Tracking Our Priorities in Georgia Legislature
Steps for a Georgia Bill to Become Georgia Law

Where Are We In the Legislative Session?
As of April 1, 2021 (this page’s last update) we have finished the 2021 Legislative Session, but the governor still has time to sign new bills into law. We are in the first year of a two-year legislative session, which means bills that have not made it to the governor’s desk this year will continue to be discussed next year.
Bills We Are Watching
Revenues
Right now, Georgia’s tax code is out of balance. The state hands out $10 billion per year to special interests while underfunding the programs and services Georgians need. Utilizing commonsense policies like lifting the tobacco tax to the national average and rolling back inefficient tax credits are simple ways we can rebalance the tax code and pay for our priorities.
Defending against inefficient tax code reduces loss of revenue and helps keeps our current support systems and programs safe. The bills we are opposing would be detrimental to our revenue and put our current programs at risk.

Senate Bill 6
Increases transparency for tax credits so we can roll back inefficient ones. Unfortunately, it currently has inefficient tax credit add-ons.


Senate Bill 148


House Bill 394


House Bill 587



House Bill 593
Raises the standard deduction for tax filers. While we support raising the standard deduction because it will put some money back in the pockets of Georgians, this is not currently the most effective way to provide support. This measure provides up to $63 of relief, while a measure like the Georgia Work Credit would provide up to $500. As is, the legislation may also the state an additional $199 million in federal funding.

Enacting a Georgia Work Credit
A Georgia Work Credit could deliver substantial relief to Georgians. It reduces the amount of taxes low- to middle-income Georgians owe, resulting in up to $500 of support. This could help families pay medical bills, catch up on rent or save for job advancement opportunities. Several 2021 bills would enact a Georgia Work Credit. The Georgia legislature is also able to append this measure to a bill that has already passed over by Crossover Day.



Support for Families in Poverty
For families to thrive, they need support systems to help them make ends meet when they are making low wages, busy with caretaking or are otherwise unable to keep food on the table without support. By lifting these families up we create more equity, better outcomes for their children, our schools and our local economies.

House Bill 91
Increases the amount of TANF cash assistance. This level has not been changed in over 30 years.


House Bill 163
Creates easier method of becoming Medicaid eligibility by using SNAP eligibility.

Health Care Access and Affordability
By increasing access to health care, more individuals are able to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Senate Bill 83


Senate Bill 172



House Bill 49



House Bill 73


House Bill 630
Fully expands Medicaid for individuals and families up to 138 percent of the poverty line – i.e. individuals who make about $17,770 a year or less.

Educated Youth
By giving all of Georgia’s children a chance at an equitable, quality education we are giving all of Georgia’s children a chance to thrive. When we create inequities in education, the effects of these inequities will cause ripple effects across lives, families and generations.

Senate Bill 47


House Bill 10
Creates an opportunity weight, which is special funding given to public schools meant to support their students living in poverty so that these students can see the same success as their peers.


House Bill 60


House Bill 118


House Bill 142
Increases the existing tax-credit voucher cap form $100 million to $150 million. School vouchers like these take public money from public schools and gives them to private schools.

Access to Scholarships and Affordable Higher Education
Georgia currently has not funded a need-based aid scholarship. Restrictions on HOPE scholarships and in-state tuition have paved the way for inequity as they dictate who does or does not have a college degree within reach.

House Bill 87
Allows students seeking an associate’s degree through the Technical College System of Georgia to be eligible for HOPE grants.


House Bill 88
Increases the amount of the HOPE Grant to cover 100 percent of tuition for certificates and diplomas from the Technical College System of Georgia.


House Bill 120


House Bill 669

Empowering Workers
These bills would improve equity for all workers and give workers tools they need to thrive.

House Bill 55


House Bill 146

Criminal Legal Systems
A fair criminal legal system supports rehabilitation and restorative opportunities for individuals within this system, so that they can move forward and build happy, fulfilling lives.

Senate Bill 105
Makes the process easier for those who qualify for early termination of probation to be able to do so.


Senate Bill 174


House Bill 272
