Rep. Taylor updates the public on special legislative session

Dec. 11—ATLANTA- The General Assembly returned to the Gold Dome on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, to convene for a special legislative session. Article V, Section II, Paragraph VII of the Georgia Constitution grants the governor the power to convene a special session of the General Assembly, and Taylor and her colleagues were called into this special session. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones issued a court ruling instructing the General Assembly to redraw Georgia's congressional and state district maps. The House of Representatives convened for seven days. During this special session, the House attended to this assignment and adjourned on Thursday, December 7, 2023.

The House Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, which Representative Darlene Taylor is a member, met every day and held hearings throughout the special session to hear public testimony on proposed remedial House, Senate and congressional maps before the legislation reached the House floor for a vote. To maximize their time under the Gold Dome during the special session, many other House committees also held hearings in preparation for the next regular legislative session, which will begin on Monday, January 8, 2024. Though the various committees met, only legislation included in the Governor's call could be finalized.

One of the first pieces of legislation that Taylor and her colleagues voted on in the House was House Bill 1EX, or the "Georgia House of Representatives Redistricting Act of 2023," the remedial House district map. This bill was passed in the House on Friday, December 1, 2023, and was then voted on by her counterparts in the Senate on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, where it received final passage. This legislation has now been sent to Governor Kemp for his consideration. Those interested may view more information, as well as a copy of this map on the House website.

Additionally, the House gave final approval to Senate Bill 1EX, the "Georgia Senate Redistricting Act of 2023," which is the remedial Senate district map, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. After receiving final passage in the House, SB 1EX was also sent to the governor to be signed into law. More information about SB 1EX, including a copy of this map, may also be found on the House website.

On the final day of the special session, the House voted on Senate Bill 3EX, the "Georgia Congressional Redistricting Act of 2023," which would adjust the composition of Georgia's congressional districts. SB 3EX received final passage on the House floor on Thursday, December 7, 2023, and was also sent to the governor's desk. A copy of this legislation also may be found on the House website.

In addition to Taylor's redistricting work during the special session, the governor's proclamation also charged the House with considering other necessary legislation. As such, the House voted to adopt House Resolution 3EX on Friday, December 1, 2023. HR 3EX ratifies Governor Kemp's executive orders issued on September 12, 2023, October 6, 2023, and November 8, 2023, to suspend the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes due to inflation. This is the order that allowed the citizens of Georgia, for the last many months to have relief from the high cost of fuel.

House Resolution 4EX was also adopted in the House on Monday, December 4, 2023. This resolution condemns Hamas terrorism, those who support their violence and hateful acts in both the United States and the State of Georgia and expresses support for the Jewish people.

Shortly before the House convened for the special legislative session, the state and the nation mourned the loss of Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter. When Taylor and her colleagues convened for the first day of the special session, they took time to honor the life and legacy of Rosalynn Carter with the adoption of House Resolution 6EX, which commends Mrs. Carter for her unwavering leadership and dedication to Georgia and the United States. The House reflected on her life and offered a moment of silence for Rosalynn Carter and the Carter family. Mrs. Carter left behind a legacy of advocacy, resilience and partnership that has made an indelible mark on the state, the nation and the world.

Finally, and of important to all Georgians, while Taylor and her colleagues were at the State Capitol for the special session, members of the House and Senate joined Governor Kemp for a press conference where the governor announced a legislative proposal for the upcoming regular legislative session that would accelerate a decrease in the state individual income tax rate. The governor's proposal would amend House Bill 1437, legislation that was signed into law in 2022, which established a step down of 10 basis points in the income tax rate, starting in 2025 and for each taxable year thereafter until the rate reaches 4.99%. If the reduction was accelerated, the rate for Tax Year 2024 would decrease to 5.39%, rather than 5.49% previously set by HB 1437. This would mark a cut of 36 basis points from the Tax Year 2023 rate of 5.75%. It is estimated that Georgia taxpayers would see approximately $1.1 billion in savings in calendar year 2024 as a result of the proposed tax acceleration and the 26 basis-points reduction provided in HB 1437. Taylor will be sure to update the public on this proposal as it makes its way through the legislative process next session.

Now that the special legislative session is adjourned, Taylor will be returning to her District for the holiday season before the General Assembly convenes for the 2024. Unfortunately, Taylor missed being with citizens during the festive Christmas Parade but the importance of the special session kept her in Atlanta. During her time back home, she will be seeing residents on the busy sidewalks, shops and restaurants in the District and enjoying the holiday spirit.

Later, she will be looking ahead to the regular session, so she encourages the public to contact her regarding legislative issues that are important to families and communities. The public can reach Taylor in her Capitol Office, in Suite 245A, telephone number (404) 463-2248. Her email is darlene.taylor@house.ga.gov. and Representative Chas Cannon can be reached in 501-C Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg., telephone (404) 656-0177. His email is chas.cannon@house.ga.gov.

She hopes residents and their families have a safe, happy and blessed holiday season. As always, she thanks the public for allowing her to serve as a representative. Merry Christmas!