Civil lawsuit reform, trans youth in sports and how to spend a $16.5 billion rainy day fund will top lawmakers' agendas this legislative session starting Monday at the Capitol.

Why it matters: The Republican-controlled Georgia General Assembly has 40 days to decide major issues affecting the health, finances, freedoms and happiness of Georgia's 11 million residents.

Here are some of the state senators and representatives' top 2025 issues:

Reproductive health: Georgia lawmakers could consider codifying into law the right to in vitro fertilization, House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) told reporters this past week.

Prisons: Georgia's prison system has systemic issues including violence and unsafe conditions, according to an AJC investigative series.

• State senators have spent the past year studying policies, including better pay for guards, and Gov. Brian Kemp has proposed $600 million in spending on repairs and improvements.

Sports participation: House and Senate leaders want to revisit measures to prohibit transgender women athletes from competing in sports that don't match the gender listed on their birth certificate.

Civil lawsuits: Gov. Brian Kemp and Republican lawmakers are giving efforts to curtail civil lawsuits another go, claiming the lawsuits are contributing to higher insurance rates, the AP reports.

Money, money, money: Georgia is sitting on $16.5 billion — that's with a big ole b — in rainy day and reserve funding, some of which could fund a state aid program for Hurricane Helene victims.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R-Jackson) is pushing tax credits for Georgians to help parents pay kids' day care costs, and House Democrats are calling for increased spending on free breakfast and lunches for K-12 students.

• Caveat: Gov. Brian Kemp and other state lawmakers have already called for $1 billion in income tax refunds.

School safety: Lawmakers are bound to explore new measures after the Sept. 2024 fatal shootings of two teachers and students at Apalachee High School shooting in Barrow County, Georgia Recorder reports.

• In recent years, GOP state lawmakers have supported increasing school resource officers and so-called "hardening" — more locks and metal detectors.

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The 2025 legislative session begins Monday, and to follow the action you have to know the players.

Why it matters: The following folks, along with lawmakers who chair House and Senate committees, are setting the pace of this year's 40-day legislative session.

Zoom in: For obvious reasons, we start with Republicans Gov. Brian Kemp, the most powerful Republican in Georgia, and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who presides over the Senate and is all but in the race to succeed Kemp.

State House

Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington): This year's session will be Burns' third leading the House. Elected by the majority party members, Burns has the final say on what legislation lives and dies in the lower chamber.

Rep. Chuck Efstration (R-Mulberry), majority leader: The Gwinnett County lawyer, a potential candidate for Georgia attorney general, leads the House Republicans.

Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), minority leader: A steady presence in the House for more than three decades, Hugley must wrangle Democrats to play defense against GOP bills and offense when possible.

State Senate

Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon), president pro tempore: The Middle Georgia lawyer is the Senate's second in command and oversaw the chamber's 2021 redistricting efforts.

Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), majority leader: The Lumpkin County entrepreneur joined the Senate in 2010 and is a staunch supporter of the MAGA movement.

Sen. Harold Jones II (D-Augusta), minority leader: The Augusta attorney begins his first session leading the Democrats' push for Medicaid expansion and other progressive issues.

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The Capitol is the people's house, so go make yourself at home.

Why it matters: The Georgia General Assembly offers people an opportunity to watch the state's legislative sausage get made in a hustle-and-bustle, mish-mash of special interests, personalities and petty drama.

How it works: Check the Legislature's calendar to see when lawmakers are meeting in the chambers or committees.

In the weeds: Ask Gold Dome staffers seated outside the chamber to request your representative or senator step outside to chat.

Zoom out: Seating is available in the galleries offering a clear view of the action — like which lawmakers are watching March Madness on their laptops.

The intrigue: During downtime, explore the curios and head-scratching exhibitions on display, including the famous two-headed calf on the fourth floor.

• Vending machines are in the basement, FYI. And why so few statues of women at Capitol?

The Atlanta Braves are opening the doors for restauranteurs and food and drink providers from across the Southeast to vend at Truist Park.

Yes, and: Time's running out to toss your name in the hat.

Driving the news: Vendors from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee have until Wed., Jan. 15 to apply to be considered.

• Select restaurants will then be invited to Truist Park to offer menu items to be considered for a vendor spot in 2025.

Get more details on qualifications and submit an application online.

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Charles Person, the youngest of the original Freedom Riders, died last week at his home in Fayetteville. He was 82. (AJC)

Hagar House, a homeless shelter in Decatur, has been closed since being damaged by Hurricane Helene. (Decaturish)

🏈 Former UGA quarterback Carson Beck has committed to Miami, less than 24 hours after he entered the NCAA transfer portal. (ESPN)

😐 Atlanta Beltline officials say they're restarting the process to redevelop the Murphy Crossing site along the Westside Trail. (AJC)