Zoning: Mary Norwood
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About the Author
Riley Bunch is a reporter on the local government team at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covering Atlanta City Hall. She covers the mayor and Atlanta City Council while also keeping an eye on the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
