Yesterday, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened to complete the remaining 11 days of this year’s legislative session, after a 3 month coronavirus delay.

As “sine die” approaches, a budget resolution has to be passed. 

Also of significant attention here and nationally, is HB 426, which is Georgia’s latest attempt to pass legislation increasing punishment for particularly harsh crimes believed to be based on certain factors such as “race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability.”

In 2000, Georgia passed a hate crimes bill, but the Georgia Supreme Court struck down the law four years later calling it “unconstitutionally vague.”

Even after the Georgia NAACP led a demonstration outside the Gold Dome yesterday, there was no movement on the bill. 

In an interview with CNN this morning, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said the Georgia Senate would release their version of the hate crime bill, calling it a “Strong version of a hate crime bill.” He tweeted yesterday evening that he doesn’t “…accept the notion that HB 426 is the best we can do in Georgia.”

There are 10 legislative days left. 

Today’s proceedings can be streamed here beginning at 10 am EST. 

Read more here:

Georgia lawmakers have few days to decide on weighty issues

Lawmakers return during pandemic, recession and historic calls for justice

Georgia Lawmakers Return To Capitol With Budget, Hate Crime Bill As Priorities

Georgia Senator Expects Hate Crimes Bill To Pass This Session

PHOTOS: Thousands march at Georgia Capitol as lawmakers return

Georgia session reboot opens with new call for hate-crimes law

Georgia’s hate crimes bill showing signs of life