The Georgia House unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that allows residents to sue over laws they believe are unconstitutional.

The 166-0 vote sends House Bill 311 to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature or veto.

The legislation permits lawsuits over statutes that may have gone too far, and it gives judges the authority to halt those laws. The bill bars monetary relief.

Live: Use AJC tracker to follow Georgia bills

Georgians lost the ability to use the courts to stop illegal government actions in 2017, when the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that citizens couldn't sue without the government's permission. 

The legislation gives that permission by granting a limited waiver to the legal doctrine of sovereign immunity.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A view of First Liberty Building & Loan in downtown Newnan on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC