What do I need to know about visiting the State Capitol?
How to Get to the State Capitol. Parking is scarce around the Capitol complex, but there are some public parking places within a short walk. The most visible of these public lots is the one marked “Underground Atlanta” and is about two blocks from the Capitol. A better option is to take public transportation in the form of the MARTA train and exit at the Georgia State University station which is on the East-West line. This station is between Georgia State University and the State Capitol.
Getting into the Capitol. Except for legislators and others with a special badge, everyone coming through any of the Capitol entrances will be required to pass through metal detectors. Visitors may also be asked to furnish one piece of photo identification and sign a guest book. There are two ground level entrances at the south and north sides of the building. Other entrances are on the second floor.
When to Go. The General Assembly begins on the second Monday of January and is in session for 40 legislative days. There are several recesses in the normal course of a session which pushes the last day of the Legislature into late March/early April. The House and Senate usually convene at 10:00 A.M. and end as early as noon with committee meetings scheduled for the afternoons.
Food. There are several places to eat, including the cafeteria of the Twin Towers building, a cafeteria on the sixth floor of the Legislation Office Building (LOB) across from the Capitol on Mitchell Street, and the state-run Garden Room across from the Washington Street side of the Capitol in Georgia Plaza Park. There is also a snack bar in the Capitol basement.
Legislation. The House and Senate information offices print status reports each Friday on bills introduced and considered that week. The House version is called “The Weekly Legislative Report”; the Senate’s publication is entitled “News of the Georgia Senate.” Copies of bills are free at the House Clerk’s office, Room 309. The telephone number is 404-656-5015. Bills may also be obtained from the Secretary of the Senate’s office, Room 351. The telephone number is 404-656-5040.