Weekly Update

​Legislative Days 9 – 12
February 1, 2021 to February 4, 2021
 
This week, everyone is marching to the beat of the same drum. The Senate is working through the General Appropriations Budget from the House, and the Governor's Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022  budget is on the horizon as some of the biggest priorities right now. The rumors of session dying early are still on everyone's minds, meaning all legislators are pushing through necessary bills and resolutions as quickly as possible to deal with the pandemic and Georgia's wellbeing. New chamber protocols are evident as Speaker Ralston discussed the ability to remove a legislator for the remainder of the week that refuses or forgets a COVID-19 test as required by the House Rules. 
 
Committee meetings are in full swing and there have been over 300 bills filed so far this session.  Bills are being assigned left and right for review and advisement.  We've seen several high priority bills dropped this week relating to election reform. We all know how important this topic is from the most recent election cycle. Both chambers have been taking this on quite heavily as evidenced by the number of bills relating to this topic. Something else we've seen is both chambers’ Health and Human Services committees are being assigned many new bills changing existing regulations for COVID-19 related issues. Multiple bills have dropped to help with Georgia's continued response, and some are attempting to extend the emergency orders we saw enacted from 2020. Swift and decisive actions to renew or put in more robust procedures have been discussed in both committees. The legislators are attempting to lend a helping hand to those most needing it now and in the future.
 
In the same vain as COVID-19 and shut down orders, a priority for this session is a Remote Online Notary bill.  Several drafts of a bill are being discussed amoung key stakeholders, including CBA.  Right now, we are negotiating some points that would be very key issues for our banks.  We are confident a bill will be dropped in the near future.  We will keep you posted as to any updates or changes. 
 
The 2021 General Assembly adjournment schedule runs out on Monday of next week. We are anticipating an updated adjournment resolution to be passed on Monday as we believe the session will continue.

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