The 2023 legislative session was a busy time for the Georgia General Assembly, with many bills introduced — a good number of which passed — impacting free expression and open government interests.
The Georgia First Amendment Foundation (GFAF)’s Legislative Watch highlights some of these proposed and passed laws.
GFAF’s Legislative Watch was informed by the research and legal analysis of students Max Abramson and Mia McKnight from the University of Georgia School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic.
Additionally, McKnight and Abramson, along with fellow Clinic student Madi Blair, published editorial commentary on a variety of recent Georgia legislative initiatives:
- Madi Blair, A year later, Georgia’s ‘book banning’ law normalizes censorship in schools, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Apr. 8, 2023) and Georgia Recorder (Apr. 10, 2023)
- Mia McKnight, McKnight: Anti-trans laws violate First Amendment, The Valdosta Daily Times (Apr. 19, 2023) and Savannah Now (Apr. 23, 2023)
- Max Abramson, The unconstitutional consequences of a prosecutorial oversight commission, Georgia Recorder (Apr. 24, 2023)
By participating in the public debate on the passage of laws that impact free speech and government transparency, Clinic students are increasing general awareness and understanding of the First Amendment, thereby fostering a more informed electorate.