General Assembly

Georgia’s bicameral legislature composed of the House and Senate that enacts state law.

Chamber leaders

Elected officials who manage business in each chamber (Speaker, Lt. Governor, Pro Tempore).

Speaker of the House

Presiding officer of the House who appoints committees and chairs and influences rules.

Lieutenant Governor

Statewide elected official who presides over the Senate independently of the governor.

President Pro Tempore

Senator elected to preside over the Senate when the Lieutenant Governor is absent.

Majority Leader

Party leader who coordinates the legislative agenda for the chamber’s majority party.

Minority Leader

Party leader who organizes the opposition and strategy for the minority party.

Party Whip

Officer who counts votes and ensures party members support key legislation.

Governor’s Floor Leader

Legislator designated to advance the governor’s legislative priorities in the chamber.

Committee appointment power

The Speaker’s authority to assign members and select committee chairs.

Rules Committee

Chamber committee that sets debate rules and controls which bills reach the floor.

State House of Representatives

Lower chamber with 180 members elected from single‑member districts for two‑year terms.

House qualifications

Must be 21, U.S. citizen, Georgia resident 2 years, district resident 1 year.

State Senate

Upper chamber limited to 56 members elected from population‑based districts for two‑year terms.

Senate qualifications

Must be 25, U.S. citizen, Georgia resident 2 years, district resident 1 year.

Line‑item veto

Governor’s power to veto specific budget items without rejecting an entire appropriations bill.

State of the State Address

Annual speech in which the governor presents priorities and the proposed budget.

Appropriations bill

Legislation that allocates funds for state programs; originates in the House.

Balanced budget requirement

Constitutional rule that the state may not spend more than its revenues (except capital bonds).

Budget drivers (OPB & LBO)

Office of Planning and Budget and Legislative Budget Office produce estimates that guide budgeting.

Major revenue sources

State income tax (≈50%), sales tax (≈35%), motor fuel taxes, federal grants, and fees.

Legislative time on budget

The General Assembly spends over half its session time debating and voting on the budget.