The state Senate passed new rules Monday that will likely speed passage of new political maps favoring its Republican majority.
The rules, among other changes, eliminate a requirement for a two-thirds vote to send a bill to the House on the same day it passes the Senate. It allows two readings of a bill on the same day, instead of the usual 24-hour cycle. And it sets strict requirements for introducing proposed changes to legislative and congressional districts, such as will be discussed during this special session.
The rules are in effect only during the special session, which started Monday and is expected to last for at least the next couple of weeks.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle gaveled the Senate to order at 10:05 a.m., the same time the House came to order under House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge.
While the agenda was light in the House, the mood was somber as lawmakers paid tribute to the late Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, who died unexpectedly last month. Franklin, 56, was found dead at home July 26.
Lawmakers' work on their reason for being here -- approving new maps outlining the state's political districts -- will begin in earnest Tuesday when both the House and Senate redistricting committees meet for the first time since draft maps were released last week.
Despite the innate political nature of redistricting, where lawmakers' careers are often decided by minute changes in district boundaries, Republicans and Democrats greeted each other with smiles and handshakes Monday.
That will likely change by Tuesday morning.
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