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HB 713

Georgia Legislative Integrity and Representation Act of 2025; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Viola Davis and 3 co-sponsors

HB 713 protects Georgia legislators' rights to propose unlimited bills, ensures voting transparency, and establishes independent legal counsel to enhance representation.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 713

Summary of House Bill 713: Georgia Legislative Integrity and Representation Act of 2025

Bill Number: HB 713
Introduced: March 03, 2025
Current Status: House Second Readers
Authors: Representatives Scott (76th), Davis (87th), Schofield (63rd), Jackson (68th)

Purpose and Intent

The Georgia Legislative Integrity and Representation Act of 2025 aims to enhance the legislative process within the Georgia General Assembly by ensuring that members can freely introduce and advocate for legislation without arbitrary limitations. The bill seeks to reaffirm the principles of representative democracy and protect the constitutional rights of elected officials to serve their constituents effectively.

Key Provisions

1. Protection of Legislative Rights

  • No Limits on Bill Introductions: The bill prohibits any rules, policies, or procedures that would restrict the number of bills or resolutions a member can file. This is framed as a constitutional right of legislators to represent their constituents without arbitrary limitations.
  • Judicial Review: Any attempts to limit a member's ability to introduce legislation can be challenged in court, with legal representation provided by the newly established Legislative Constitutional Counsel.

2. Voting Transparency

  • Recorded Votes Required: The election of key leadership positions (Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro Tempore, and President Pro Tempore of the Senate) must be conducted through physical, recorded votes.
  • Rule Changes: Adoption or amendment of legislative rules requires open debate and a two-thirds majority vote, ensuring accountability and transparency in the legislative process.

3. Establishment of Legislative Constitutional Counsel

  • Independent Legal Support: The bill creates the position of Legislative Constitutional Counsel, who will provide independent legal advice to members of the General Assembly regarding constitutional rights and legislative procedures.
  • Appointment and Accountability: The Counsel will be appointed by a two-thirds majority vote of both houses and will operate independently from the executive branch and partisan leadership.

Impact

Who Will Be Affected?

  • Members of the General Assembly: The bill directly impacts legislators by safeguarding their rights to propose legislation and ensuring they have legal support.
  • Constituents: The legislation aims to enhance representation for Georgia citizens by allowing their elected officials to advocate more freely for their interests.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill is currently in the legislative process, having passed the House First Readers stage and moving to House Second Readers as of March 6, 2025.
  • If approved, the Act will take effect upon the Governor's approval or automatically become law without such approval.

Conclusion

The Georgia Legislative Integrity and Representation Act of 2025 seeks to fortify the legislative process by removing restrictions on bill introductions, enhancing voting transparency, and establishing independent legal counsel for legislators. This legislation is positioned as a critical step toward ensuring that the voices of Georgia's constituents are effectively represented in the General Assembly.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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