Legislation Made Simple
Join co-hosts Patty Decraene and Jane Robbins as they help you become more aware of how the Georgia legislature operates and what is happening under the Gold Dome.
Apr 5, 2025
Sine Die
We made it to the end of the 2025 Georgia legislative session! As legislators, staff, and lobbyists head to the beach for a break, we’re here to tell you what had happened by midnight on Sine Die – the 40th day of the session. Religious freedom? Regulation of the transgender industry? Standards for imposing the death penalty? Obscenity in libraries? Tune in to find out about these issues and more, and to learn about the Governor’s role from this point. We also give a glimpse of some bills that are already being teed up for next year’s session.
https://georgia.gov/life-law
Mar 29, 2025
Update - Coming Into the Last Week
The 2025 legislative session ends at midnight on Friday, April 4. Activity in committees and on the floor of the House and Senate has been intense, and it will ramp up further during the last week of the session. This week’s show updates the bills we’ve been following that implicate the teachings of the Church: bills about religious freedom, obscenity in school libraries, “school safety” vs. student and family privacy, marijuana, and more.
Check the chart on our website, https://thequestatlanta.com/legislation-made-simple/, to follow the bills’ status. The chart will tell you which committee has which bill. Then go to the legislative website, https://www.legis.ga.gov/, click on “Committees,” then “House Committees” or “Senate Committees,” as the case may be. Click on that committee name to see members’ names and contact information. Phone calls and emails can be very effective! [If you’re interested in a bill that doesn’t appear on our chart, click “All Legislation” at the top left of the legislative homepage, and then plug in HB or SB and the bill number. A search will tell you which committee has the bill.]
If the chart tells you the bill has passed committee and is now in Rules, that means it’s in either the House Rules Committee or the Senate Rules Committee, depending on which chamber the bill is now in. The Rules Committee is the last stop before the bill is voted on by the full chamber. Rules is very powerful – it can send a bill to the floor quickly, or kill it by never taking it up. So calls to chairmen and members of the Rules Committees are also important.
Among the bills for which calls and emails are important this week is SB 36, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This bill passed the House Judiciary Committee and now sits in House Rules. Please call the Speaker of the House, Jon Burns, https://www.legis.ga.gov/house/speaker, and Rules Committee chairman Butch Parrish, https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/house/109, and ask them to support this bill without amendments!
Mar 22, 2025
Update - Less Than 2 Weeks to go
Buckle up as the legislature hits the homestretch of the 2025 legislative session, which ends at midnight on April 4, 2025. This week’s show updates the bills we’ve been following that implicate the teachings of the Church: bills about religious freedom, obscenity in school libraries, the massive “school safety” bill, and more. We also discuss some federal developments that will affect us in Georgia.
Check the chart on our website, https://thequestatlanta.com/legislation-made-simple/, to follow the bills’ status. Armed with the bill number, go to the legislative website, https://www.legis.ga.gov/, click on “All Legislation” at the top left, and then plug in HB or SB and the bill number. A search will tell you which committee has the bill. Click on that committee name to see members’ names and contact information. Phone calls and emails can be very effective! This week, contacts are critical for these bills that will probably have second hearings in their respective committees:
- SB 36, which needs to be passed in the House Judiciary Committee without any amendments, to protect our religious freedom
- SB 74, which needs to be passed in the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee to protect children from obscene materials in school libraries and other public libraries.
Mar 15, 2025
Update - with less than 10 legislative days to go
As we find ourselves with less than 10 legislative days to go in the 2025 Georgia Legislative session, we take this show to update all the bills we’ve been watching that made it to the opposite chamber on Crossover Day. We report what’s happening – and what isn’t - with religious freedom, obscenity in school libraries, the massive “school safety” bill, marijuana regulation, and more. We also discuss some federal developments that will affect us in Georgia.
Since none of these Georgia bills has passed out of committee in the new chamber, our listeners may want to weigh in by contacting the relevant committee chairmen, and members of the committees, especially if their House representative or senator serves on one of those committees. It’s easy – if you know the bill number you’re interested in (you can find that on the chart on our Legislation Made Simple website, https://thequestatlanta.com/legislation-made-simple/), go to the legislative website, https://www.legis.ga.gov/, click on “All Legislation” at the top left, and then plug in HB or SB and the bill number. A search will tell you which committee has the bill. Click on that committee name to see members’ names and contact information. Phone calls and emails can be very effective!
Mar 8, 2025
Improving School Safety with HB 268
Kelly Himes Brolly, constitutional lawyer
We discuss a very serious issue: the attempt to improve school safety with HB 268. Our guest is constitutional lawyer Kelly Himes Brolly, who analyzed the bill and found numerous problems related to parental rights, student data privacy, and conflicts with federal law and the Constitution itself. All parents should listen to her analysis and make their views known to members of the Senate Education & Youth Committee, where the bill will be heard after passing the House.
On this first show after Crossover Day, we also give an update on which bills are still alive and which have gone into hibernation until next year. You’ll be surprised at some of the developments!
Resources:
We discuss a very serious issue: the attempt to improve school safety with HB 268. Our guest is constitutional lawyer Kelly Himes Brolly, who analyzed the bill and found numerous problems related to parental rights, student data privacy, and conflicts with federal law and the Constitution itself. All parents should listen to her analysis and make their views known to members of the Senate Education & Youth Committee, where the bill will be heard after passing the House.
On this first show after Crossover Day, we also give an update on which bills are still alive and which have gone into hibernation until next year. You’ll be surprised at some of the developments!
Resources:
- Freedom in Education website
- Book: Laws, Rules, and Rights: A Guide to Protecting Children in Public Schools
- Discover Your Parental Rights in Education from Double Umbrella Publications
- Laws, Rules, Rights in Education from Thinq
- Senate Education & Youth Committee
Mar 1, 2025
Georgia GOAL and Catholic Education
Georgia GOAL CEO, Ben Saylor
Learn about an issue that’s critical for many parents who want a Catholic education for their children: the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program. Georgia GOAL CEO, Ben Saylor, explains how we can contribute to Catholic-school scholarships for lower-income families and get a dollar-for-dollar credit on state income taxes. He also tells us about HB 328, which the House is considering to raise the cap on these tax credits.
We also give an update on the fast and furious pace of legislation as we approach Crossover Day (March 6): religious freedom, marijuana, obscenity in schools, and more. Gambling update: SR 131, to authorize a vote on a constitutional amendment to allow online sports betting and casinos, failed in committee. A brand-new House bill has been introduced to do the same thing except for sports betting only. Stay tuned for updates.
Resources:
Learn about an issue that’s critical for many parents who want a Catholic education for their children: the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program. Georgia GOAL CEO, Ben Saylor, explains how we can contribute to Catholic-school scholarships for lower-income families and get a dollar-for-dollar credit on state income taxes. He also tells us about HB 328, which the House is considering to raise the cap on these tax credits.
We also give an update on the fast and furious pace of legislation as we approach Crossover Day (March 6): religious freedom, marijuana, obscenity in schools, and more. Gambling update: SR 131, to authorize a vote on a constitutional amendment to allow online sports betting and casinos, failed in committee. A brand-new House bill has been introduced to do the same thing except for sports betting only. Stay tuned for updates.
Resources:
- Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program
- Georgia Bulletin article: "Archdiocese to partner with Georgia GOAL for student scholarships"
- Information on HB 328 legislation to increase cap for tax credits available for certain contributions to student scholarship organizations
- Committees to contact (call the chairman, plus your senator or representative if he or she is on the committee):
- Senate Rules Committee, which decides which bills that have passed committee will be sent to the full Senate - ask the committee to advance these bills: SB 36 to protect religious freedom in Georgia; SB 33 to restrict potency of hemp consumables; SB 254 (similar); SB 74 to require libraries to comply with Georgia obscenity law
- Senate Health & Human Services Committee - ask for rejection of this unrestricted in vitro fertilization bill: HB 428 to provide a “right” to IVF, with no restrictions on procedures, destruction of embryos, etc.
- House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee – ask for hearing on this bill: HB 123 to reform Georgia law on the death penalty
- House Ways & Means Committee – ask for hearing on this bill: HB 328 to increase the tax-credit cap for Georgia GOAL scholarship students
Feb 22, 2025
Legislature Halfway Mark Update
The Georgia legislature officially crossed the halfway mark this week, so we take this opportunity to update the bills and resolutions that are advancing – or stalling – so far. The issues we discuss include gender ideology, in vitro fertilization, gambling, marijuana, the death penalty, and more. We also take a look at a few new executive orders coming from the Trump administration and break down the changes we can expect in national and state policy.
Resources:
Resources:
Feb 15, 2025
Regulation of Marijuana in Georgia
Michael Mumper, Executive Director of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy
Michael Mumper explains the status of “medical marijuana” under state law, while warning of severe health effects and social costs associated with the marijuana that is vastly more potent than what was available in the 70s and 80s. Mr. Mumper also explains – in the language of the layman – the problem with the “Delta 8 loophole” that allows harmful levels of the drug to be present in candies and other “edibles” that are widely available and, in fact, marketed to children. He urges Georgians to contact the legislative committees that are currently considering two bills, SB 33 and HB 265, that would close the loophole and help protect our children. He asks that we urge the members of those committees to hear and pass those bills!
Resources:
Michael Mumper explains the status of “medical marijuana” under state law, while warning of severe health effects and social costs associated with the marijuana that is vastly more potent than what was available in the 70s and 80s. Mr. Mumper also explains – in the language of the layman – the problem with the “Delta 8 loophole” that allows harmful levels of the drug to be present in candies and other “edibles” that are widely available and, in fact, marketed to children. He urges Georgians to contact the legislative committees that are currently considering two bills, SB 33 and HB 265, that would close the loophole and help protect our children. He asks that we urge the members of those committees to hear and pass those bills!
Resources:
- Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy website
- Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities, Georgia General Assembly
- House Committee on Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Georgia General Assembly
- Article: "Cannabis and Catholics: Lighting up the moral perspective" by Gerald Korson
- Book: Tell Your Children: The Truth about Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence by Alex Berenson
Feb 8, 2025
Overview of Bills and Resolutions
Bills and resolutions are beginning to roll in under the Gold Dome. We provide an overview of what’s happening. The issues we discuss include gender ideology, gambling, marijuana, the death penalty, and more. We also take a look at the flurry (blizzard!) of executive orders coming out of the new administration and break down the changes we can expect in national and state policy.
Resources:
Bills and resolutions are beginning to roll in under the Gold Dome. We provide an overview of what’s happening. The issues we discuss include gender ideology, gambling, marijuana, the death penalty, and more. We also take a look at the flurry (blizzard!) of executive orders coming out of the new administration and break down the changes we can expect in national and state policy.
Resources:
My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine
Resources:
Dr. John Bruchalski, author, speaker
We talk with Dr. John Bruchalski as he visits Atlanta for the kickoff of 40 Days for Life. Dr. Bruchalski is an OB/GYN in Virginia who, as a young doctor in training, performed abortions – until he had a spiritual awakening and was shown the true path of helping women in crisis pregnancies. He tells us about the Holy Spirit’s intervention in his life, the book he wrote about his experience (Two Patients – My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine), and the family ministry he now provides through his Tepeyac OB/GYN clinic in Fairfax, Virginia.
We talk with Dr. John Bruchalski as he visits Atlanta for the kickoff of 40 Days for Life. Dr. Bruchalski is an OB/GYN in Virginia who, as a young doctor in training, performed abortions – until he had a spiritual awakening and was shown the true path of helping women in crisis pregnancies. He tells us about the Holy Spirit’s intervention in his life, the book he wrote about his experience (Two Patients – My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine), and the family ministry he now provides through his Tepeyac OB/GYN clinic in Fairfax, Virginia.
Resources:
- Dr. John Bruchalski's Tepeyac OB/GYN clinic
- Divine Mercy Care, committed to helping all women access pro-life medical care
- Dr. John Bruchalski's book, Two Patients – My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine
Jan 25, 2025
All About In Vitro Fertilization
Dr. Kathleen Raviele, retired OB/GYN
Be aware: This program contains a detailed scientific discussion of the entire in vitro fertilization process that may not be suitable for children.
Be aware: This program contains a detailed scientific discussion of the entire in vitro fertilization process that may not be suitable for children.
Dr. Kathleen Raviele, a retired OB/GYN, has been a pillar of the pro-life movement in the Atlanta area. She walks us through the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which has become a hot political issue both in Georgia and nationally. How does IVF work? What does the Church teach about it, and why? What are the alternatives for couples struggling to conceive? Join us for this enlightening discussion.
Resources:
Resources:
- Excerpts from The Catechism of the Catholic Church - Part 3: Life in Christ; section 2: The Ten Commandments; Chapter 2: "You Shall Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"; article 6, The Sixth Commandment
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A Comprehensive Primer, published by Charlotte Lozier Institute
- Information on Reproductive Technology from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
- Article about embryo adoption by Ronald L. Conte Jr., Roman Catholic theologian
- Information from Catholic Answers on the question, What is Church teaching on embryo adoption?
Jan 18, 2025
Living Infants Fairness Equality Act
Sen. Ed Setzler
In our second of two conversations with Sen. Ed Setzler, we draw on his expertise as the sponsor of the Living Infants Fairness Equality Act (LIFE, or the “Heartbeat” law). The LIFE Act has been challenged in court ever since its passage in 2019. Sen. Setzler not only clarifies media distortions of LIFE but also explains how the legislation, by granting “personhood” to unborn infants, is more protective of mothers and babies than any other state law. He also explains the current state of the law in Georgia (spoiler alert: LIFE is still in effect).
Resources:
In our second of two conversations with Sen. Ed Setzler, we draw on his expertise as the sponsor of the Living Infants Fairness Equality Act (LIFE, or the “Heartbeat” law). The LIFE Act has been challenged in court ever since its passage in 2019. Sen. Setzler not only clarifies media distortions of LIFE but also explains how the legislation, by granting “personhood” to unborn infants, is more protective of mothers and babies than any other state law. He also explains the current state of the law in Georgia (spoiler alert: LIFE is still in effect).
Resources:
- HB 481 - Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act, Georgia General Assembly
- "Georgia Supreme Court Issues Order Reinstating Heartbeat Law Saving Babies From Abortions" on LifeNews.com
Jan 11, 2025
Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Sen. Ed Setzler
As we move into a new legislative session, we’re happy to have with us Sen. Ed Setzler to preview coming attractions under the Gold Dome. The first of our two shows with Sen. Setzler focuses on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Sen. Setzler explains what this proposed legislation would accomplish, why it’s necessary, and what its chances are for success this session.
Resources:
As we move into a new legislative session, we’re happy to have with us Sen. Ed Setzler to preview coming attractions under the Gold Dome. The first of our two shows with Sen. Setzler focuses on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Sen. Setzler explains what this proposed legislation would accomplish, why it’s necessary, and what its chances are for success this session.
Resources:
Mar 30, 2024
End of Legislative Session 2024: Sine Die
Sine Die! That’s the Latin phrase used at the legislature to herald the last day of the session, which occurred on Holy Thursday (March 28, 2024). For our wrap-up show we tell which bills passed, which didn’t, and which will probably return in some form next year. The issues we cover include religious freedom, sports betting, parental rights, pornography, marijuana, and more.
Our show will go into hiatus until January 2025 when the legislature reconvenes, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground until then so we can tell you what to expect. Talk to you in 2025!
Mar 23, 2024
Status of Bills at End of Legislative Session
Going into the final week of the 2024 legislative session (which, more importantly, is also Holy Week), we observe the frantic race to pass some bills and stop others before it all comes to a grinding halt at midnight on Thursday, March 28. On our show this week we’ll focus on some of the bills we’ve been following – dealing with religious freedom, gambling, parental rights, pornography, marijuana, and more – and tell you which are stalled and which are on the move (perhaps with the help of perfectly legal sleight of hand). The plot thickens!
