Georgia State Senate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Georgia State Senate |
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|---|---|
| Georgia General Assembly | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
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Term limits
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None |
| History | |
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New session started
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January 11, 2021 |
| Leadership | |
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Burt Jones (R)
Since January 9, 2023 |
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President Pro Tempore
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John F. Kennedy (R)
Since January 9, 2023 |
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Majority Leader
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Steve Gooch (R)
Since January 9, 2023 |
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Minority Leader
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Gloria Butler (D)
Since January 11, 2021 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 56 |
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Political groups
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Majority
Minority
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Length of term
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2 years |
| Authority | Article III, Georgia Constitution |
| Salary | $17,342/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
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Last election
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November 8, 2022 (56 seats) |
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Next election
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November 5, 2024 (56 seats) |
| Redistricting | Legislative control |
| Meeting place | |
 |
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| State Senate Chamber Georgia Capitol Atlanta, Georgia |
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The Georgia State Senate is an important part of the government in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is like the "upper house" of Georgia's main law-making group, called the Georgia General Assembly. The other part is the Georgia House of Representatives, which is the "lower house."
Together, these two groups make up Georgia's two-part legislature. Their main job is to create and pass laws for the state. These laws must follow the rules set by Georgia's own Constitution and the United States Constitution.
The Senate has special powers, like approving people the Governor of Georgia chooses for certain jobs. They also handle impeachment cases, which are like trials for government officials. Many people who become governor of Georgia first served in the State Senate.
Contents
How the Senate Works
The Georgia State Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives meet every year. They gather at the Georgia State Capitol building in Atlanta. Their yearly meeting starts on the second Monday in January. Each session lasts for 40 days when they are actively working on laws.
Sometimes, if something important comes up, the General Assembly can call special meetings. To do this, at least three-fifths of the members in both the Senate and the House must agree. These special meetings can also last up to 40 days.
Who Can Be a Senator?
The Georgia State Senate has 56 members. Each senator represents a different area of the state. These areas are all about the same size in terms of population.
Senators serve for two years at a time. Elections for senators happen every two years, in even-numbered years. New senators officially start their jobs on the second Monday in January after they are elected.
To become a Georgia State Senator, a person must be at least 25 years old. They also need to be a registered voter. They must have lived in Georgia for at least two years. Unlike some other states, senators do not have to live in their specific district for a certain time before running.
Senate Leaders
The main leader of the State Senate is the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. This person is elected by all voters in Georgia every four years.
Other important leaders in the Senate include the President pro tempore. This person is chosen by all the senators. There is also a Majority Leader, who is elected by the political party that has the most members (currently the Republican party).
The political party with fewer members also has a leader. This person is called the Minority Leader. They are chosen by the members of their own party.
Senator Pay
Currently, state senators in Georgia earn a salary of $17,342 each year. The Majority Leader and Minority Leader get an extra $400 each month for their leadership roles.
Senate Officers
The person in charge of the Senate meetings is called the President of the Senate. If the President is temporarily unable to do their job, a person called the President pro tempore steps in. This person is usually a high-ranking member of the party with the most senators.
If the President leaves office permanently, the President pro tempore becomes the new President. The Senate also has an officer called the Secretary of the Senate. This person helps with official records and paperwork.
Senate Committees
The Senate divides its work among many different groups called committees. These committees focus on specific topics. For example, there are committees for education, health, transportation, and money matters.
When a new law idea (called a bill) is introduced, it usually goes to a committee first. The committee studies the bill, discusses it, and might make changes. This helps the Senate manage all the different laws they need to consider.
Who is in the Senate?
The Georgia State Senate has 56 members. Each member is elected for a two-year term. Elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, during even-numbered years.
To be a senator, you must be at least 25 years old. You also need to be a citizen of the United States. You must have lived in Georgia for two years and in your specific senatorial district for one year before the election.
The most important position in the Senate is the President of the Senate. The second most important is the President pro tempore.
