Capitol Beat

Georgia. Politics.

Puberty blockers bill fails in General Assembly

ATLANTA - Controversial legislation prohibiting the prescribing or administering of puberty blockers to minors experiencing gender dysphoria died in the General Assembly on the final day of this year's session when the Georgia House declined to take it up. The state...

State busts up smuggling ring at prisons that used drones

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Corrections and the FBI have broken up a multi-state criminal operation involving the use of drones to smuggle contraband into state prisons. "Operation Skyhawk" has led to the arrest of 150 suspects, including eight prison...

Lawmakers pass $36.1 billion state budget

The General Assembly passed the fiscal 2025 state budget Thursday night. (Photo by Beau Evans) ATLANTA - The General Assembly gave final passage to a $36.1 billion fiscal 2025 state budget Thursday night, including raises for state employees and public school teachers...

General Assembly OKs COAM reform bill

ATLANTA - Legislation aimed at reforming Georgia's coin-operated amusement machines (COAM) industry is headed to Gov. Brian Kemp's desk after squeaking through the state Senate. Senators passed House Bill 353 Tuesday night 29-24, the minimum number of votes needed to...

Fishing rights bill wins final passage in General Assembly

ATLANTA - Legislation guaranteeing Georgians the right to hunt and fish in the state’s navigable rivers and streams is on its way to Gov. Brian Kemp. The state Senate gave final passage to House Bill 1172 Tuesday night 34-18, with a sizable contingent of opponents...

State Senate passes ‘culture wars’ education measure

ATLANTA - The Georgia Senate passed legislation Tuesday crammed with multiple "culture wars" provisions affecting Georgia schools. House Bill 1104, which the Senate's Republican majority passed 33-21 along party lines, originated in the House as a measure addressing...