Live from State Capitol in final weeks of Georgia Legislative Session

Georgia General Assembly

Tiffany Griffith , Closer Look Staff | WABE

March 12th, 2026

On the left, a vertical photo of the Georgia State Capitol. On the right, Rose Scott, Rahul Bali and Kim Jackson sit at a table to record a radio episode. — Georgia state Sen. Kim Jackson joins "Closer Look" host Rose Scott and WABE Politics Reporter Rahul Bali for an informative discussion about the 2026 bills and elections that could shape Georgia's future. (LaShawn Hudson and Tiffany Griffith/WABE)

For years, WABE’s Rahul Bali has covered the latest developments at the Georgia State Capitol. He says angry constituents can be a common occurrence under the Gold Dome, and often it’s because of confusion about Georgia’s system of government.

Clearing up that confusion is what brought the “Closer Look” Team to the Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building — adjacent to the State Capitol where lawmakers are busy within the last three weeks of the legislative session. Host Rose Scott spoke with Bali about the bills that survived Crossover Day, measures that didn’t make it to the House or Senate, and the debates lawmakers are having over the legislation. Bali also provided an update on lawmakers leaving office and running for office, as well as local visits from members of the Trump administration.

Georgia state Sen. Kim Jackson also joined the conversation. She responded to a critique Bali heard about lawmakers “playing defense” this legislative session. Jackson shared how she addresses a bill like sports betting, when it’s something her constituents want, but she is morally opposed to. She discussed budget priorities, her thoughts on a year-round legislature, and important issues such as Medicaid rates, childhood literacy, funding for safer jails and prisons, and an income tax rolldown.