The Georgia General Assembly convened on January 11, 2021. Bills will be introduced daily, but below is those we are monitoring.

Senate Bill 200 — The Faith Protection Act. Allows religious institutions to continue to resume operations during certain states of emergency. Status: In Government Oversight Committee.

House Bill 86 — Georgia Lottery Mobile Sports Wagering Integrity Act Companion bill is Senate is SB 142. If this becomes law it will skirt the Georgia Constitution and allow betting on sports in our state under the Georgia Lottery Corporation. This bill will only require a simple majority vote to pass, rather than the 2/3 majority that is required to change the Georgia Constitution. Our friend, Mike Griffin, has written an excellent article debunking the false reasons for legalizing sports gambling Status: House bill passed out of the Economic Development & Tourism on Tuesday, February 2. Senate version had a Hearing only (no vote) on Thursday, February 18 in the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities. HOUSE BILL EXPECTED TO BE VOTED ON IN THE FULL HOUSE ON THRUSDAY, FEBRUARY 25.

Senate Bill 30 — “Rural Georgia Jobs and Growth Act” — Will establish Georgia Horse Racing Commission to allow betting on horse racing. Status: Hearing only (no vote) Tuesday, February 16 in the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities.

HB 276 — Save Women’s Sports. Would make it unlawful unlawful for a public school, an institution of the University System of Georgia, or a private school whose students or teams compete against a public school to permit a person whose gender is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for females. Status: Is in the House Education Committee. No date when Committee might vote on it.

House Bill 60 — Georgia Educational Scholarship Act This legislation would provide for qualified education expenses; i.e., state education money follows student. Status: Is in the House Education Committee. No date when Committee might vote on it.

House Resolution 30 — Allows Georgia citizens to vote on a Constitutional Amendment that would…provide by law for casino resorts. Status: 02/16/2021 Withdrawn from Economic Development and Tourism and recommitted to House Regulated Industries Committee.

House Bill 1 — FORUM Act. Prevents the creation of “free speech zones” at public institutions of higher education, because they limit free speech. Status: In the House Higher Education Committee. No date when Committee might vote on it.