Georgia Legislative Process Overview

Georgia State Senator Ed Harbison explains the legislative process of how a bill becomes law in Georgia. The process begins with a legislator's idea, often inspired by constituents, which is drafted into a bill. The bill is then filed and assigned to a committee for hearings. If approved, it moves to the rules committee and then to the floor for debate. If passed by both chambers, it goes to the governor, who can sign or veto it. The general assembly can override a veto with a two-thirds majority. The video encourages public participation in the legislative process.

What is the primary role of Georgia state legislators?

• To create laws without public input

• To serve the constituents and address their needs

• To focus solely on national issues

• To serve their own interests

Who can introduce legislation in the Georgia General Assembly?

• Any citizen of Georgia

• Only the governor

• The President of the United States

• A state representative or state senator

What is the role of the Rules Committee in the legislative process?

• To enforce laws

• To veto bills

• To decide which bills will be voted on by the entire chamber

• To draft new bills

What is the purpose of committee hearings in the legislative process?

• To enforce the bill

• To finalize the bill

• To gather input from policy experts and the public

• To vote on the bill

What happens if a bill passes one chamber of the Georgia General Assembly?

• It becomes law immediately

• It is discarded

• It is sent to the governor for approval

• It starts the process over in the opposite chamber

How long does the governor have to sign or veto a bill?

• 20 days

• 10 days

• 40 days

• 30 days

What can the General Assembly do if the governor vetoes a bill?

• Overrule the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber

• Nothing, the veto is final

• Rewrite the bill and start over

• Send the bill to the President

What is the final step for a bill to become law in Georgia?

• Approval by the governor

• Approval by the President

• Approval by the Supreme Court

• Approval by the citizens

What happens if the governor does not act on a bill within 40 days?

• The bill is sent back to the General Assembly

• The bill automatically becomes law

• The bill is discarded

• The bill is automatically vetoed

What is encouraged of citizens regarding the legislative process?

• To rely solely on elected officials

• To ignore the process

• To participate and use their voice

• To only vote in national elections