Georgia Legislature

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

History of abuse will factor in sentencing some defendants under new Georgia law

Under the new law, defense attorneys will be allowed to enter evidence of their client’s abuse as their legal defense or to seek a lower sentence.

Still waiting for your $500 Georgia tax refund? Here’s how to check on it.

How to check if you are eligible for a an extra income tax refund in Georgia.

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Family announces birth of brain-dead Georgia woman’s son by C-section

The family of Adriana Smith, who’s been kept on life support since February because she was pregnant, announced the baby has been born via emergency cesarean section.

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Georgia considers boosts to some state pension plans

The House Retirement Committee on Monday agreed to authorize actuarial studies of the costs of eight bills affecting the pensions of various state employees.

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Family of Adriana Smith marks what would have been her 31st birthday

The pregnant Georgia woman has been on life support since February to allow her body to continue growing her fetus.

Offshore drilling threat resurfaces along Georgia’s coast

Trump administration seeks public comment in offshore oil and gas lease planning along the Outer Continental Shelf, including off the coast of Georgia.

Credit: AJC file photos

State senators admit to campaign finance violations

Georgia state Sens. Colton Moore, Freddie Powell Sims and Derek Mallow agreed to pay late fees and penalties for campaign finance violations.

Resources

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Georgia bill tracker: See the state’s new laws

From tax cuts to social media restrictions, track the noteworthy bills Georgia lawmakers are discussing and see how close they are to passing.

Your guide to the 2025 session of the Legislature

Here’s our guide to how the people of Georgia can participate in the legislative process, such as meeting their legislators and speaking on the issues that matter to them.

Issues to watch during the 2025 Georgia legislative session

Here are some of the top issues that the Georgia Legislature is likely to consider when it returns Jan. 13.

Georgia House speaker talks 2025 agenda, from trans sports to Medicaid expansion

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns says the Legislature will study an Arkansas-style Medicaid expansion but isn't likely to take further steps in 2025.

New Georgia lawmakers vow to listen, learn as first session approaches

Georgia voters elected 22 new members of the General Assembly in November. Here are a few of their stories.

How to speak like a Georgia legislator

At the Georgia Legislature, they don't ask questions. It's a Parliamentary Inquiry. And the bills, the legislation, might be anywhere from a Simple Bill to a Christmas Tree.

AJC Politically Georgia Podcast

Get real, fact-based reporting and analysis on Georgia politics and the upcoming elections every Monday-Friday. Hosted by Georgia’s best political team: The AJC’s Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut.

A skybridge at the state Capitol? Atlanta lawmakers say not in our air.

The Georgia Building Authority says it would make it easier to move between meetings. Atlanta preservationists say it would take away from the historic facade of the building.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

A big election with a tiny turnout: Few voters show up for Georgia PSC primary

Turnout in Georgia's statewide elections for the Public Service Commission is so low that several counties might close polling places for the runoffs.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia high court rejects election board rules for hand counts, inquiries

The Georgia Supreme Court determined the State Election Board didn't have the power to change several voting rules before last year's presidential election.

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

The drama in the lieutenant governor race will come from the Senate floor

Five of the expected candidates for Georgia's next lieutenant governor are state senators, setting up what is expected to be a lively session. Only one is a Democrat, so far.

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Georgian falsely accused in ‘2000 Mules’ of voting fraud wants filmmaker to pay

A federal judge is deciding whether a defamation case against the producers of the election conspiracy movie "2000 Mules" should go to a trial.

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Who tinkered with a Georgia county border? Line moved behind a powerful sheriff’s house.

Borders don't usually move without any votes or laws, but that's what happened in rural northeast Georgia when a county line shifted around the house of a sheriff.

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Surplus tax refunds of up to $500 are on their way to Georgia residents

Extra tax refunds should begin arriving for eligible Georgians as soon as this week.

Credit: TNS

Congress wants Medicaid recipients to work. Georgia provides a model.

Congressional Republicans look to require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work to get coverage, as Georgia does. But the state program has its critics.

Georgia Supreme Court says you must be 21 to carry handguns in public

A unanimous ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court upholds a state law prohibiting people under 21 years old from carrying handguns in public.

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Georgia Power bills have gone up. Now voters will choose who sets rates.

At long last, elections are resuming for Georgia's powerful board that sets electricity rates for customers. Early voting lasts from May 27 to June 13.