The 2016 legislative session is now underway. Starting on the second Monday in January of every year, the Georgia General Assembly is called to order to take up the issues of their constituents, and pass a balanced budget to fund our state government for the next fiscal year.
The session gaveled in on January 11, 2016 with pomp and circumstance to swear in special officers in the Senate chamber, confirm Senate leadership and set out the Senate’s legislative goals. The Senate is committed to the economic development of our state, which is one of the best states in the country to live, work and raise a family.
According to our state’s constitution, the only action the General Assembly is required to take action on is a balanced budget that appropriates state revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. As a practice, the General Assembly also revises the budget of the current fiscal year to ensure it’s as accurate as possible in the final months. This practice allows forecasts and projections to be more precise and provides an opportunity to address unforeseen emergencies that may require an amendment to the current operating budget.
This session is also the second in what is called a legislative biennium, which means bills that were introduced but did not pass last year are still available for consideration this year. New legislation will also be introduced throughout the session.
After a piece of proposed legislation is read on the Senate floor, it’s assigned to a smaller committee of Senators, based on its subject matter. I’m proud to act as Chairman of the Senate’s Economic Development Committee, as well as serve on the Senate’s Regulated Industries, Science and Technology and Transportation Committees, respectively. Additionally, I am a member on the Joint Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Oversight Committee (MARTOC).
If legislation passes through the Senate committee process, it’s then available to be placed on the calendar for a full Senate vote. Once a bill that originates in the Senate is approved, it crosses over to the House for their consideration. Similarly, House bills that have passed committee and floor votes will then cross over to the Senate. Legislation that crosses over on or before legislative day 30 is able to receive final passage if both chambers can agree on identical language for the bill on or before legislative day 40.
Then, generally speaking, a dually agreed upon bill would go to the Governor for his signature and ratification. Once a bill completes all of those steps, it can go into effect on the day designated in the bill, which could be immediately or on January 1st of the next calendar year, for example.
At times, the legislative process may seem complex and cumbersome. If you ever have questions or concerns about an issue, the legislative process or require assistance interacting with state agencies, please contact my office at 404-463-1378, or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
to your business!