Overview
of the Georgia General Assembly
The
Georgia Legislature consists of two houses, the Senate and the
House of Representatives. It convenes annually on the second
Monday in January. The session lasts 40 days. It may be adjourned
during the regular session by concurrent resolution of both
houses and reconvened to complete its session. The Governor
may call a special session for a particular purpose stated in
the call or upon petition of 3/5 of the members of both houses.
The
House and Senate are organized each odd-numbered year (after
elections) and are considered a different General Assembly for
each two-year period. Bills and resolutions introduced during
the first year may be held and acted upon during the second
year of the Assembly. Most legislative procedure is traditional
or is established by the Senate and House Rules, and may be
changed at any regular session.
The
Constitution requires that bills for raising revenue or appropriating
money must originate in the House of Representatives. Any other
bills or resolutions may originate in either house.
Secretary
of the Senate:
As chief administrative officer of this house, the Secretary
is responsible for keeping the daily status sheets, all other
special records of procedure and actions, and may preside in
the absence of the Lt. Governor and President Pro Tem. All bills
and resolutions of the Senate are filed with this officer. The
Secretary is elected by the members and may appoint other clerks
and assistants.
Senate
Committees:
These are created by rules of the Senate and appointed by the
Committee on Committees. There are 26 standing committees that
meet between sessions, as well as during the regular term.
The
House of Representatives:
The House has 180 members elected for two-year terms. Districts
may be created, rearranged or reapportioned by the General Assembly.
Presiding
Officer:
A member of this body is elected Speaker of the House. A
Speaker Pro Tempore is also elected to preside in the absence
of the Speaker.
Clerk of the House:
Responsible for all clerical business, this officer prepares
the status sheets and keeps all official records. All bills
and resolutions are filed with the Clerk. Although elected by
the members, with power to appoint assistants, the Clerk is
not a legislator.
Committees
of the House of Representatives:
The Speaker appoints committee members from those representatives
who are particularly interested or qualified in certain areas
of legislative responsibility. The committees are created by
rules of the House. There are 32 standing committees that meet
during and between sessions.
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