Georgia lawmakers' sudden exit came as some Senate measures languished in the House

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Senate chamber.
Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Senate chamber at the Georgia State Capitol on Sine Die on Friday, April 5, 2025. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

Here’s how a Georgia legislative session is supposed to end:

After a last-minute rush of negotiations, lawmakers jam through final agreements on a few more bills as the clock ticks past midnight.

Legislative staffers crowd into chambers as leaders thank employees against a soundtrack of paper being ripped into pieces.