Georgia lawmakers running out of time to pass bills before Sine Die
Final push for bills
April 4 is Sine Die and Georgia lawmakers are running out of time to get the bills passed that they support. Here are where things stand as of the morning of April 3.
ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers are racing against the clock with just two days left in the 2024 legislative session to pass bills before the gavel falls. Any legislation that doesn't pass both chambers by the end of the session will have to wait until next year to be reconsidered.
What we know:
Several high-profile measures have already cleared both the House and Senate and are now headed to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk. Among them: a bill offering in vitro fertilization (IVF) protections, a school safety package, and a child tax credit of $250 for children ages six and under.
2025 Georgia Bill Tracker | Current Status of Closely-Watched Bills
Still pending are a number of bills related to health care, education, and tax reform. The session has been marked by both heated disagreements and moments of bipartisan cooperation.
One of the more controversial measures to pass both chambers is Senate Bill 36, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Supporters say the bill protects basic religious rights, but critics, including LGBTQ advocates, warn it could lead to discrimination. Religious and business leaders rallied in favor of the bill earlier this week.
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What they're saying:
Tensions also flared Tuesday when House Democrats walked out of the chamber during debate on a Republican-backed bill regarding gender-affirming care for prison inmates.
"We came here to focus on the opportunity for Georgians to live, learn and earn," one Democratic lawmaker said. "And what do we get? Political theater."
RELATED: Georgia House Democrats walk out in protest over bill banning gender-affirming care for inmates
In contrast, bipartisan efforts have gained traction as well. One proposed measure would allow domestic violence survivors to seek reduced prison sentences for crimes linked to their abuse. Another bill would exempt overtime wages from state income taxes, a move aimed at helping working families.
What's next:
With just hours remaining in the session, lawmakers continue working through the final bills. Updates on which measures pass—and which stall—are expected by the close of business Friday.