The Gold Dome Report is a compilation of key issues and moments that take place inside the Georgia State Capitol. As the 2025 Legislative Session is quickly coming to a close, the stakes are high. Republicans are pushing to accomplish Governor Brian Kemp’s agenda. Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats are playing defense as they desire to keep bad bills from becoming law.
Georgia Senate Republicans vs Fani Willis: Here we go again
There is a new twist in Georgia Senate Republicans’ quest to destroy Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Tuesday, Georgia State Sen. Brandon Beach, a Republican from Alpharetta, is pushing a bill that requires taxpayers to cover legal fees for defendants. This only happens if a prosecutor is disqualified for misconduct and the case is dismissed. Senate Bill 244 is in response to the prosecution of President Donald Trump and other defendants by DA Willis.
“This is very simple: If a prosecuting attorney in a felony or misdemeanor case is disqualified for prosecutorial or personal misconduct, and the overall case is dismissed by the courts, those individuals that were indicted are entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees and cost incurred in defending themselves in the case,” Beach said.
The Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis from the case against Trump in December. But the case remains active. Willis is appealing the decision regarding her disqualification.
Democratic lawmaker Shea Roberts of Sandy Springs, argue the bill is tailored to help Trump and the other defendants. She says this potentially costs Fulton County millions.
“Fulton County will absorb millions and millions of dollars in litigation costs,” said Roberts. “Your constituents will carry a big chunk of that money. They got the highest property taxes and they got the highest income where you are. So, are they aware that you want them to foot this bill for Trump because of your love for Trump?”
Beach says he didn’t present the bill because he supports Donald Trump. Rather he wants the defendants to be made whole again.
The bill will be presented to the full Judiciary Non-Civil committee for a possible vote.
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick gets confronted about Free School Meals
Georgia State Rep. Imani Barnes has pushed a bill that would create a no-cost, state-wide school lunch program for students. Titled the ‘Healthy Start Act’, the bill would allow for students to receive reduced-price meals under federal and state guidelines. However, Barnes, a Democrat from Tucker, never got her bill heard because Republicans control what gets debated in both chambers.
During Tuesday’s floor session, U.S. Representative Rich McCormick, a Republican representing Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, visited the Gold Dome. He was confronted by Barnes about his comments regarding his disdain for free lunches. In January, McCormick said during an interview the following:
“You’re telling me that kids who stay at home instead of going to work at Burger King, McDonald’s, during the summer, should stay at home and get their free lunch instead of going to work?”
Barnes spoke to McCormick about her bill and the conversation appeared to be amenable and cordial. Meanwhile, McCormick spoke to both chambers during his visit to the Georgia State Capitol.