We need policy change NOW to protect people and the planet
Georgia’s environment needs champions at the state capitol to advance climate solutions that can help us keep megatons of carbon out of the atmosphere. But these solutions won’t become policy without dedicated legislators and environmental organizations working together relentlessly to make them a reality.
That’s why GCV works with a network of partners and the state’s top environmental legislators to help keep you informed about bills that impact our air, water, and land. We help legislators and voters like you easily find and support bills for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
What is the Georgia General Assembly?
The Georgia General Assembly (also called the Georgia Legislature) is the Legislative branch of Georgia’s State government. The Georgia General Assembly is made up of 56 State Senators and 180 House Representatives. They serve two-year terms with no term limits and meet annually for a 40-day session. The main responsibility of the General Assembly is to pass a budget for the upcoming year. They also introduce and vote on legislation, and can pass constitutional amendments which are placed on ballots for voters to decide.
Learn more on the Georgia General Assembly’s official website here.
What does the General Assembly do?
Every year state senators and state representatives meet for a 40-day legislative session. These sessions last for two years and take place between two annual 40-day sessions which usually take place from January to April. During these sessions, hundreds of bills, resolutions, and constitutional amendments are introduced, debated, voted on, and amended. Additionally, they create and pass the state’s budget for the next fiscal year.
How does the General Assembly pass a bill?
A simple majority of legislators are needed to pass a bill (29 Senators, 91 Representatives), with a 2/3 majority needed to override the governor’s veto. To learn more about how a bill becomes a law, check out this flow chart or watch the video below.
How do I find out more about my state legislators?
You can find out who your State Senator and State Representatives are using either OpenStates.org or the Empowrd App. These apps also make it easy to find contact information for your legislators. Your elected legislators are there to represent you and are responsible for addressing your concerns. Don’t be intimidated to contact them and tell them the kind of action you want to see on climate and environment. Remember that they work for you and other residents of your district.
Find out how our legislators are voting on climate and environmental justice with our Georgia Legislative scorecard. GCV releases the scorecard at the end of every two-year legislative session
What can you do to help?
We’re happy to hear you want to help! You can find several ways to take action here.
Climate and Environmental Bill Tracker
Bills by Topic
Other Legislative News
How the Inflation Reduction Act will catalyze climate action in Georgia
Last week, Congressional Democrats in Washington passed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and sent an extraordinary piece of legislation to President Biden. This $700 Billion bill includes $369 Billion towards energy security and climate solutions, making it the...
How Energy Burden Impacts Small Business Owners Across Georgia
Does our society really take care of others in need? Is Georgia a state where small businesses can thrive? When I started reaching out and hearing stories of Georgians struggling to make ends meet, I realized the many challenges and barriers that exist because of the...
LCV Statement on Senate Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act
https://www.lcv.org/article/lcv-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-inflation-reduction-act For Immediate Release August 7, 2022 Contact: Emily Samsel, esamsel@lcv.org, 828-713-9647 LCV Statement on Senate Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act Washington, D.C. –...
GCV Statement on Senator Manchin’s refusal to support Climate Action
Atlanta, Georgia - In response to last week’s news that Senator Joe Manchin (West Virginia) will not support a Senate Reconciliation bill that includes funding for climate action, Georgia Conservation Voters (GCV) State Political Director Allie Brown had the following...
As gas prices rise, Georgia expands its Electric Vehicle market
As gas prices rise, Georgia is emerging as a leader in electric vehicle manufacturing, which will help fight climate change and provide millions of jobs. Between Bluebird and SK Innovations, to the newer Rivian and Hyundai plants, Georgia is certainly becoming a hub...
Reflections on the 2022 General Assembly
The 2022 Legislative Session wrapped up business on April 4 and the final few days (and hours!) were filled with tons of action and excitement. Here are the results of some of the bills that we were following most closely: Energy Bills The Good HR 70 by Rep. Kim...
Georgia’s Redistricting Maps March Into Court
This article comes from Krista Brewer of the Political Peach News The political map drawing is over. The ink is dry on new congressional, state house and senate districts, and most local redistricting is complete. Candidates have qualified to run in the new districts....
Imagine Being Able to Address Climate Change and Protect Public Health, in Just 80 Days
Every year, in Georgia, hundreds of elected officials gather at the Georgia State Capitol to consider the most pressing challenges of our time. Their time together lasts for 40 days each year for two years and is called the “Georgia legislative session.” Elected state...
Sen. Nan Orrock, Rep. Becky Evans Introduce Legislation to End Plant Vogtle Monthly Surcharge for Customers
ATLANTA – State Senator Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) and State Representative Becky Evans (D-Atlanta) have introduced the “Ratepayer Surcharge Relief Act” in both the House and Senate. House Bill 1503 and Senate Bill 607 seek to end the Plant Vogtle monthly surcharge for...
The Problem with Single Use Plastics
One of the most important aspects of the fight to protect our environment comes from policy decisions made by local, statewide, and federal legislators. While the Georgia Legislature is in session, one of the bills we are paying close attention to is SB 104, the bill...