The Gist

As kids head back to school, some state lawmakers are already focusing their attention on next year.

What’s happening

Numerous study committees are meeting this week and the meetings are open to the public. This is Georgians’ chance to chime in, show up at the meeting or watch online. 

Lawmakers are convening to discuss several issues — from the legality concerning the state’s navigable streams to how public policy can help support ongoing investment in facilities that use Georgia’s forest products and the issuance of temporary vehicle permits.

Georgia is the No. 1 forestry state in the United States. Trees from Georgia’s forests are converted to more than 5,000 common consumer items that help improve health and everyday life for residents, according to a report from the Georgia Forestry Association. 

Also, the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence will continue discussions on Wednesday about artificial intelligence.

Members of the committee are tasked with finding ways to enforce “the existing consumer protection laws and principles” for citizens while providing “safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.”

Why it matters

Why do these meetings matter? The topics lawmakers talk about now are often addressed through legislation that you could see in January. This is your chance to join the conversation early.

Here are the committee meetings scheduled for this week: 

• Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee (Senate) — Aug. 13, 10 a.m.
• Joint House Motor Vehicles and Senate Transportation — Aug. 14, 9 a.m.
• Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Ad Hoc Committee on Community Solar (House) — Aug. 14, 2024, 10 a.m.
• Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (Senate) — Aug. 14, 10 a.m.
• House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matter — Aug. 15, 9 a.m.
• Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI (House) — Aug. 15 10 a.m.

How you can get involved

Most meetings are open for public attendance and will also be available by live stream. For a detailed list of legislative hearings — including dates, meeting agendas and times — click this link here.

Have questions or comments? Contact Issac Morgan on X @issacmorgan12 or at [email protected].

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