GIVING THE POWER BACK TO THE PEOPLE
GIVING THE POWER BACK TO THE PEOPLE
What is a state house representative & what do they do?
The Georgia House of Representatives was created in 1777 (247 years ago) during then, making it older than the American Revolution. During its existence, its meeting place has moved multiple times, from Savannah to Augusta, to Louisville, to Milledgeville, and finally to Atlanta in 1868.
The state constitution gives the state legislature the power to make state laws, restrict land use to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources, form a state militia under the command of the Governor of Georgia, expend public money, condemn property, zone property, participate in tourism, and control and regulate outdoor advertising.
The state legislature cannot grant incorporation to private persons but may establish laws governing the incorporation process. It is also prohibited from authorizing contracts or agreements that may have the effect of or the intent of lessening competition or encouraging a monopoly.
According to the state constitution of 1983, this body is to comprise no fewer than 180 members elected for two-year terms. Current state law provides for 180 members. Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
How are representatives assigned to their committee’s?
With 180 state representatives, the Georgia House of Representatives is the larger of the two legislative bodies in Georgia.
The Speaker of the House is the House’s leader. This person is elected to the 2-year term of Speaker by their fellow representatives. The Speaker, along with an advising committee, assigns representatives to committees — typically 2 or 3 committees for each representative — and appoints Committee Chairs. The Speaker only votes on bills when needed to break a tie.
What Type of Committee Can I Be Assigned To As Your State Representative?
There are a variety of committees in the Georgia General Assembly, each with its own purpose and set of rules. Standing Committees are the most common type of committee. They are more permanent and are always formed each session.
All bills introduced during session are assigned to a standing committee, and then all bills must pass here before being considered on the floor. A lot of activity (such as the hearings) happens in standing committees. Some of it can even happen in the interim between sessions. Study committees are assigned and authorized by one or both houses (typically with a specific issue in mind). They are most active in the interim between sessions in order to do research and learn more about a particular subject.
When the 2 houses can’t agree on a bill, a Conference Committee Is created. This process dates all the way back to the beginning of British Parliament. It’s filled with 3 members of each house tasked with finding a compromise. Once they reach a compromise, the legislators present their reports to their respective houses for approval.
How can you work with me, if elected, to help create and/ or change law?
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