Georgia Constitution Art. III Legislative Branch
Georgia Constitution – Article III: Legislative Branch
Overview:
Article III of the Georgia State Constitution establishes and governs the Legislative Branch, known as the General Assembly of Georgia. This article defines the structure, powers, duties, and limitations of the legislature, which is responsible for making state laws.
Key Components of Article III:
§ I – Legislative Power
Legislative authority is vested in the General Assembly, consisting of two chambers:
The Senate
The House of Representatives
§ II – Composition of the General Assembly
Senate:
Maximum of 56 Senators
Must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens, and Georgia residents for 2 years
House of Representatives:
Maximum of 180 Representatives
Must be at least 21 years old, U.S. citizens, and Georgia residents for 2 years
Members are elected every 2 years from geographic districts.
§ III – General Assembly Sessions
The General Assembly meets annually, starting on the second Monday in January.
The Governor can call special sessions.
§ IV – Officers of the General Assembly
The Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate.
The House elects a Speaker.
Both chambers elect other officers and establish internal rules.
§ V – Powers of the General Assembly
Can:
Enact laws
Approve the state budget
Levy taxes
Borrow money
Confirm certain gubernatorial appointments
Provide for public education, safety, and infrastructure
§ VI – Limitations on Legislative Powers
The legislature may not pass laws that:
Violate the state or U.S. Constitution
Grant retroactive benefits
Enact local laws that apply only to specific jurisdictions without following required procedures
Impair contracts
Grant titles of nobility
§ VII – Enactment of Laws
Bills must be:
Introduced, read three times, and passed by majority vote in both chambers
Limited to one subject, clearly expressed in the title
Signed by the Governor, unless vetoed or overridden
§ VIII – Appropriations and Finance
Laws appropriating money must originate in the House.
Georgia must pass a balanced budget each fiscal year.
No money may be withdrawn from the treasury without legislative approval.
§ IX – Retirement Systems
Any change to public employee retirement systems must be actuarially sound and pass both chambers with a two-thirds majority.
§ X – Local Government Laws
Regulates how the General Assembly can pass laws affecting specific counties or cities.
Provides a process for local legislation with proper notice and publication.
Purpose and Importance:
Article III ensures that Georgia’s law-making process is transparent, representative, and constitutionally limited.
Balances legislative power with the rights of the public and the powers of the executive and judiciary.
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