On Tuesday, February 21, Sen. Max Burns (R – Sylvania) introduced Senate Bill 222, which would address the funding of elections from any person or nongovernmental organization.

“I want to thank Senator Burns for introducing this legislation which will further enhance the election process in Georgia,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Woke and out-of-touch businesses outside of this state should not meddle with our local elected officials and their duties to ensure the election process is fair and efficient.”

“We must work together to limit the influence of third party groups on our local and state elections,” said Sen. Burns. “Public officials have a duty to the people of Georgia that third party groups do not. Elections are the backbone of our democracy, and we must ensure that they are held and conducted fairly and ethically.”

SB 222 requires that all expenses and costs related to election administration be paid for by lawfully appropriate public funds. This bill clarifies existing language in Georgia Law that prohibits certain election officials from taking or accepting donations for the purpose of conducting and administering elections, expanding this prohibition to all government employees and election officials. Further, SB 222 would prohibit certain local governments from soliciting or accepting donations or other valuable items to support the function of election administration. This bill does not apply to the donation or use of locations for voting purposes.

For more information on SB 222, you can read here.