Citizen Whip Report Legislative Day 27

I am going to do a little experiment to give you, Dear Reader, a summary of the bills that are scheduled to be debated on the floor in each chamber in the Georgia General Assembly. For the uninitiated, these are called “Rules Calendars.”

When I served in the House, the Whip was responsible for producing a similar document for each member called a, “Whip Report.” Depending on who the Whip was at the time, we either got a great amount of detail, or sometimes a single sentence.

My goal here is to provide you with a summary that breaks the bill down into bullet points and avoids legal jargon so that laymen can understand what a bill does.

Disclaimer time: These reports may not be incredibly detailed. If you have questions about a specific bill or would like to see more detail, let me know in the comments and if I have time I will try to accommodate your request (but no guarantees). Please note that Rules Calendars break out bills by which rules govern the debate, such as how and when a bill may be amended, therefore they may not be in numerical order.

House Bills

HB 37

Primary Sponsor: Representative Leverett (123rd District)
Committee Assignment: Education
Summary: This bill mandates that local school systems inform their employees about Social Security withholdings and their eligibility for certain benefits.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Social Security Withholdings: Deductions from an employee’s paycheck that contribute to the Social Security program, providing benefits upon retirement, disability, or death.
• Eligibility for Benefits: Criteria determining an individual’s qualification to receive Social Security benefits, influenced by factors such as work credits and contributions.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Notification Obligation: Local school systems are required to notify employees about:
  • Whether Social Security taxes are being withheld from their salaries.
  • How such withholdings (or lack thereof) affect their eligibility for Social Security benefits.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties: All employees of local school systems in Georgia.
• Impact: Ensures employees are informed about their Social Security contributions and potential benefits, aiding in financial planning.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: The bill does not specify penalties but implies that compliance will be monitored by relevant state education authorities.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 77

Primary Sponsor: Representative Franklin (160th District)
Committee Assignment: Motor Vehicles
Summary: This bill revises the responsibilities of drivers when encountering a funeral procession on a two-lane highway.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Funeral Procession: A convoy of vehicles accompanying the body of a deceased person, typically moving from a funeral service to a burial site.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Driver Responsibilities: Drivers encountering a funeral procession on a two-lane highway must:
  • Yield the right-of-way to the procession.
  • Refrain from driving between vehicles in the procession.
  • Avoid joining the procession to secure right-of-way.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties: All drivers operating vehicles on two-lane highways in Georgia.
• Impact: Promotes respect for funeral processions and ensures their safe passage.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Penalties: Violations may result in fines as determined by local jurisdictions.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 123

Primary Sponsor: Representative Werkheiser (157th District)
Committee Assignment: Judiciary Non-Civil
Summary: This bill establishes pretrial procedures to determine intellectual disability in capital offense cases where the death penalty is sought.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Intellectual Disability: A condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, originating before the age of 18.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Pretrial Proceedings: Establishes a process where defendants can request a pretrial determination of intellectual disability.
• Burden of Proof: The defendant must present sufficient evidence demonstrating an intellectual disability.
• Impact on Sentencing: If intellectual disability is established, the death penalty cannot be sought in the case.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties: Defendants in capital offense cases, legal practitioners, and the judiciary.
• Impact: Ensures that individuals with intellectual disabilities are not subjected to the death penalty, aligning with constitutional protections.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: The judiciary will implement and oversee these pretrial proceedings.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 154

Primary Sponsor: Representative Richardson (125th District)
Committee Assignment: Health
Summary: This bill designates ambulance services as an essential service in Georgia.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Essential Service: A service considered vital for the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Designation: Classifies ambulance services as essential, requiring local governments to ensure their availability and reliability.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties: Local governments, ambulance service providers, and residents requiring emergency medical services.
• Impact: Ensures that ambulance services are consistently available, potentially improving emergency response times and patient outcomes.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: Local governments must comply by providing or contracting ambulance services.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 180

Primary Sponsor: Representative Smith (18th District)
Committee Assignment: Judiciary
Summary: This bill modifies certain requirements for probate judges.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Probate Court: A specialized court that deals with matters such as wills, estates, and guardianships.
• Probate Judge: An official who presides over the probate court.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Educational Qualifications: Requires that probate judge candidates in counties with populations exceeding 90,000 must hold a law degree from an accredited institution.
• Professional Experience: Mandates a minimum of seven years of active legal practice for these candidates.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Prospective Probate Judges: Must meet higher educational and experience standards.
  • Counties with Populations Over 90,000: Will have probate judges with advanced legal qualifications, potentially enhancing the quality of judicial proceedings.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: The bill does not specify penalties but implies that non-compliant candidates will be ineligible for the probate judge position.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 197

Primary Sponsor: Representative Hawkins (27th District)
Committee Assignment: Health
Summary: This bill requires healthcare providers to respond to attempts by private review agents or utilization review entities to discuss a patient’s care, aiming to enhance communication and decision-making in treatment plans.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Private Review Agent: An entity that evaluates the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services, procedures, and facilities.
• Utilization Review Entity: An organization that reviews and determines the medical necessity of healthcare services provided to patients.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Mandatory Response: Healthcare providers or their qualified designees are required to engage in discussions about treatment plans whenever a review agent requests a review.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Healthcare Providers: Must engage in discussions regarding patient care when contacted by review agents.
  • Patients: May benefit from more coordinated and transparent decision-making regarding their medical treatment.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: The bill does not specify penalties but implies that compliance will be monitored by relevant health authorities.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2026, and shall apply to all health benefit plans issued, delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed in Georgia on or after such date.

HB 244

Primary Sponsor: Representative Cannon (172nd District)
Committee Assignment: Governmental Affairs
Summary: This bill allows local governments to request and receive extensions for annual audit due dates under certain conditions.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Annual Audit: A comprehensive review of a local government’s financial statements and operations, typically conducted by an independent auditor.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Extension Requests: Local governments may apply for extensions to the due date of their annual audits if they encounter circumstances that prevent timely completion.
• Approval Process: The governing authority responsible for overseeing local government audits will evaluate and approve or deny extension requests based on the merits of each case.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Local Governments: Gain flexibility in managing audit timelines, particularly when facing unforeseen challenges.
  • State Oversight Bodies: Must establish clear guidelines for evaluating and processing extension requests to ensure transparency and accountability.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Non-Compliance: Local governments failing to file audits on time without approved extensions may face penalties as determined by state law.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 304

Primary Sponsor: Representative Yearta (152nd District)
Committee Assignment: Judiciary
Summary: This bill creates the Georgia Municipal Court Clerks’ Council, which will provide support, training, and resources for municipal court clerks across the state.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Municipal Court Clerk: An official responsible for maintaining court records, managing administrative functions, and assisting in the operations of a municipal court.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Council Creation: Establishes a formal body to represent municipal court clerks, facilitating communication, training, and the sharing of best practices.
• Membership: All municipal court clerks in Georgia are eligible for membership in the council.
• Functions: The council will organize training programs, provide resources, and serve as a liaison between clerks and other branches of government.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Municipal Court Clerks: Gain access to a supportive network for professional development.
  • Municipal Courts: Benefit from standardized procedures and improved administrative efficiency through the council’s initiatives.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: Participation in the council is voluntary; however, engagement is encouraged to promote uniformity and professionalism.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 309

Primary Sponsor: Representative Clifton (131st District)
Committee Assignment: Public Safety & Homeland Security
Summary: This bill requires the adoption of a resolution or ordinance and voter approval before abolishing a police force that was created by such a method.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Local Act: Legislation passed by the General Assembly that applies to a specific locality, such as a city or county.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Resolution or Ordinance Requirement: Local governments must adopt a formal resolution or ordinance before initiating the process of abolishing a police force.
• Voter Approval: A public referendum must be held before disbanding a police department established by a local act.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Local Governments: Must follow a formal process and allow for voter input before disbanding police forces.
  • Residents: Gain a direct say in whether their local police department is abolished.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: The bill mandates that any attempt to abolish a police force without voter approval will be legally invalid.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 314

Primary Sponsor: Representative LaHood (175th District)
Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries
Summary: This bill revises and updates definitions related to athletic trainers, ensuring clarity and alignment with industry standards.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Athletic Trainer: A healthcare professional who collaborates with physicians to provide preventive services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Updated Definitions: Clarifies and modernizes the terminology used to describe the roles and responsibilities of athletic trainers.
• Supervision Requirements: Mandates that athletic training students must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or certified athletic trainer.
• Certification Criteria: Updates the requirements for certification to align with current professional standards and practices.
• Elimination of Obsolete Provisions: Removes outdated clauses that no longer reflect the current state of the profession.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Athletic Trainers and Students: Subject to updated definitions, supervision requirements, and certification standards.
  • Educational Institutions: Must ensure compliance with new supervision mandates for athletic training programs.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: Oversight by the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers to ensure adherence to updated regulations.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 325

Primary Sponsor: Representative Martinez (111th District)
Committee Assignment: Judiciary
Summary: This bill revises certain definitions in the Protective Order Registry and establishes procedures for protective orders issued by military judges in cases involving state militia members.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Protective Order Registry: A centralized database of protective orders issued by courts to prevent further harm or harassment.
• Military Judge: A judicial officer within the military justice system authorized to preside over courts-martial and related proceedings.
• Stalking: A pattern of unwanted behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear or emotional distress.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Definition Revisions: Updates specific terms in the Protective Order Registry to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Military Protective Orders: Establishes procedures allowing military judges to issue protective orders in cases where a member of the state militia is accused of stalking another member.
• Contempt Provisions: Introduces measures to address violations of these protective orders within the military justice system.
• Courts-Martial Authority: Specifies the role of courts-martial in enforcing compliance with issued protective orders.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • State Militia Members: Subject to protective orders and related proceedings under military jurisdiction.
  • Military Judicial System: Granted authority to issue and enforce protective orders in specified circumstances.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Contempt of Court: Violations of protective orders may result in contempt proceedings within the military justice framework.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 348

Primary Sponsor: Representative Williamson (112th District)
Committee Assignment: Insurance
Summary: This bill seeks to expand the lines of insurance or reinsurance in which a limited-purpose subsidiary and captive insurance company may engage.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Limited-Purpose Subsidiary: A subsidiary formed for a specific, limited function, often within the insurance industry.
• Captive Insurance Company: An insurance company established by a parent firm to insure its own risks.
• Reinsurance: The practice of insurers transferring portions of risk portfolios to other parties to reduce the likelihood of paying a large obligation resulting from an insurance claim.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Expanded Coverage: Allows these specialized insurance entities to offer a broader range of insurance products.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that such expansions adhere to state insurance regulations and standards.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Limited-Purpose Subsidiaries and Captive Insurance Companies: Granted the ability to engage in a wider array of insurance or reinsurance activities.
  • Insurance Market: Potentially benefits from increased competition and diversity of insurance products.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Regulatory Oversight: The Georgia Department of Insurance will oversee compliance with the expanded operational scope.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.

HB 406

Primary Sponsor: Representative Leverett (123rd District)
Committee Assignment: Retirement
Summary: This bill raises the mandatory retirement age for superior court judges who assume office on or after July 1, 2026, adjusting the state’s judicial retirement system to account for increasing life expectancy and workforce longevity.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Superior Court Judges: Elected officials who preside over felony trials, civil disputes, and appeals from lower courts in Georgia.
• Judicial Retirement System (JRS): The pension system for judges in Georgia.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increased Retirement Age:
  • Current law: Superior court judges must retire at age 70.
  • Proposed change: Raises the retirement age to 75 for judges first taking office on or after July 1, 2026.
• Grandfather Clause:
  • Judges who assumed office before July 1, 2026, will remain under the existing retirement age of 70.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Superior Court Judges: Judges elected after July 1, 2026, will be required to serve longer before mandatory retirement.
  • Judicial System: May retain experienced judges longer, ensuring continuity and reducing turnover.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: Judges who reach the new retirement age must step down, as mandated by the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) rules.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2026, affecting only judges elected after this date.

HB 465

Primary Sponsor: Representative Gilliard (162nd District)
Committee Assignment: Human Relations & Aging
Summary: This bill establishes the Autism Missing Person Alert System Act, creating a statewide alert system to quickly locate individuals with autism who go missing.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.
• Missing Person Alert System: A statewide notification system that disseminates urgent information about missing individuals to law enforcement, media, and the public.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Creation of a Statewide Alert System:
  • Law enforcement must immediately activate an alert if a person with autism is reported missing.
• Criteria for Activation:
  • The missing individual must have a documented medical diagnosis of autism.
  • The individual must be considered at risk due to age, cognitive ability, or other vulnerabilities.
• Law Enforcement & Public Alerts:
  • Notifications will be sent to local police, media outlets, highway signs, and social media.
  • The system will function similarly to Amber Alerts in terms of rapid public notification.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Individuals with Autism: Provides faster response in missing person cases.
  • Families & Caregivers: Helps locate loved ones more quickly.
  • Law Enforcement: Establishes clear guidelines for handling missing persons with autism.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies must comply with the new reporting and alerting procedures or face state-level audits.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or becoming law without approval.

HB 79

Primary Sponsor: Representative Newton (127th District)
Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
Summary: This bill enacts the Firearm Safe Handling and Secure Storage Tax Credit Act, providing tax incentives for firearm owners who purchase safety devices.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Firearm Safe Handling: Proper techniques and procedures to ensure safe usage and storage of guns.
• Secure Storage: The use of gun safes, lockboxes, trigger locks, or biometric storage to prevent unauthorized access.
• Tax Credit: A dollar-for-dollar reduction in state tax liability for qualifying purchases.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Establishes a Tax Credit for Firearm Safety Equipment:
  • Gun owners can claim a credit for 50% of the cost of a qualifying firearm safety device, up to $300 per year.
• Eligible Purchases:
  • Gun safes, trigger locks, biometric storage devices, and other secure firearm storage systems.
• Annual Cap on Credits:
  • Statewide cap of $5 million per year to limit budget impact.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Gun Owners: Encouraged to invest in firearm safety with reduced financial burden.
  • Firearm Retailers: Likely to see increased sales of secure storage devices.
  • Public Safety Advocates: Aims to reduce accidental firearm discharges and child access to unsecured guns.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Tax audits may be conducted to verify legitimate claims.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

HB 129

Primary Sponsor: Representative Cannon (172nd District)
Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
Summary: This bill removes a limitation on leased property concerning certain entities regarding bona fide conservation use property for ad valorem tax purposes.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Ad Valorem Tax: A property tax based on the assessed value of land or buildings.
• Bona Fide Conservation Use Property: Land designated for conservation, forestry, or agriculture, which receives tax benefits.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Expanded Eligibility:
  • Previously: Only property owned (not leased) by conservation entities could qualify.
  • Now: Properties leased to qualifying conservation groups can also receive tax benefits.
• Limitations:
  • The lease term must be at least 10 years, ensuring long-term conservation efforts.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Conservation Organizations: More properties can qualify for tax savings, helping land preservation efforts.
  • Private Landowners: Encouraged to lease land for conservation rather than selling.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Tax penalties apply if the property fails to meet conservation use criteria.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or becoming law without approval.

HB 144

Primary Sponsor: Representative Newton (127th District)
Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
Summary: This bill modifies an existing tax credit for medical professionals who serve as preceptors (mentors) for students in clinical rotations.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Preceptor: A licensed medical professional who provides hands-on clinical training to medical students, physician assistants, or nursing students.
• Tax Credit: A reduction in state income tax liability for preceptors who provide training.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases the Preceptor Tax Credit Amount:
  • Raises the tax credit from $500 to $1,000 per preceptor rotation for physicians.
  • Raises the tax credit from $375 to $750 per preceptor rotation for APRNs and PAs.
• Expands Eligibility:
  • Previously, only physicians, APRNs, and PAs qualified.
  • Now includes dentists who provide clinical training to dental students.
• Simplifies the Application Process:
  • Moves from a paper-based process to an online portal, reducing administrative burden.
• Aggregate Annual Cap:
  • Establishes a $2 million statewide limit on preceptor tax credits each year.
• Extends the Sunset Provision:
  • Keeps the program active for five additional years beyond its previous expiration date.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Physicians, APRNs, PAs, and Dentists: Receive larger tax credits for training students.
  • Medical and Dental Students: Benefit from expanded preceptorship opportunities.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• State audits may be conducted to prevent fraud in tax credit claims.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

Senate Bills (Part 1)

SB 55: Dignity and Pay Act

Primary Sponsor: Senator Billy Hickman (4th District)​

Committee Assignment: Education and Youth​

Summary: This bill seeks to prohibit employers from paying subminimum wages to employees with disabilities, ensuring they receive at least the federal minimum wage.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Subminimum Wage: A wage below the federal minimum, previously permissible for certain workers with disabilities.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Elimination of Subminimum Wage: Prohibits employers from compensating employees with disabilities at rates below the federal minimum wage.​
• Transition Period: Establishes a timeline for employers currently paying subminimum wages to adjust to the new requirements by July 1, 2027.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Employees with Disabilities: Will receive equitable compensation, promoting financial independence and inclusion.​
• Employers: Must adjust payroll practices to comply with the new wage standards.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Compliance Monitoring: State labor agencies will oversee adherence, with penalties for violations as stipulated by existing labor laws.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 74: Library Protection Removal Act

Primary Sponsor: Senator Max Burns (23rd District)​

Committee Assignment: Education and Youth​

Summary: This bill proposes removing legal protections for libraries and their employees, making them subject to misdemeanor charges if they provide minors with materials deemed explicit or harmful.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Explicit Materials: Content depicting nudity, sexual conduct, or other adult themes inappropriate for minors.​
• Harmful to Minors: Materials lacking serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors and appealing to prurient interests.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Liability for Distribution: Libraries and their staff can be held criminally liable for providing minors with materials classified as explicit or harmful.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Libraries and Librarians: Must review and possibly restrict access to certain materials to avoid legal repercussions.​
• Minors: May experience limited access to specific library resources.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Misdemeanor Charges: Library personnel could face criminal charges for violations.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 140: Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions for Minors

Primary Sponsor: Senator Ben Watson (1st District)​

Committee Assignment: Health and Human Services​

Summary: This bill aims to ban most gender-affirming medical treatments for individuals under 18, including puberty blockers and hormone therapies.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Gender-Affirming Care: Medical treatments supporting an individual’s gender identity, such as hormone therapy or surgeries.​
• Puberty Blockers: Medications that delay the onset of puberty.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Prohibition of Treatments: Bans healthcare providers from administering gender-affirming medical treatments to minors.​
• Exceptions: Allows certain treatments if they began before the bill’s enactment and are deemed medically necessary.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Transgender Minors: Restricted access to specific medical treatments related to gender transition.​
• Healthcare Providers: Prohibited from offering certain treatments to minors, requiring adjustments to practice protocols.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Medical Licensure Actions: Healthcare providers violating the ban may face disciplinary actions, including license revocation.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 141: Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions for Incarcerated Individuals

Primary Sponsor: Senator Randy Robertson (29th District)​

Committee Assignment: Public Safety​

Summary: This bill seeks to prohibit the provision of gender-affirming medical treatments to individuals incarcerated in state prisons.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Incarcerated Individuals: Persons serving sentences in state correctional facilities.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Treatment Ban: Prohibits state-funded medical providers from offering gender-affirming treatments to incarcerated individuals.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Transgender Inmates: Will be denied access to gender-affirming medical care during incarceration.​
• Correctional Healthcare Providers: Must adjust medical services to comply with the new restrictions.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Policy Enforcement: Correctional institutions must enforce the ban, with oversight from state correctional authorities.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 193

Primary Sponsor: Senator John Albers (56th District)
Committee Assignment: Higher Education
Summary: This bill establishes the Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program under the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to provide non-traditional students with access to high school diplomas.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program: A state-run program aimed at providing high school diplomas to adults without traditional credentials.
• State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia: The governing body responsible for Georgia’s technical education programs.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Program Establishment:
  • Creates a statewide high school diploma program for adults seeking workforce advancement.
• Eligibility:
  • Open to residents aged 21 or older without a high school diploma.
• Implementation:
  • The program will operate through Technical College System of Georgia institutions.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Adult Learners: Gain access to a state-approved diploma program rather than just GED certification.
  • Employers: Benefit from a more educated workforce.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Program Oversight: The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia will be responsible for ensuring proper implementation.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 199

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bill Cowsert (46th District)
Committee Assignment: Ethics
Summary: This bill prohibits the State Ethics Commission from accepting or rejecting complaints against candidates within 60 days before an election.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• State Ethics Commission: The entity responsible for overseeing campaign finance and ethical conduct of candidates in Georgia.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Complaint Deadline Restriction:
  • The State Ethics Commission may not process ethics complaints against candidates within 60 days of an election.
• Exceptions:
  • Pre-existing complaints (filed before the 60-day window) may proceed.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Candidates: Will not face last-minute ethics complaints before an election.
  • State Ethics Commission: Must pause new complaint processing before elections.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Ethics Oversight:
  • The Commission must reject complaints filed during the restricted period.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 91

Primary Sponsor: Senator Larry Walker (20th District)
Committee Assignment: Health & Human Services
Summary: This bill prohibits the Board of Community Health from contracting with any pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) that owns or has an ownership interest in any retail pharmacy under the State Employees’ Health Insurance Plan.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM): A third-party administrator of prescription drug benefits for health plans.
• State Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (SEHBP): The insurance program for state employees.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Conflict of Interest Ban:
  • The Board cannot contract with a PBM that has ownership ties to retail pharmacies.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Pharmacy Benefits Managers: Some PBMs may no longer be eligible for state contracts.
  • State Employees: May see changes in prescription drug providers.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Contract Enforcement:
  • The Board of Community Health must review PBM contracts to ensure compliance.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 36

Primary Sponsor: Senator Ed Setzler (37th District)
Committee Assignment: Judiciary
Summary: This bill enacts the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening an individual’s religious exercise unless there is a compelling government interest.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Religious Exercise: Any practice or observance motivated by religious belief.
• Compelling Government Interest: A legal standard requiring governments to justify laws that infringe on religious freedom.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Religious Freedom Protections:
  • Governments cannot substantially burden religious exercise unless they meet the strictest legal test.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Religious Individuals & Groups: Gain stronger legal protections against government actions impacting religious practices.
  • Government Entities: Must prove a compelling interest before enforcing laws that may interfere with religious practices.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Legal Challenges:
  • Individuals can sue state/local governments for violating their religious freedom rights.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 4

Primary Sponsor: Senator Matt Brass (28th District)
Committee Assignment: Education & Youth
Summary: Revises the fundamental roles of local school boards and superintendents, restricting their authority in certain areas.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Local Board of Education: A governing body overseeing public schools in a county or district.
• Local Superintendent: The chief executive responsible for school administration.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Limits Superintendent Powers:
  • Superintendents must seek board approval for certain operational decisions.
• Standardizes Board Authority:
  • Local school boards must adhere to new governance structures set by the state.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Superintendents: Lose some autonomous decision-making.
  • Local School Boards: Gain expanded oversight powers.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• State Oversight: The Georgia Department of Education will monitor policy compliance.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 145: Expansion of the Augusta Judicial Circuit

Primary Sponsor: Senator Harold Jones II (22nd District)​

Committee Assignment: Judiciary​

Summary: This bill proposes the addition of a sixth judge to the Augusta Judicial Circuit to address increased caseloads and improve the efficiency of the judicial process.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Augusta Judicial Circuit: A judicial district in Georgia encompassing Burke, Columbia, and Richmond counties.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Addition of a Judge: Increases the number of superior court judges in the Augusta Judicial Circuit from five to six.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Residents of the Augusta Judicial Circuit: May experience faster case resolutions and reduced court backlogs.​
• Judicial System: Enhanced capacity to manage caseloads effectively.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Not Applicable: This bill pertains to judicial administration and does not impose penalties.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 69: Regulation of Third-Party Litigation Financing

Primary Sponsor: Senator John F. Kennedy (18th District)​

Committee Assignment: Judiciary​

Summary: This bill aims to regulate third-party litigation financing by requiring entities investing in litigation to register with the Department of Banking and Finance and prohibiting foreign adversaries from participating in such investments.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Third-Party Litigation Financing: The practice of third-party entities providing funds to litigants in exchange for a portion of any financial recovery from the lawsuit.​
• Foreign Adversaries: Nations or entities identified as posing a threat to national security or economic interests.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Registration Requirement: Entities engaged in litigation financing must register with the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance.​
• Prohibition on Foreign Participation: Entities from foreign adversary nations are barred from investing in litigation financing within Georgia.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Litigation Financing Entities: Must comply with new registration requirements and restrictions.​
• Litigants: Intended to protect plaintiffs from potential exploitation by unregulated financiers.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Enforcement: The Department of Banking and Finance will oversee compliance, with penalties for violations as stipulated by existing financial regulations.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 68: Limitation on Lawsuits Against Businesses

Primary Sponsor: Senator Brian Strickland (17th District)​

Committee Assignment: Judiciary​

Summary: This bill seeks to limit the scope of lawsuits that can be filed against businesses by establishing clearer standards for liability and damages.​

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Liability: Legal responsibility for one’s actions or omissions.​
• Damages: Monetary compensation awarded to a plaintiff for losses suffered.​

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Liability Standards: Clarifies the conditions under which businesses can be held liable for damages.​
• Damages Cap: Introduces limits on the amount of non-economic damages that can be awarded in certain cases.​

Who is Affected & How:

• Businesses: May face reduced exposure to large liability claims, potentially lowering insurance costs.​
• Plaintiffs: Could encounter limitations on recoverable damages in lawsuits against businesses.​

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Judicial Oversight: Courts will apply the new standards and caps when adjudicating relevant cases.​

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon approval by the Governor or upon becoming law without such approval.​

SB 144

Primary Sponsor: Senator Larry Walker (20th District)
Committee Assignment: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
Summary: This bill clarifies that manufacturers of fertilizers or pesticides cannot be held liable for failing to warn consumers of health risks beyond what is required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Fertilizer: A chemical or natural substance added to soil to increase its fertility.
• Pesticide: A chemical used to kill insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or animals.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The federal regulatory agency overseeing environmental protection standards, including pesticide and fertilizer regulations.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Clarification of Manufacturer Liability:
  • Manufacturers are only required to provide warnings mandated by the EPA.
  • They cannot be sued for failing to include additional health risk warnings beyond what the EPA requires.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Manufacturers: Protected from certain product liability lawsuits related to additional warning requirements.
  • Consumers & Farmers: Must rely on EPA standards for health risk disclosures rather than additional state-imposed warnings.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Legal Precedent: This law will serve as a defense for manufacturers in civil lawsuits related to insufficient health warnings.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 160

Primary Sponsor: Senator Randy Robertson (29th District)
Committee Assignment: Public Safety
Summary: This bill modifies penalties for second-time offenders of reckless stunt driving by replacing mandatory vehicle forfeiture with alternative penalties.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Reckless Stunt Driving: Illegal vehicle maneuvers, including drifting, drag racing, and performing tricks on public roads.
• Vehicle Forfeiture: The process by which law enforcement confiscates and permanently takes ownership of a vehicle used in a crime.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Changes to Second Offense Penalties:
  • Instead of mandatory vehicle forfeiture, courts may impose alternative penalties such as:
    • Extended license suspension
    • Increased fines
    • Mandatory community service
• Judicial Discretion: Judges may still order vehicle forfeiture in extreme cases.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Drivers Convicted of Reckless Stunt Driving: May face different penalties rather than automatic vehicle loss.
  • Law Enforcement: Gains more flexibility in punishing repeat offenders.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Judicial Oversight: Courts will decide on case-by-case penalties rather than applying blanket forfeitures.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 177

Primary Sponsor: Senator Max Burns (23rd District)
Committee Assignment: Ethics
Summary: This bill enhances transparency requirements for foreign-funded political activities in Georgia, ensuring full disclosure of campaign contributions from foreign entities.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Foreign-Funded Political Activity: Campaign-related spending or lobbying efforts funded by non-U.S. entities.
• Disclosure Requirement: A legal obligation to publicly report the source of political donations or expenditures.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Foreign Funding Disclosure:
  • Any entity receiving funding from foreign governments, organizations, or individuals must report such funding when engaging in political activities in Georgia.
• Increased Reporting Obligations:
  • Political campaigns must disclose any direct or indirect foreign contributions.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Political Campaigns & Advocacy Groups: Must comply with stricter reporting requirements.
  • Public & Voters: Gain greater insight into the sources of campaign funding.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Ethics Commission Oversight: The Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission will monitor compliance and impose fines for violations.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 241

Primary Sponsor: Senator Bo Hatchett (50th District)
Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
Summary: This bill legalizes organic human reduction as a recognized method for disposing of deceased human bodies in Georgia.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Organic Human Reduction: A process that accelerates the decomposition of human remains using natural methods, often referred to as “human composting.”
• Funeral Directors: Licensed professionals responsible for handling body disposition under Georgia law.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Legalization of Organic Human Reduction:
  • Adds human composting to the list of approved body disposition methods in Georgia.
  • Funeral homes may now offer this service as an alternative to burial or cremation.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Consumers & Families: Gain more environmentally friendly burial options.
  • Funeral Directors: May expand services to include organic human reduction.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Regulation Compliance: The Georgia Board of Funeral Service will monitor funeral homes to ensure proper handling of remains under the new method.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.

SB 180

Primary Sponsor: Senator John Albers (56th District)
Committee Assignment: Higher Education
Summary: This bill expands the High Demand Apprenticeship Program, enabling more apprenticeship contracts between sponsors and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• High Demand Apprenticeship Program: A Georgia initiative supporting hands-on training for skilled trade careers.
• Apprenticeship Sponsor: A business or organization partnering with the state to provide on-the-job training.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases Available Apprenticeships:
  • Encourages more businesses to participate in apprenticeship agreements.
• Expands Industry Focus:
  • Supports trade apprenticeships in construction, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Who is Affected & How:

• Affected Parties:
  • Employers & Businesses: Gain incentives to hire apprentices.
  • Job Seekers & Students: More opportunities for paid, hands-on job training.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Oversight by the Technical College System of Georgia: The agency will approve apprenticeship sponsors and monitor program outcomes.

Implementation & Effective Date:

Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval or upon becoming law without approval.