Georgia’s Legislative Wildcard: Crossover and Controversial Bills

This podcast delves into Georgia’s legislative session during its critical "crossover" phase, where bills can unpredictably shift or revive by Thursday midnight. It highlights a past "Soapbox Derby bill" that grew from 3 to 56 pages with unrelated gambling content, showcasing lawmakers’ rule-bending tactics. Key bills include HB 490 (human trafficking training), HB 199 (campaign finance reform), and the opposed HB 268 (misrepresented as school safety). HR 450 and HB 686 push a sports betting amendment. It’s a disguised full-scale gambling expansion, questioning its need given Georgia’s economic strength. Other bills to monitor: HB 79 (Second Amendment concerns) and SB 144 (Roundup liability protection). Constant attention is urged as legislative maneuvers intensify.

The legislative session in Georgia is entering a critical "crossover" phase where vigilance is essential.Bills can unexpectedly change or resurrect, requiring constant attention.
A past "Soapbox Derby bill" in Georgia:A simple 3-page bill aimed to name a South Georgia town the "Soapbox Derby Capital." After gambling legislation failed, lawmakers attached 56 pages of unrelated content to this bill (numbers may vary slightly, e.g., 53–58 pages). Demonstrates how bills can balloon with amendments, even if unrelated to the original intent.
Georgia legislators can bend, amend, or suspend rules as needed. A bill thought dead can be revived, even on the last day of the session, via: Re-creation by legislative power. Pushing it to a 44-vote threshold. Forming a joint House-Senate committee to finalize it by midnight. While rare, this possibility keeps every bill alive until the session ends.
Bills should have exited committees by Monday; by Tuesday, committees should be finalizing, not starting new hearings. Most bills go to the Judicial Committee (stacked with lawyers and judges) to ensure compliance with existing Georgia laws: Judicial may strike conflicting lines or note compliance (e.g., "not in conflict with O.C.G.A."). By midnight Thursday, "crossover" occurs: House bills go to the Senate; Senate bills go to the House. Bills can pass unchanged (rare), be amended (requiring re-votes), or lead to joint committees if disagreements persist (e.g., led by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and John Burns).
After crossover, dead bills can still be partially revived by attaching their language to other bills. This can be strategic (e.g., pressuring the House or Senate) but requires close monitoring.
House Economic Development & Tourism Committee meets on HB 490 (human trafficking training for hotels). HB199 overhauls state campaign finance rules, have you read that one yet? HB268 must be stopped immediately, they want to make you believe it is about school safety when it is further from the truth.
HR 450 & HB 686: Propose a constitutional amendment for sports betting legalization and regulations.Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville) pushes sports betting in the House after Senate frustration: Senators tired of passing amendments that stall in the House (e.g., Sen. Steve Gooch’s stance). Not just "sports betting" but a broader gambling framework under the Lottery Commission. Creates a Gambling Commission (like Vegas) to issue licenses, inspect casinos, and regulate. Questions need for casinos if Georgia is economically strong (11 years as top business state). Predicts off-track betting parlors and casinos in towns like Blue Ridge, disguised as "sports betting."
Upcoming bills to watch:
HB 268: Opposed (school safety).
HB 79: Threat to Second Amendment (details later).
SB 144: Liability protection for Roundup on food; generating significant discussion.