Georgia House Sends Question About Suing Government To Voters

Gov. Brian Kemp — seen here flanked by House Speaker David Ralston, right, and Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan — and Former Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed previous legislative attempts to broaden the grounds for suits against the government.

John Bazemore / Associated Press

Georgians will get to vote on whether to make it easier to sue the state and local governments under a proposed constitutional amendment given final passage Tuesday by the state House.

In a vote of 164-0, the House passed House Resolution 1023, sending the question to voters as a ballot referendum. The state Senate passed the measure 50-0 on Monday.

Former Gov. Nathan Deal and Gov. Brian Kemp both vetoed previous legislative attempts to broaden the grounds for suits against the government. But the governor has no authority to veto a proposed constitutional amendment.