MACON, Ga. — Crossover Day represents a critical deadline for state lawmakers. They spent Thursday scrambling to get bills from one chamber to the next before the day ended.
If bills don't pass over by the end of Crossover Day, they could be considered dead for the legislative session. Here's a look at some of the bills that made it through.
House Bill 1105 - Immigration Enforcement
This bill passed 97-74 and requires police and sheriff's departments to help identify undocumented immigrants, arrest them and detain them. The bill's sponsor, Jesse Petrea (R) of Savannah, says it was in the works long before Jose Ibarra was accused of killing Laken Riley on the University of Georgia campus.
He says the bill would also set new requirements for how jail officials should check with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to see whether people are in the United States illegally.
"Currently, the statute as you see here uses the word 'they are authorized to do so.' This makes it very clear. By requiring that they cooperate with federal immigration authorities, local jurisdictions enhance public safety," Petrea said.
Opponents argued it could cause people to be detained for long periods and could increase distrust in police.
Senate Bill 390 - Library Bill
Senate Bill 390 passed 33-20 and prevents libraries from paying for any services from the American Library Association. That association handles accreditation for master's programs in library studies across the nation. Sen Larry Walker (R) of Perry says his bill will allow for universities to continue using the association's requirements for that degree.
He calls the group too liberal and feels they don't represent Georgians' views.
"This is not about book burning or book banning. It's about having an organization that is led by a self-proclaimed Marxist that has an LGBTQ agenda," he said.
Opponents, like the advocacy group Progress Georgia, say the bill would essentially decide which groups are 'politically desirable.'
House Bill 1180 - Film Tax Credits
House Bill 1180 puts stricter requirements on filmmakers to get tax credits. Right now, an easy route they can take is placing the Georgia peach logo at the end of a film. The new bill would require them to spend more money and hire more Georgians to get the 20% credit.
Each bill must pass both houses by March 28 to have a chance at becoming law. Each must also get a signature from Gov. Brian Kemp.