The Panel: 

Riley Bunch — Public policy reporter, GPB News

James Salzer — State government and politics reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rahul Bali — Politics reporter, WABE

Jim Galloway — Former political columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Breakdown:

1. What is Sine Die, and why is it important at the Georgia Capitol? 

• Sine Die is the final day of the legislative session.
• Many bills have already passed before tonight’s deadline. 

2. A stripped-down election bill nears passage before tonight’s deadline.

3. Lawmakers seek to ban abortion pills sent by mail.

4.  Legislation to drastically change the state’s tax code is running out of time.

5. Will Georgia finally legalize gambling?

• Legislators are trying to put a referendum about gambling on the ballot in November.
• The measure, a constitutional amendment, requires two-thirds support in both the House and the Senate.

6. “Divisive concepts” bill threatens teacher autonomy, and school education.

7. Bill looks to simplify the medical cannabis oil program in Georgia.

• In 2019, Gov. Brian Kemp passed The “Georgia Hope” Act, allowing the state to produce low-THC oil.
  • HB 1400, hopes to clear up the licensing process on the matter.
• More than 23,000 people are waiting on Georgia’s low-THC oil registry.
  • ALS, autism, and intractable pain are illnesses covered in the registry.

8. Rep. Calvin Smyre to retire after a 48-year career. 

• Smyre was first elected in 1974 and is the longest-serving member of the state legislature.
• The Democrat from Columbus spoke to Lawmakers host Donna Lowry about moving on from the legislature. 

Tuesday on Political Rewind:

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Tamar Hallerman joins us.