2022 Legislative Update – Sine Die

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned Sine Die after midnight on Monday, April 4.  A number of important issues crossed the finish line on the last day of session.  Leading up to Sine Die, lawmakers worked through the weekend with conference committees meeting on Saturday and Sunday to meet the deadline. 

A number of tax victories occurred this session, including the preservation of the interactive entertainment tax credit, the extension of the tax exemption for the arts, extension of the high tech tax credit, extension of the major sporting events exemption and an income tax reduction. 

One bipartisan healthcare bill that passed with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate and has already been signed by the Governor was HB 1013 the Speakers bill on mental health reform.   

Bills of interest: 

HB 911 the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget by Representative David Ralston.  The conference committee report was adopted on Sine Die and now awaits action by the Governor.  The budget included $250,000 for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.  PASSED 

SB 331, by Senator John Albers, titled the Protecting Georgia Businesses and Workers Act, prevents local governments from enacting ordinances dictating employee schedules, hours and work product.  PASSED 

HB 389, by Representative Todd Jones, regarding the classification of employees, included changes to ensure that gig economy companies, like rideshare and home delivery companies, were not adversely impacted.  PASSED 

HB 923, by Representative Mary Margaret Oliver, relating to allowances and proceedings of development authority members.  PASSED 

Bills that failed to make it across the finish line and are now dead: 

SB 324, & HB 854, to incorporate that City of Buckhead. DID NOT PASS 

HB 1425, Medical cannabis; Governor to issue initial Class 1 and Class 2 production licenses for a limited time period.  DID NOT PASS 

SR 135, Constitutional amendment to provide sports betting in this state. DID NOT PASS 

SB 323, to repeal the state income tax. DID NOT PASS 

Elections:
Now that the legislative session has ended, the focus will turn to the May 24 primary elections.  You can review who qualified for state legislative and statewide offices by viewing the Secretary of State’s website here.