Tradition Leads First Day of Georgia General Assembly

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The traditions of the first day of the Georgia General assembly are routine for the veteran State Senators and Representatives like Nikki Randall and James Beverly, but the thrill of day one isn’t gone.

“It’s exciting to be back to see what we’re going to this year,” says Representative Beverly, District 143.

“First day is always exciting you get to meet your new colleagues and re-aquaint yourself with the old ones,” says Representative Randall, District 142.

One of those new members is State Representative Patty Bentley. She took her oath of office with her family by her side.

“I used my mother’s bible for my swearing in, so that was very special to me, and I’m very excited,” says Representative Bentley, District 139.

In the other chamber, State Senator David Lucas made his return to the gold dome. He brought his nearly 40 years of experience as a member of the house to the senate floor this time around.

“I think if you have someone who knows what’s going on, and knows how to read a bill, you don’t get into much trouble like this past delegation got us into,” says Senator Lucas, District 26.

Lucas believes the consolidation bill is far from perfect. State Representatives Randall and Allen Peake say the bill will pop up again this session.

“The transition committee has made some recommendations and we’re going to look forward to making those as well,” says Peake, District 141.

On day one after the speakers were elected, and other roles were filled in both chambers, the senate made a game-changing vote. A $100 spending limit was placed on lobbyist gifts.

“I think the senate decided it’s best to go ahead and put caps in place right up front the first day, now, so those rules are in place,” says State Senator Ross Tolleson, District 20.

Ethics reform led the discussion in the senate Monday morning, while annual tradition led the house on the first of forty days inside this chamber.