As the Georgia Legislature approaches the final days of its 2025 session, lawmakers are scrambling to push through critical pieces of legislation before the session concludes on April 4. Known as sine die, the final day marks the end of the 40-day legislative period, with no set date for the next meeting. This week is expected to be packed with last-minute efforts to finalize bills on topics ranging from transgender rights to immigration and election reform.
Several high-stakes measures are poised for a vote in the coming days, and the outcome could shape Georgia’s policy landscape for years to come. Key issues under consideration include the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), new restrictions on transgender rights, and an overhaul of the state’s election laws.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) Nears Passage
For the past decade, Republican lawmakers in Georgia have attempted to pass a statewide Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), but previous efforts have failed due to strong opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates. However, this year’s version, Senate Bill 36, has gained significant traction and may soon make its way to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk.
Sponsored by Senator Ed Setzler of Acworth, the bill seeks to offer religious Georgians the same protections from state and local governments as those guaranteed by the federal First Amendment. Proponents argue that the measure will safeguard religious freedoms, while opponents warn that it could allow businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals based on religious objections, particularly in the absence of a comprehensive state civil rights law.
Transgender Rights Bills Spark Debate
Another major issue on the table is the fate of transgender rights in Georgia. Several bills introduced this session could significantly impact transgender Georgians, including restrictions on participation in girls’ sports and limitations on access to gender-affirming medical care.
The most likely to pass is Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit transgender women from competing on girls’ sports teams from K-12 schools through college. It would also impose gender-based restrictions on locker rooms, restrooms, and changing facilities. While the original House version of the bill included additional provisions, such as removing gender references from state code, these were stripped out during the legislative process.
In addition to restrictions on sports, Senate Bill 39, introduced by Senator Blake Tillery, aims to cut off gender-affirming healthcare coverage for state employees and their dependents. Critics argue that this measure could result in costly legal challenges, while supporters contend that taxpayer funds should not support such treatments.
Senate Bill 30, introduced by Senator Ben Watson, seeks to make puberty-blocking medications harder to obtain by requiring multiple consultations with specialized medical providers. While SB 30 was originally drafted to ban such medications for minors, it has since been amended to impose additional barriers to access.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have called on supporters to oppose these measures, labeling them a “slate of hate.” Health professionals like Dianne Canales and Anna Kabir, who provide gender-affirming care, argue that the proposed laws would harm transgender individuals’ mental health and access to necessary care.
Sanctuary City Bill Targets Undocumented Immigrants
Senator Tillery has also sponsored Senate Bill 21, which targets sanctuary cities by allowing them to be held civilly liable for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill is part of a broader push by Republicans to tighten immigration enforcement, a movement fueled by the 2024 murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley by an undocumented Venezuelan man.
SB 21 follows last year’s legislation that allows the state to strip funding from cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Opponents of the bill argue that it could lead to overcrowded jails and unnecessary lawsuits against local governments.
Election Law Changes in the Final Stretch
In the final days of the session, lawmakers are also set to address several election-related bills. The most significant of these are House Bill 397 and Senate Bill 197, which would impose new restrictions on election rulemaking by the State Election Board and ban voters from dropping off absentee ballots during the final weekend before Election Day.
The bills also propose a shift away from participation in the Electronic Registration Information Center, an inter-state organization that helps maintain accurate voter rolls. These measures are part of a broader Republican effort to overhaul election procedures in the state.
With just days left before sine die, the Georgia Legislature is racing to pass these contentious bills, which will likely have far-reaching implications for the state’s residents. Advocates on both sides of the issues are urging lawmakers to act swiftly, knowing that the outcome of this final week could define the future of Georgia politics.
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