General Assembly Overview
Overview of Georgia General Assembly
The Basics
The Georgia General Assembly is a two-chamber legislative body—the Senate and the House of Representatives. The General Assembly is the legislative branch of state government that has the power to make state laws as long as its laws do not violate the United States or Georgia constitutions. The legislature also has the authority to set state taxes and to appropriate funds for the operation of all state agencies.
Members and Terms
There are 236 members of the General Assembly—56 in the Senate and 180 in the House. Legislative districts are determined every 10 years based on the decennial census. General Assembly members are elected every two years, and vacancies are filled by special election.
House and Senate Leadership
The lieutenant governor, who presides over the Senate, is the only leader in the General Assembly appointed by statewide election every four years. The speaker of the House presides over the House and is elected by House members. Both positions control the day-to-day activities of their chambers. Other leadership positions are elected by members of the House and Senate:
- Speaker Pro-Tempore (House) and President Pro-Tempore (Senate)
- Majority Leader
- Majority Whip
- Floor leaders*
- Minority Party leaders**
- Caucus Leaders***
* The governor’s floor leaders are the only positions of authority independent of the direct control of the House speaker and lieutenant governor. The governor appoints floor leaders each session. They are responsible for handling the governor’s legislative agenda.
** General Assembly members also elect leaders in the minority party: minority leader and minority whip.
***Each party is organized into a Caucus. General Assembly members elect leaders of each caucus: chair, vice chair, and secretary.
Session Schedule
The General Assembly convenes annually for 40 days, beginning the second Monday in January. The Georgia legislature has two-year terms. Legislation that fails to pass during the first year is carried over and can be acted upon during the next year. Legislation that fails to pass during the second year is “dead,” although it can be reintroduced at the next session.
House and Senate leadership set the calendar as the session proceeds, which makes each 40-day session different. Periods of recess taken for budget deliberation or negotiation on issues can extend the session into late April or beyond.
Key Session Dates
Crossover Day
Crossover Day is the 30th legislative day. Bills that have generated in one chamber of the House must pass out of the respective chamber—or cross over—to stay alive during the session.
Final Adjournment, Sine Die
The legislature must finish business by midnight on the 40th day. At the end of the session, final adjournment is accomplished by a House-Senate resolution for adjournment sine day, which means “without day.” Simply referred to as “Sine Die,” the day is typically long and busy as legislators rush to get bills passed during the final moments of the session.
Special Session
Special sessions are generally called by the governor, who convenes the legislature around a special issue or concern that requires legislative action.
Resources on the General Assembly
Committees and Members: House, Senate
