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Georgia House adopts 40-day schedule after debate over Ramadan and other observances; vote 150-27
Summary
The Georgia House approved a 40-day legislative calendar (House Resolution 998) after members raised concerns about scheduling around religious observances including Ramadan and Passover; the measure passed 150-27 and was transmitted to the Senate.
The Georgia House adopted a 40‑day schedule for the 2026 regular session after a round of questions from members about scheduling conflicts and minority input. The House adopted House Resolution 998 by a recorded vote of 150 yeas to 27 nays.
Majority Leader introduced the scheduling resolution and described a calendar that sets multiple session weeks, committee workdays and sine die on April 2. The leader said the calendar had been negotiated with Senate leadership and included consideration of Passover, noting: "that date that was given to me was Passover Seder on April 1," and that accommodations could be made where feasible.
Several members asked whether the calendar accounted for Islamic holy days associated with Ramadan and Eid, specifically noting March 20 as a date that may coincide with end-of-Ramadan observance and staff impacts. Representative Ramon asked, "Is there any way that we could potentially shift the committee workday that week and then just switch them out, essentially?" The Majority Leader said the schedule had been "carefully vetted," that he had taken input from members and asked that anyone with specific concerns bring them to him in advance.
Representative Cannon raised concerns about transparency and inconsistent outreach ahead of the calendar announcement, asking that dates affecting religious observance be reconsidered. The Majority Leader said he had solicited input and reiterated that future concerns should be raised in advance so the 40‑day calendar could continue to be provided.
After discussion, the House recorded 150 yeas and 27 nays on HR 998; the Speaker ordered immediate transmission to the Senate.
The House also approved related procedural resolutions to notify the Senate and governor that the General Assembly had convened and scheduled a joint session for the governor's State of the State address on Thursday, January 15 at 11 a.m., per the Majority Leader's remarks.
