Georgia bill to define antisemitism stalls in wording fight

Rep. John Carson, R-Marietta, left, and Rep. Esther Panitch, D-Sandy Springs, react in the House chambers after the passage of HB 30 during crossover day at the Georgia State Capitol on March 6, 2023, in Atlanta. The bill that would define antisemitism in Georgia law has stalled after an unfriendly amendment in a Senate committee altered the measure Monday, March 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz, File)

A bill that would formally define antisemitism in Georgia law has stalled after an unfriendly amendment in a Senate committee altered the measure in ways its sponsors disagree with, possibly ending the legislation’s prospects in the 2023 legislative session.

The sponsors of House Bill 30 say a definition would help prosecutors and other officials identify hate crimes and illegal discrimination targeting Jewish people. But they asked to have the bill set aside after the Senate Judiciary Committee adopted the amendment Monday. The legislative session ends March 29.

Republican Rep. John Carson of Marietta, the bill’s sponsor, said Tuesday he didn’t know if the bill is dead for the year.