Six more lawmakers on Friday removed their names from a “birther” bill making its way in the Georgia House.

That brings the total number of co-sponsors who have dropped their support to 28, leaving House Bill 401 with 65 backers, all of them Republicans.

The proposal would force presidential and vice presidential candidates to prove their U.S. citizenship before landing on the Georgia ballot.

The bill has been inspired by the “birther” movement, which does not believe President Barack Obama was born in the United States.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mark Hatfield, R-Waycross, has said he has not seen proof of Obama’s eligibility but also insists the measure would apply to any candidate for those offices.

The subcommittee weighing the proposal is slated to next meet Tuesday, but it was unclear Friday afternoon whether the bill will be heard then.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Georgia politician to challenge the state's campaign finance laws. He says the laws give rival Lt. Gov. Burt Jones an illegal advantage as they campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. (Jason Getz/AJC).

Credit: TNS

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez