Religious freedom, education, gambling bills top Georgia General Assembly 2016 agenda

Belle Doss lays out seating charts on the desks of state representatives in preparation for the opening of the Georgia General Assembly Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at the state Capitol in Atlanta. Religious freedom, education, and gambling bills top the 2016 agenda of the state's legislative session which begins Monday. (AP Photo/David Goldman) Belle Doss lays out seating charts on the desks of state representatives in preparation for the opening of the Georgia General Assembly Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at the state Capitol in Atlanta. Religious freedom, education, and gambling bills top the 2016 agenda of the state's legislative session which begins Monday. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

By Associated Press January 9, 2016 5 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – Georgia lawmakers return to the Capitol in Atlanta on Monday, kicking off the 2016 legislative session. Here’s a look at some of the top issues expected to come up this year.

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RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

Debate continued during the legislative break over a returning bill that would forbid government from infringing on a person’s religious beliefs unless the government can prove a compelling interest. The proposed “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” would cover individuals, closely held companies like Hobby Lobby and religious organizations.

It easily passed the Senate but stalled in the House last year after a Republican member of a committee added nondiscrimination language. Supporters of the bill said that would gut its protection for people acting on religious faith.