The Georgia House of Representatives is the lower house of the Georgia General Assembly (the state legislature) of the U.S. state of Georgia. There are currently 180 elected members. Republicans have had a majority in the chamber since 2005. The current House Speaker is Jon G. Burns.
History The Georgia House of Representatives was created in during the American Revolution, making it older than the U.S. Congress. During its existence, its meeting place has moved multiple times, from Savannah to Augusta, to Louisville, to Milledgeville and finally to Atlanta in 1868.The Capitalization of Georgia , Georgia State Government . (accessed June 2, 2013)
In 1867, the military governor of Georgia called for an assembly in Atlanta to discuss a constitutional convention. Atlanta officials moved to make the city Georgia's new state capital, donating the location of Atlanta's first city hall. The constitutional convention agreed and the people voted to ratify the decision on April 20, 1868. The Georgia General Assembly first presided in Atlanta on July 4, 1868.
On October 26, 1884, construction began on a new state capitol and was first occupied on June 15, 1889.
Powers and privileges The state constitution gives the state legislature the power to make state laws, restrict land use to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources, form a state militia under the command of the governor of Georgia, expend public money, condemn property, zone property, participate in tourism, and control and regulate outdoor advertising.Article III Section VI , Georgia Constitution (accessed June 2, 2013)
The state legislature cannot grant incorporation to private persons but may establish laws governing the incorporation process. It is also prohibited from authorizing contracts or agreements that may have the effect of or the intent of lessening competition or encouraging a monopoly.
Privileges Members of the Georgia House of Representatives maintain two privileges during their time in office. First, no member can be arrested during session or during committee meetings except in cases of treason, felony, or "breach of the peace". Second, members are not liable for anything they might say in session or committee meetings.
Districts
Composition
According to the Georgia Constitution of 1983, this body is to comprise no fewer than 180 members elected for two-year terms. Current state law provides for 180 members. Elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
It is the third-largest lower house of the 50 United States (behind New Hampshire (400) and Pennsylvania (203)). Republicans currently have a majority, though Democrats have gained seats in recent elections.
AffiliationParty (Shading indicates majority caucus)TotalVacant RepublicanDemocraticEnd of 155th General Assembly105741791End of 156th General Assembly103761791Beginning of 157th General Assembly101791800End 157th10278Beginning of 158th General Assembly100801800September 4, 2025791791October 12, 2025991782October 28, 2025981773December 2, 2025801782December 9, 2025811791January 1, 2026801782January 5, 2026791773January 6, 2026991782March 9, 2026781773April 7, 2026801791June 9, 2026811800Latest voting share
Officers
The House of Representatives elects its own speaker as well as a speaker pro tempore. Speaker Jon G. Burns was elected on January 9, 2023. Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, who served as speaker following the death of Speaker David Ralston, was reelected to her previous position on that day as well. The speaker pro tempore becomes speaker in case of the death, resignation, or permanent disability of the speaker. The speaker pro tempore serves until a new speaker is elected. In addition there is a clerk of the House, who is charged with overseeing the flow of legislation through the body. The current clerk is William L. Reilly.
OfficeRepresentativeParty Speaker of the House Jon Burns RepublicanSpeaker pro tempore Jan Jones RepublicanMajority Leader Chuck Efstration RepublicanMajority Whip James Burchett RepublicanMajority Caucus Chairman Bruce Williamson RepublicanMajority Caucus Vice-Chairman Houston Gaines RepublicanMajority Caucus Secretary/Treasurer Ginny Ehrhart RepublicanMajority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip Rob Leverett RepublicanMinority Leader Carolyn Hugley DemocraticMinority Whip Sam Park DemocraticMinority Caucus Chairman Tanya MillerDemocraticMinority Caucus Vice-Chairman Spencer FryeDemocraticMinority Caucus Secretary Park CannonDemocraticMinority Caucus Treasurer Solomon AdesanyaDemocraticMinority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip Saira DraperDemocratic Source:
Membership
List of current representatives , the membership of the House is as follows: