Crossover Day is the day on the Georgia Legislative Session that is extremely important. It’s the final day for bills to pass out of one chamber and progress to the other chamber. If a bill fails to pass, it will likely be revisited in next year’s session. This year was more about the hype this year inside the Gold Dome. There were plenty of controversial bills on the table. But there was more drama among the lobbyists and bystanders outside each chamber.
First and foremost, the Georgia Senate’s anti-DEI bill suffered an uneventful death Thursday night. Senate Bill 120 was a bill that would have banned all public schools, colleges and universities from engaging and operating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. It failed to get voted on during Crossover Day. Georgia Republicans hesitated to bring the bill to the table.
State Sen. Marty Harbin, a Republican from Tyrone, believed DEI programs were based on “quotas” and “identity politics”.
“The DEI initiative actually ostracizes some people because they don’t believe in the philosophies that are there,” said Harbin during a Higher Education hearing on March 3rd. “For too long DEI initiatives have moved beyond their original intent and have become ideological filters that stifle free speech, enforcement of group identity over individual merit and promote a culture of division rather than unity.”
Democrats make their voices heard on Crossover Day
Wednesday afternoon, activists and Democrats alike held a press conference decrying the measure. Thursday evening, House and Senate Democrats were joined by concerned citizens during a raucous press conference inside the State Capitol. It was a wish that many progressives inside the Gold Dome had longed for among close quarters. House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley said the Republicans have introduced a hate-filled agenda that fails to address the needs of Georgia residents.
“Can you believe they wouldn’t even hear legislation to feed hungry kids? It’s just shameful,” Hugley said. “They believe hate wins elections. This session, they made it clear that it is the hateful politics of Washington, and they have allowed that hate to trickle down to this Gold Dome and even to our local governments.”
The Democrats proposed bills to update the QBE formula, raise the minimum wage, and fund free school meals. They also emphasized the GOP’s neglect of healthcare, mental health, and civil rights, citing bills like Senate Bills 41 and 50 which address education Medicaid expansion.
“Instead of addressing the problems faced by Georgians, Republicans are focused on banning, restricting and dividing,” says Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones. “Instead of passing a statewide civil rights law that protects Georgians from discrimination, they pander to extremists and marginalization tactics.”
The Senate approves increased THC levels in cannabis
Senate Bill 220, is known as the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act.” It passed 39-17 after an hour-long debate. The bill legalizes vaping cannabis oil. It also increases the permissible percentage of THC in medical cannabis products from 5% to 50%.
Senate approves Gun Tax Holidays
Senate Bill 47 approves an 11-day sales tax holiday on guns, ammunition and safety devices. Also, House Bill 79 would offer income tax credits of up to $300 for buying gun safety devices or paying for gun safety courses.
Sports Betting gets kicked down the road for another year
House Bill 686, a bill titled the “Georgia Sports Betting Act”, did not receive a vote Thursday night. Also, House Resolution 450, both by Marcus Wiedower, a Republican from Watkinsville, stormed out of the chamber when his legislation was not called by House Speaker Jon Burns. It will likely be debated in 2026.