February 8, 2024
The Georgia Catholic Conference witnesses to spiritual values in public affairs, and provides an agency for corporate Catholic service to the statewide community. Under the direction of the Catholic bishops of Georgia, the Conference promotes public policy positions related to Georgia governmental programs, legislation and policies which affect the common good and interest of the Catholic Church.
The following is a “day” in which the Georgia Catholic Conference is participating in order to give combined support to important issues.
February 22, 2024 – March for Life.
Details for participation are included on the Georgia Life Alliance website. We encourage participation in this advocacy day as a way to support Catholic social teaching along with similarly minded groups.
The following is the status of current bills that the Conference is following:
School Choice
SB 233 https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64762 (Sen Dolezal) passed the Senate in 2023 but failed in House. The bill would provide for a “Promise Scholarship Account” (Voucher) for each student. The bill will remain active in 2024 and the Conference supports it.
Death Penalty and Intellectual Disability
HB 1041 would set a procedure for determining whether a person accused of murder is intellectually disabled and, thus, should not be eligible for the death penalty. After a hearing on January 31, at which the Catholic Conference and the Archdiocese of Atlanta, office of Disabilities Ministry testified in favor of the bill, members of the committee are now discussing amendments to the bill.
On February 7, Bishop Ned Shlesinger, III, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, joined other faith leaders at the Capitol in speaking spoke against the death penalty and, in particular, supported HB 1041.
In addition, we are continuing to follow legislation to increase of the cap for Student Scholarship Organizations (SSO) such as G.R.A.C.E. Scholars to $150 million.
Post expires at 9:54pm on Friday February 13th, 2026