House and Senate meetings

Search what was said

Recent meetings

1. March 25, 2026 · House floor · 2 h 29 min

   House floor session, March 25, 2026 (legislative day 37, AM)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The House heard first and second readings and committee reports, then passed the uncontested local calendar by a vote of 164 to 0. Before that vote, members removed HB 1567 and SB 359 from the calendar and returned them to committee without objection. Members also recognized autism acceptance and advocacy through HR 1885, honored a former public safety leader through HR 1581, and recognized technical college award winners through HR 1276. Much of the remaining session consisted of guest recognitions, condolences and a departing member's remarks about service and future civic engagement work. The House recessed until 1:45 p.m.

2. March 25, 2026 · Senate floor · 7 h 43 min

   Senate floor session, March 25, 2026 (legislative day 37)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The Senate passed bills on education scholarships, elections, retirement benefits, tax credits, courts, boating and military scholarships. After debate, it passed HB 328, expanding education tax credits, 30 to 20, and HB 369, changing certain county elections to nonpartisan elections, 32 to 21. It tabled HB 1185 after discussion of business court rules and several amendments. Senators approved revised school-zone camera rules in HB 651 and agreed to House changes on reckless stunt driving, pharmacist access to HIV prevention medicine, school discrimination complaints, insurance decisions involving artificial intelligence and DeKalb County compensation. The session also included bill readings, committee referrals and ceremonial recognitions. The Senate adjourned until March 27 at 10 a.m.

3. March 25, 2026 · House Rules Committee · 43 min

   House Rules Committee, March 25, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee placed eight measures on the day's House calendar, including SB 306 after approving a substitute concerning low-income housing tax credits. Members questioned whether that substitute clarified existing limits or substantially changed the amount of credits available. The substitute passed by voice vote with opposition. The committee also returned SB 382 to the Ways and Means Committee without objection. Members heard requests to advance SB 594, concerning digital identity fraud, and SB 89, described by the requesting member as allowing liquor stores to sell cannabis drinks. Neither received a calendar vote during this meeting.

4. March 25, 2026 · Senate Transportation Committee · 1 h 35 min

   Senate Transportation Committee, March 25, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved three measures with changes. It removed a duplicate road dedication from HR 1300 and approved the amended resolution. It unanimously approved HB 1277, which the sponsor described as updating transportation cost thresholds and reporting, after adding a delay for electric-vehicle charging requirements. The longest discussion concerned a substitute for HB 297 to reorganize state transit agencies. Members questioned local representation, the governor’s influence, transportation oversight and the proposal’s review late in the session. A MARTA witness requested transparency about federal transit funds. The committee changed the proposed board’s membership and unanimously approved the substitute as amended.

5. March 25, 2026 · Senate Appropriations Committee · 1 h 08 min

   Senate Appropriations Committee, March 25, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee unanimously approved three measures: SR 978, creating a study committee on higher education funding; a substitute for HB 1193, addressing early literacy; and the Senate version of HB 974, the fiscal year 2027 budget. The chair described the budget as totaling $38.5 billion, with investments in literacy coaches, disability services, state retirees, health care and public safety. Members asked about autism services, borrowing for school safety, retiree benefits and reduced university funding for online courses. The chair also recognized budget staff and marked what the chair expected would be the committee's final appropriations hearing in its current room.

6. March 25, 2026 · Senate Rules Committee · 51 min

   Senate Rules Committee, March 25, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved substitutes for two study committee resolutions, HB 79 and HB 485, then unanimously approved a group of bills for the Senate calendar. Presentations covered taxes, education, insurance, veterans’ benefits, transportation and other subjects. Members questioned whether HB 1178, which would put a House oversight committee into law, duplicated existing powers and should also cover the Senate. A vote followed, but the result was not clearly announced. The committee also voted on an artificial intelligence-related substitute for HB 171, without a clear announcement of the result. During calendar consideration, one speaker opposed the transit referendum provisions substituted into HB 583. The final calendar included that bill, the budget and numerous other measures.

7. March 24, 2026 · Senate Ethics Committee · 1 h 17 min

   Senate Ethics Committee, March 24, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved an election-law substitute for HB 960, replacing its original proposal to add a Gwinnett County judge. The substitute’s sponsor proposed hand-marked paper ballots counted by machines for November’s election. Members questioned the timing, county costs, ballot security, recount procedures and privacy protections for voters facing violence or stalking. The chair did not allow public testimony, citing earlier hearings and debate. The committee unanimously adopted amendments reducing proposed fines and clarifying when manual recounts must begin. Amendments restoring the original judgeship proposal and preserving the secretary of state’s oversight role failed. The amended substitute passed 8-4.

8. March 24, 2026 · Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee · 1 h 10 min

   Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, March 24, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved two bills concerning veterans. Most of the meeting focused on HB 108, which the sponsor described as protections for veterans using paid benefits consultants. Members and witnesses debated fees, veterans’ access to alternatives to free services, and whether consultants must have federal accreditation. The committee added an accreditation requirement by a 6-4 vote, then approved the amended bill 8-1. The committee also approved HB 632, which the sponsor and the Department of Veterans Service commissioner said would clarify eligibility and procedures for disabled veterans’ business tax and fee exemptions. That bill passed by voice vote.

9. March 24, 2026 · Senate Higher Education Committee · 56 min

   Senate Higher Education Committee, March 24, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee reviewed HB 419, HB 1113, HB 962 and HB 1413, then unanimously recommended a combined substitute for HB 1413 as amended. The package kept the Dream Scholarship provisions, added campus opioid-overdose response provisions and the part-time student retirement-plan exclusion, and raised the college savings contribution limit to $550,000. It omitted proposals for medical scholarships and tax deductions for contributions to other states’ college savings plans. The committee also unanimously approved an amendment changing how lottery reserves would be calculated. No separate votes were taken on the other three bills. The chair canceled the committee’s Thursday meeting before adjournment.

10. March 24, 2026 · Senate Insurance and Labor Committee · 45 min

    Senate Insurance and Labor Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered a substitute for HB 1344, an insurance affordability and claims-handling package. The sponsor described provisions addressing fraud, uninsured drivers, storm claims, insurer penalties, property claims deadlines and other insurance issues. Members asked about premium taxes, expected savings and rental-home marketplace guarantees. One member objected to including the marketplace guarantee provisions. The committee held a show-of-hands vote on a motion to recommend the substitute, but the transcript does not clearly establish the result or a complete vote count.

11. March 24, 2026 · House Retirement Committee · 1 h 25 min

    House Retirement Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered three retirement bills. Members approved SB 150 as a substitute with an amendment requiring another review of the program that lets certain retired teachers return to full-time teaching. The committee heard support for SB 143, which would change firefighter retirement eligibility and allow pension recipients to continue paid fire service, but took no vote. Members raised questions about pension costs, investment risks and possible federal tax consequences. The committee also discussed SB 261, covering magistrates’ pension benefits, contributions and board membership. The chair said a revised version and updated financial analysis were expected before further consideration. No vote was taken on that bill.

12. March 24, 2026 · Senate Education and Youth Committee · 1 h 19 min

    Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee unanimously approved HB 310, which the sponsor described as a pilot program to help low-income student teachers cover expenses and encourage them to teach in Georgia public schools. Two college students testified about the financial strain of preparing to teach. The committee also heard HB 1259, concerning academic requirements and funding for district-operated virtual schools enrolling students from outside the district. Members debated school performance, oversight, parental choice and the consequences of requiring students to move elsewhere. The chair postponed a vote and said discussion and testimony from the other side would continue Thursday.

13. March 24, 2026 · House Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee · 36 min

    House Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee reconsidered SB 555, which would allow certain nonveteran family members into Georgia War Veterans’ Homes, and reviewed a substitute adding protections for benefits appeals after an applicant dies. Members questioned veteran admission priorities, waiting lists, occupancy requirements and funding. A Department of Veterans Service witness said veterans would retain priority. The committee approved the substitute with three opposing votes and sent it back to the Rules Committee.

14. March 24, 2026 · Senate Retirement Committee · 33 min

    Senate Retirement Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved a measure that members described as giving experienced teachers a pathway back to the classroom amid a teacher shortage. The committee then approved HB 818, which the sponsor said would move Georgia Tax Court judges into the Judicial Retirement System while leaving court staff in the Employees’ Retirement System. Members asked about the financial effects of the transfer and retirement benefits for staff. Both measures passed by voice vote, with no opposition heard. The committee then adjourned.

15. March 24, 2026 · Senate Children and Families Committee · 41 min

    Senate Children and Families Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved HB 943, a five-year pilot program to screen children in foster care for autism. It also approved an amended substitute for HB 256 that expands foster caregiver protections and incorporates the juvenile court recording provisions of SB 525. Members discussed caregivers’ access to confidential records, the role of volunteer advocates, and who could obtain court recordings. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that parties, including the state, could obtain those recordings. No vote counts were announced. The committee adjourned after these actions.

16. March 24, 2026 · Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee · 2 h 52 min

    Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved HB 521 with an amendment narrowing one county-approval requirement for annexations, and unanimously approved HB 1316 to correct a school-tax exemption ballot question. Members heard testimony on HB 646, covering coroner pay and staffing, and provisions from HB 868 concerning health coverage for retiring county officers. The chair deferred a vote for further work. The committee also held a hearing on SB 628, which would let Augusta-Richmond County voters decide whether to adopt a council-manager government. Supporters described a need for clearer management and accountability, while witnesses questioned the timing, unfinished local charter review and proposed division of authority. No vote was taken on that bill.

17. March 24, 2026 · House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee · 1 h 19 min

    House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered two versions of SB 33 addressing hemp-derived products. The sponsor presented a version intended to align Georgia law with federal limits on intoxicating cannabinoids. Members raised concerns about federal timing, enforcement, businesses and consumers who use the products. The chair then presented a narrower substitute targeting cannabinoids that cannot occur naturally in the cannabis plant. After adding a definition of products containing those cannabinoids and related references, the committee unanimously recommended passage of the substitute as amended.

18. March 24, 2026 · House Motor Vehicles Committee · 33 min

    House Motor Vehicles Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered SB 76, focusing on eliminating license-plate renewal stickers and expanding where side-by-side vehicles may travel. Members questioned how sticker removal would work with one-year and five-year registrations, electronic notices and annual emissions testing. The presenters said the changes would save money and make road rules more uniform. The committee approved an amendment changing the effective date to July 1, 2027, then approved the bill as amended by voice vote. No vote count was stated.

19. March 24, 2026 · Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee · 2 h 23 min

    Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered three bills. It held action on HB 1027, which would allow longer electric-power contracts, after questions about whether added pricing restrictions would put municipal utilities at a competitive disadvantage. It approved a substitute for HB 187 establishing rules for optional vehicle value protection agreements, voting 5-4 to send it to Rules. The committee also considered replacing HB 34 with hemp-product restrictions, including THC limits and driving-impairment warnings. A convenience-store industry witness opposed that proposal, while members discussed product safety and impaired driving. After an initial 5-4 vote against passage, the chair voted to create a tie and said the proposal would remain alive for discussion at the next meeting.

20. March 24, 2026 · House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee · 3 h 12 min

    House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, March 24, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved SB 527, which would require sheriff candidates to be certified peace officers before qualifying to run. The committee also approved a substitute for SB 442 after removing a section limiting truck owners’ duties to add newer equipment. A separate amendment addressing noncitizen commercial driver’s license expiration and transfer testing failed. Members heard extensive testimony on SB 482, which would change access to booking photographs and law enforcement videos. Speakers discussed privacy, public access, police accountability, staffing costs and possible exceptions for news organizations. The chair postponed action on that bill until a planned Thursday meeting so proposed changes could be combined into a revised version.

Browse by year

• 2026 (623 meetings)

For machines, models, and agents

Every page here has a Markdown twin

Add .md to any address for the Markdown, /text for the verbatim text, or send Accept: text/markdown. Documentation: the JSON API, connecting an assistant, and the full URL grammar on /for-assistants.

• Map

  The collection at routing depth, one line per unit, with links onward. Markdown.

  https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md

• Search

  Full-text search; add .md before the query for the Markdown twin, and &in=headings to search only headings.

  https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/search?q=

• JSON API

  Public read routes, no key: /meta for coverage, /search, /items?ids=, POST /verify.

  https://api.georgiacommons.org/api/meetings

• MCP

  The MCP server, streamable HTTP, no key. Serves the Code and the two constitutions, bills, opinions, and House and Senate meetings.

  https://mcp.georgiacommons.org/mcp

• About

  Provenance, coverage, license, and the independence statement.

  https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/about.md