2023 Georgia Legislative Session Convenes
The state House kicked off the 2023 Georgia legislative session by convening for Legislative Day 1. Former longtime House Education Committee member Randy Nix, who did not run for re-election, delivered the House inspiration and invocation.
House members, consisting of many new faces, were confirmed before electing Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington), the former House Majority Leader, as the 75th Speaker of the House. Burns succeeds David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), who died last November. Rep. Jan Jones (R-Milton) briefly served as Georgia’s first female Speaker upon Ralston’s passing. She was re-elected today as Speaker Pro Tempore by her colleagues.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon), the new Senate Majority Leader, led the Senate’s opening day in the absence of newly elected Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was traveling to the national championship football game in California. Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) led the chamber through its opening-day business, including a description of changes to Senate rules. The proposed rule changes were not approved, so discussion will continue during the next legislative day.
Gov. Kemp’s State of the State Address and Inauguration of State Officers
Gov. Brian Kemp is slated to deliver his 2022 State of the State Address on Jan. 25, a departure from the customary delivery of the speech during the first week of the legislative session. He is expected to release his proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2024 and Amended Fiscal Year 2023 later this week.
On Thursday, Jan. 12 at 9:30 a.m., Kemp and other elected state constitutional officers will assume office at the inaugural swearing-in ceremony at the Georgia State University Convocation Center. Later Thursday evening, the Inaugural Gala will be held at State Farm Arena.
2023 Legislative Session Calendar Approved
The House and Senate approved an adjournment resolution that includes the schedule for the entire 40-day legislative session. The adopted calendar is subject to change, but the legislature is likely to adhere to it.
Monday, Jan. 9 – Legislative Day 1
Wednesday, Jan. 11 – Legislative Day 2
Thursday, Jan. 12 – Legislative Day 3
Friday, Jan. 13 – Legislative Day 4
Jan. 17-20 - Budget Hearings
Monday, Jan. 23 - Legislative Day 5
Tuesday, Jan. 24 - Legislative Day 6
Wednesday, Jan. 25 - Legislative Day 7
Thursday, Jan. 26 - Legislative Day 8
Monday, Jan. 30 - Legislative Day 9
Tuesday, Jan. 31 - Legislative Day 10
Wednesday, Feb. 1 - Legislative Day 11
Thursday, Feb. 2 - Legislative Day 12
Monday, Feb. 6 - Legislative Day 13
Tuesday, Feb. 7 - Legislative Day 14
Wednesday, Feb. 8 - Legislative Day 15
Thursday, Feb. 9 - Legislative Day 16
Monday, Feb. 13 - Legislative Day 17
Tuesday, Feb. 14 - Legislative Day 18
Wednesday, Feb. 15 - Legislative Day 19
Thursday, Feb. 16 - Legislative Day 20
Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Legislative Day 21/PAGE Day on Capitol Hill
Wednesday, Feb 22 - Legislative Day 22
Thursday. Feb. 23 - Legislative Day 23
Monday, Feb. 27 - Legislative Day 24
Tuesday, Feb. 28 - Legislative Day 25
Wednesday, March 1 - Legislative Day 26
Thursday, March 2 - Legislative Day 27
Friday, March 3 – Committee Work Day
Monday, March 6 – Legislative Day 28 (Crossover Day)
Tuesday, March 7 – Legislative Day 29
Wednesday, March 8 – Legislative Day 30
Thursday, March 9 – Legislative Day 31
Monday, March 13 – Legislative Day 32
Tuesday, March 14 – Legislative Day 33
Wednesday, March 15 – Legislative Day 34
Thursday, March 16 – Legislative Day 35
Monday, March 20 – Legislative Day 36
Tuesday, March 21 – Legislative Day 37
Wednesday, March 22 – Committee Work Day
Thursday, March 23 – Legislative Day 38
Monday, March 27 – Legislative Day 39
Tuesday, March 28 – Committee Work Day
Wednesday, March 29 – Legislative Day 40 (Sine Die)
Upcoming Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 11 - Legislative Day 2
Eggs and Issues breakfast
House & Senate convene 11 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 12, Legislative Day 3
Inauguration
Friday, Jan. 13, Legislative Day 4