Georgia Senate adopts rules for moving bills through its special session

Senators may introduce measures on opening day before first reading, and general measures receive their second reading when the committee reports them. These rules govern measures handled by the Georgia Senate during the 2026 special session. The opening-day filing rule covers measures needing House approval; they must reach the Senate secretary before first reading and committee assignment. Bills cannot be debated at their first or second reading. A senator seeking another vote must give notice immediately. The Senate president or a designee schedules it that day, allowing at least 10 minutes; unfinished business is completed first. During the 2026 special session, the Senate secretary immediately sends measures needing House action to that chamber. Notice seeking another vote takes priority over a motion to send a measure.

The Rules Committee sets the daily agenda, and reconsidered measures return to the bottom of the calendar awaiting third reading. The rules govern the order of business in the Georgia Senate’s 2026 special session. Departing from the agenda requires three-fourths of those voting, with those votes also forming a majority of all elected senators. The agenda rule cannot be suspended by a two-thirds vote. On a senator’s motion, the Senate may take up a request to handle business in a special order after finishing its current business. The Rules Committee sets the agenda after the special session’s first day and posts it as soon as practical.

Senators receive reports on House–Senate compromises before considering them, and stalled negotiating teams may be replaced. These rules cover conference committees, which work to settle differences between House and Senate versions of a measure. Reports must be printed and distributed at least two hours before consideration unless a majority of the Senate’s full membership waives that wait. After 24 hours without a report, the Senate president may replace the negotiating team. After 48 hours without a report, a majority of all elected senators may vote to replace or instruct the Senate negotiators, or take another action allowed by Senate rules. The 24-hour and 48-hour waiting periods run from the conference committee’s formation.

Senate committees may act during breaks within a session. The provision covers Georgia Senate committees handling bills, resolutions, and other matters. The Senate secretary may accept a committee report during a break; the Senate receives and reads it on its next meeting day. After a session ends, standing committees need authorization from state law or the Senate to take official action before the next session begins. Action during a break is allowed after the session’s opening day and before its final day.

Speakers on contested local bills and senators raising personal concerns have three-minute limits. The limits cover contested local bills and individual personal-privilege speeches in the Georgia Senate. Supporters and opponents of a contested local bill each have three minutes. Individual speeches on points of personal privilege—personal concerns raised on the Senate floor—have a three-minute limit during a special session.