COLUMN: Ginn: Special Legislative Session Update

By: Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville)

On June 17, I returned to the State Capitol alongside my legislative colleagues, following Governor Brian P. Kemp's call to convene our General Assembly for a special legislative session.

The governor's proclamation directed lawmakers to consider several specific issues, including congressional and legislative redistricting, election administration and local taxation. During the session, the General Assembly also addressed the temporary suspension of the state's motor fuel and diesel taxes.

I arrived at the State Capitol ready to address every item in the Governor's proclamation, including redistricting. However, given the current election cycle and the United States Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais, Georgia is in a unique position. Redistricting has always required legislatures to balance numerous constitutional and statutory considerations, including the limited role race may play alongside traditional redistricting principles. As the courts continue to clarify these traditional standards, I believe it is prudent to take the time necessary to fully evaluate the legal landscape before moving forward. Since any changes to Georgia's congressional or legislative districts would not take effect until the 2028 election cycle, our state has the opportunity to proceed thoughtfully, transparently and with meaningful public input.

Meanwhile, the Senate expanded affordability with the passage of House Resolution 3EX. This legislation ratified the motor fuel and diesel fuel tax suspension enacted by Gov. Kemp. Childcare, groceries and gasoline have become increasingly expensive, forcing too many Georgians to make unwanted sacrifices. I was proud to support Gov. Kemp's actions to save families and businesses statewide millions at the pump and ease their financial burdens. I am excited to see the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting drop in fuel prices.

We also achieved a major win for voters with the passage of Senate Bill 3EX. The legislation creates the Election Equipment Specification and Standards Committee, which will evaluate and recommend new election equipment. In our commitment to secure Georgia's elections, it is crucial that Georgia's voting methods remain reliable, efficient and cost-effective.

The bill also establishes criteria for audits designed to increase election security. These commonsense measures will help reinforce voters' confidence in our electoral system while ensuring every vote is accurately counted. By taking a well-crafted approach to election administration, Georgia will continue setting a high standard for secure and transparent elections.

Lastly, Senate Republicans sought to bring hardworking Georgians meaningful property tax relief. We introduced several local bills that would have allowed voters to decide whether they wanted to offset their property taxes through a homestead exemption funded by a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST). Rather than mandate changes to local taxation, we believe these decisions should be made by the local residents who would be affected. Unfortunately, Democrats in the House and Senate opposed every LHOST measure, preventing those questions from ever reaching local voters.

Homeownership remains a central part of the American Dream, yet achieving and maintaining it is becoming increasingly difficult. As housing costs and everyday expenses continue to rise, taxpayers deserve relief wherever it can be responsibly provided. It's a shame these proposals didn't become law due to partisan politics. Georgia Senate Republicans are responsible for building one of the strongest state budgets in the country, and we will keep working to expand financially responsible homeownership opportunities to help Georgia families build a stronger financial future.

Although the special session has concluded, my commitment to serving you throughout the legislative interim remains the same. We should celebrate America's 250^th Birthday all summer, and I hope you celebrate this summer alongside friends and family.

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you for the honor of serving Senate District 47.

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Sen. Frank Ginn represents the 47^th Senate District, which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke and Jackson counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-9224 or by email at [email protected].

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