Georgia Senate passes bill that will change state's election laws. What to know about HB 397
Georgia Senate amended multiple laws to House Bill 397 that would allow for significant changes to the state's election laws.
The bill was amended Wednesday with a 33-23 vote, largely along party lines. Here is what we know about the bill.
House Bill 397, sponsored by Republican Rep. Tim Fleming, proposes increasing paper ballot options, expanding the State Election Board's power, and removing Georgia from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC).
The bill removes the State Election Board from the oversight of the Secretary of State, granting the board control over investigative reports and communications.
This bill also prohibits dropping off absentee ballots after the advance voting period. Republicans argue that these changes protect election integrity, citing last year's high voter turnout.
"This protects the integrity of our elections," said Republican Sen. Max Burns.
Democrats contend that the bill suppresses voter turnout and creates unnecessary barriers to voting.
One Democrat, Sen. Jason Esteves, called the bill a "Frankenstein whack-a-mole," highlighting its numerous provisions affecting various aspects of the election process.
Now, the bill is sent back to the House for final passage.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia elections could drastically change thanks to HB 397
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