Citizen Whip Report Legislative Day 28

“It just so happens that your friend here is only mostly dead. There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive.” – Miracle Max

Crossover Day! The day that brings with it a deadline to pass a bill out of at least one chamber for it to stay alive. Most of the time. More on that later.

Here is your whip report for today. Please note because I work for a living I will not be providing these for the supplemental rules calendars we are likely to see in the House later in the day.

Senate Bills

SB 4 – Local School Board & Superintendent Roles Revision

• Primary Sponsor: (27th)
• Committee Assignment: Education & Youth
• Summary: Revises the responsibilities and authority of local school boards and superintendents to clarify decision-making powers and accountability.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Local School Board: A governing body responsible for policies and financial oversight of a school district.
• Superintendent: The chief executive officer of a school district.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Clarifies that superintendents have exclusive authority over personnel decisions.
• Grants school boards limited authority to override superintendent recommendations only with a two-thirds majority vote.

Who is Affected & How:

• Local School Boards: Limited in their ability to interfere with personnel matters.
• Superintendents: Gain clearer authority over hiring and administrative actions.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Noncompliance could result in state intervention in local school governance.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval.

SB 105 – Veterinary Teleadvice Authorization

• Primary Sponsor: (31st)
• Committee Assignment: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
• Summary: Allows licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide teleadvice services for non-emergency consultations.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Veterinary Teleadvice: Remote consultation between a veterinarian and pet owner regarding basic pet health concerns.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, veterinarians could only provide advice in person. This bill permits teleadvice under specific conditions.

Who is Affected & How:

• Pet Owners: Gain access to remote veterinary consultations.
• Veterinarians: Can expand their services via virtual appointments.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Misuse of teleadvice leading to improper care could result in license suspension or fines up to $5,000.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 17 – “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law”

• Primary Sponsor: (31st)
• Committee Assignment: Education & Youth
• Summary: Establishes new regulations aimed at increasing safety protocols in youth athletic programs.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Mandates concussion protocols for youth sports organizations.
• Requires annual training for coaches on recognizing signs of heat exhaustion and traumatic brain injuries.

Who is Affected & How:

• Youth Sports Organizations & Schools: Must implement new safety policies.
• Coaches & Athletic Trainers: Required to undergo training annually.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Non-compliant organizations could lose state funding for sports programs.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 61 – Expanded Superior Court Jurisdiction on Juvenile Offenses

• Primary Sponsor: (27th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Expands the list of juvenile offenses that must be tried in superior court instead of juvenile court.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Adds carjacking and armed robbery to the list of offenses requiring automatic transfer to superior court.

Who is Affected & How:

• Juvenile Offenders: Could face adult penalties for certain crimes.
• Superior Courts: Expected to handle an increase in juvenile cases.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Juvenile offenders convicted in superior court may face harsher sentencing guidelines.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 179 – Student Record Transfer Timelines

• Primary Sponsor: (45th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Requires public schools to transfer a student’s academic and disciplinary records to a new school within five business days of the request.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, no statewide timeline existed; this bill mandates a five-day requirement.

Who is Affected & How:

• Schools: Must implement faster record-transfer procedures.
• Parents & Students: Can expect a smoother transition when changing schools.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Schools failing to comply may be fined up to $500 per violation.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 276 – Medical Assistance Recovery from Third Parties

• Primary Sponsor: (49th)
• Committee Assignment: Insurance & Labor
• Summary: Aligns Georgia’s medical assistance recovery process with federal law by modifying the state’s Medicaid reimbursement policies.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Expands the state’s authority to recover Medicaid funds from third-party insurers when a recipient is also covered under another policy.

Who is Affected & How:

• Medicaid Recipients: May experience more insurance claims coordination.
• Insurance Companies: Must comply with new reimbursement procedures.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 259 – Child Abuse & Neglect Investigation Procedures

• Primary Sponsor: (6th)
• Committee Assignment: Children & Families
• Summary: Establishes standardized procedures for investigating child abuse and neglect cases.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Requires caseworkers to document findings in an electronic database within 24 hours of an initial investigation.
• Mandates that suspected abuse cases be reviewed by a multi-agency panel within seven days.

Who is Affected & How:

• Child Protective Services: Must adhere to new reporting deadlines.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Required to coordinate investigations with child welfare agencies.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties or caseworker termination.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 33 – Georgia Hemp Farming Act: THC Limits in Consumable Hemp

• Primary Sponsor: (32nd)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Establishes new limits on the total THC concentration allowed in consumable hemp products.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Caps total THC concentration at 0.3% by dry weight, aligning with federal hemp regulations.
• Prohibits the sale of consumable hemp products containing more than 5 mg of delta-9 THC per serving.

Who is Affected & How:

• Hemp Farmers & Retailers: Must ensure products comply with the new THC thresholds.
• Consumers: Limited access to higher-concentration THC hemp products.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Violations could result in fines up to $10,000 per occurrence and product seizure.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 254 – Delta-9 THC Milligram Limits in Consumable Hemp Products

• Primary Sponsor: (46th)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Sets maximum allowable milligram limits of delta-9 THC per consumable hemp product.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Establishes a per-package limit of 50 mg of delta-9 THC.
• Requires packaging to clearly label total THC content per serving and per package.

Who is Affected & How:

• Hemp Retailers & Processors: Must reformulate products to comply with new restrictions.
• Consumers: Restricted from purchasing higher-dose THC hemp products.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Non-compliant products will be subject to removal from retail shelves and fines up to $5,000 per violation.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 220 – “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act”

• Primary Sponsor: (6th)
• Committee Assignment: Health & Human Services
• Summary: Expands access to healthcare by increasing funding for rural medical facilities and telehealth services.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allocates $50 million in new funding for rural hospitals and clinics.
• Requires insurers to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits.

Who is Affected & How:

• Rural Residents: Greater access to healthcare services.
• Healthcare Providers: Increased reimbursement rates for telehealth appointments.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 218 – Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission Assignment

• Primary Sponsor: (29th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Assigns the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC) to the Administrative Office of the Courts for oversight.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, PAQC operated independently; this bill places it under court administrative oversight.

Who is Affected & How:

• Prosecuting Attorneys: Subject to increased scrutiny under the Administrative Office of the Courts.
• State Judicial System: Gains authority to review attorney misconduct cases.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 207 – Licensing Preclearance for Individuals with Criminal Records

• Primary Sponsor: (42nd)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Creates a process for individuals with criminal records to seek preclearance before applying for professional licenses.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Establishes a review board to assess licensing eligibility before an individual applies.
• Provides a pathway for reconsideration if an application is initially denied.

Who is Affected & How:

• Individuals with Criminal Records: Gain clarity on whether they qualify for professional licensure before investing in education or training.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 149 – Tuition Equalization Grants for Private Colleges & Universities

• Primary Sponsor: (4th)
• Committee Assignment: Higher Education
• Summary: Expands eligibility for tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities in Georgia.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Revises the definition of “approved school” to include institutions with national accreditation (not just regional accreditation).

Who is Affected & How:

• Students at Private Colleges: More institutions qualify for grant funding.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 163 – Brady Law Regulations: Government Accountability in Firearms Regulation

• Primary Sponsor: (53rd)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Strengthens legal protections for individuals suing the government over unauthorized firearms regulations.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Lowers the burden of proof required for a plaintiff to challenge government-imposed firearms restrictions.

Who is Affected & How:

• Gun Owners & Second Amendment Advocates: Greater ability to challenge restrictive gun regulations.
• State & Local Governments: Must ensure firearm regulations comply with constitutional protections.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 255 – Codification of General Assembly Investigatory Powers

• Primary Sponsor: (46th)
• Committee Assignment: Rules
• Summary: Formalizes the ability of certain legislative committees to conduct investigations and issue subpoenas.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Codifies the authority of House and Senate committees to investigate executive agencies and private entities receiving state funding.

Who is Affected & How:

• Legislators: Gain clearer authority to conduct oversight investigations.
• State Agencies & Contractors: May be subject to legislative investigations.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 233 – Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission Revisions

• Primary Sponsor: (6th)
• Committee Assignment: Health & Human Services
• Summary: Updates the structure of the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Revises the subcommittee structure within the commission to improve efficiency.

Who is Affected & How:

• Behavioral Health Providers: May experience improved coordination with state agencies.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 291 – “America First” Specialty License Plate Establishment

• Primary Sponsor: (51st)
• Committee Assignment: Public Safety
• Summary: Creates a new specialty license plate bearing the phrase “America First.”

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Establishes an optional plate available for an additional $25 fee.

Who is Affected & How:

• Georgia Vehicle Owners: Can purchase the specialty plate.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 293 – Increased Free License Plates for Veterans

• Primary Sponsor: (24th)
• Committee Assignment: Public Safety
• Summary: Expands the number of free vehicle license plates that certain veterans can receive.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases the number of free license plates per eligible veteran from one to two.

Who is Affected & How:

• Veterans: More flexibility in registering personal vehicles.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 27 – Stalking and Doxxing Penalties & Protective Orders

• Primary Sponsor: (56th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Strengthens penalties for doxxing and expands protections for victims of stalking.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Defines doxxing as the intentional release of private personal information without consent, with intent to harass.
• Increases penalties for doxxing to a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
• Expands protective orders to include digital harassment provisions.

Who is Affected & How:

• Victims of Stalking & Harassment: Gain stronger legal protections.
• Individuals Engaging in Doxxing: Face harsher penalties.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 82 – Local Charter School Authorization and Support Act of 2025

• Primary Sponsor: (45th)
• Committee Assignment: Education & Youth
• Summary: Revises how local charter schools are authorized and supported.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allows local school boards to approve charter schools with five-year contracts instead of three-year contracts.
• Increases per-pupil funding for charter schools by 10%.

Who is Affected & How:

• Charter Schools: Gain more funding and stability with longer contracts.
• Local School Boards: Have greater discretion in charter school approvals.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 86 – Alcoholic Beverage Discounts Through Coupons & Rebates

• Primary Sponsor: (31st)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Authorizes retail dealers to offer discounts on alcoholic beverages via coupons, premiums, or rebates.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, retailers were prohibited from offering promotional discounts; this bill allows limited discounts on purchases.

Who is Affected & How:

• Retailers: Can now offer discounts to consumers.
• Consumers: May benefit from lower prices on alcohol through promotional offers.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 94 – Reestablishment of Consumer Utility Counsel

• Primary Sponsor: (52nd)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Reestablishes a consumer utility counsel to represent consumers in matters before the Public Service Commission (PSC).

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously eliminated in 2010, the consumer utility counsel will be reinstated to advocate for residential utility customers.

Who is Affected & How:

• Utility Customers: Gain representation in regulatory proceedings.
• Public Service Commission: Will receive input from an official consumer advocate.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 100 – “Andee’s Law” – Increased Sentences for DUI Offenders

• Primary Sponsor: (29th)
• Committee Assignment: Children & Families
• Summary: Increases penalties for repeat DUI offenders and strengthens DUI-related sentencing guidelines.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Doubles the mandatory minimum sentence for a second DUI conviction within 10 years from 3 days to 6 days.
• Requires ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders for at least 12 months.

Who is Affected & How:

• Repeat DUI Offenders: Face stricter penalties.
• Law Enforcement & Courts: Must enforce tougher sentencing rules.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 120 – Restrictions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Schools

• Primary Sponsor: (16th)
• Committee Assignment: Higher Education
• Summary: Prohibits public schools, local education agencies, and public postsecondary institutions from promoting DEI programs.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Bans mandatory DEI training for students and faculty at public institutions.
• Prohibits state funding for DEI-related programs.

Who is Affected & How:

• Public Schools & Colleges: Cannot fund DEI programs using state money.
• Students & Faculty: No longer required to participate in DEI training.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 121 – Increased Insurance Requirements for DUI & Reckless Driving Offenders

• Primary Sponsor: (16th)
• Committee Assignment: Insurance & Labor
• Summary: Raises minimum required uninsured motorist coverage for individuals convicted of DUI or reckless driving.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases minimum uninsured motorist coverage from $25,000 to $50,000 per person and from $50,000 to $100,000 per accident.

Who is Affected & How:

• Convicted DUI & Reckless Driving Offenders: Must carry higher insurance coverage.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 140 – Optometrists’ Authority to Dispense Medications

• Primary Sponsor: (27th)
• Committee Assignment: Health & Human Services
• Summary: Allows licensed optometrists to dispense pharmaceutical agents directly to patients under certain conditions.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, optometrists could only prescribe medications; this bill permits them to dispense select medications directly.

Who is Affected & How:

• Optometrists: Gain authority to provide certain medications directly to patients.
• Patients: Increased access to eye care prescriptions.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 146 – Cemetery & Burial Ground Protections

• Primary Sponsor: (25th)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Strengthens regulations and protections for cemeteries and burial grounds.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Prohibits commercial development within 500 feet of a burial ground without local approval.

Who is Affected & How:

• Developers: Must receive approval for projects near cemeteries.
• Historical Societies & Families: Gain stronger protections for burial sites.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 147 – Inmate Release Records & Vocational History Disclosure

• Primary Sponsor: (33rd)
• Committee Assignment: Public Safety
• Summary: Allows the release of certain inmate records, including criminal history, vocational training, and educational background, upon their release.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Requires correctional facilities to provide inmates with a summary of their vocational and educational history at the time of release.
• Permits parole boards and reentry programs to access these records for employment assistance.

Who is Affected & How:

• Former Inmates: Gain documentation of job training and education.
• Employers & Reentry Programs: Can verify credentials of former inmates.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 148 – Public School Outdoor Learning Spaces Pilot Program

• Primary Sponsor: (50th)
• Committee Assignment: Education & Youth
• Summary: Creates a pilot program for outdoor learning spaces in public schools.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allocates $5 million to establish outdoor classrooms in at least 10 school districts.
• Requires annual evaluation of student engagement and academic outcomes.

Who is Affected & How:

• Public Schools: Eligible to participate in the pilot program.
• Students & Teachers: Gain access to outdoor learning environments.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 162 – Automated Credentialing for Healthcare Providers

• Primary Sponsor: (52nd)
• Committee Assignment: Rules
• Summary: Implements an automated system for verifying healthcare provider credentials in Georgia.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Replaces the current manual verification system with an automated credentialing platform.

Who is Affected & How:

• Healthcare Providers: Faster credentialing process.
• Hospitals & Clinics: Reduced administrative burden for onboarding new practitioners.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 170 – Georgia Interagency Council for the Homeless Creation

• Primary Sponsor: (41st)
• Committee Assignment: Government Oversight
• Summary: Establishes a statewide council to coordinate homelessness prevention efforts.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Creates an advisory body composed of state agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Who is Affected & How:

• Homeless Individuals & Advocacy Groups: Improved access to coordinated resources.
• State Agencies: Required to collaborate on solutions.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 173 – Uncontested Motion Filings in Courts

• Primary Sponsor: (14th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Allows movants to file notices of uncontested motions in superior and state courts for faster resolution.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Streamlines the court process by enabling uncontested motions to be filed electronically and ruled on without a hearing.

Who is Affected & How:

• Attorneys & Litigants: Faster case resolutions for uncontested motions.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 182 – Georgia Music Office & Music Ready Communities Act

• Primary Sponsor: (39th)
• Committee Assignment: Economic Development & Tourism
• Summary: Creates a Georgia Music Office to promote the state’s music industry and establish music-friendly communities.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allocates $10 million in grant funding for local music initiatives.

Who is Affected & How:

• Musicians & Venues: Gain access to state-sponsored grants and support.
• Local Governments: Encouraged to develop music industry incentives.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 191 – Revisions to Unemployment Benefits & Appeals Process

• Primary Sponsor: (48th)
• Committee Assignment: Insurance & Labor
• Summary: Updates notice provisions related to unemployment benefits and appeals.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Requires employers to notify employees of their rights to appeal benefit decisions within 10 days.

Who is Affected & How:

• Unemployed Workers: More clarity in appeal rights.
• Employers: Increased responsibility in notification compliance.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 212 – Ban on Political Campaigns Accessing Student Directory Information

• Primary Sponsor: (48th)
• Committee Assignment: Ethics
• Summary: Prohibits the disclosure of public student directory information to political candidates and campaign groups.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, campaigns could request student contact information from schools. This bill prohibits the practice.

Who is Affected & How:

• Students & Parents: Enhanced privacy protections.
• Political Campaigns: No longer allowed to access student information.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 236 – Military-Connected Students & Public School Enrollment

• Primary Sponsor: (34th)
• Committee Assignment: Veterans, Military, & Homeland Security
• Summary: Ensures that students whose parents or guardians are on active military duty can enroll in schools within their intended district before moving.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allows military families to pre-enroll students in public schools before establishing residency in the district.

Who is Affected & How:

• Military Families: Greater flexibility in school planning.
• Public Schools: Must adjust enrollment procedures.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 239 – Removal of Embalmer Requirement for Funeral Directors

• Primary Sponsor: (20th)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Eliminates the requirement that funeral directors must also be licensed embalmers.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, funeral directors were required to hold embalming licenses; this bill removes that mandate.

Who is Affected & How:

• Funeral Directors: Expanded career opportunities without additional licensing.
• Funeral Homes: More flexibility in hiring non-embalming directors.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 242 – Clarence Thomas Monument at Nathan Deal Judicial Center

• Primary Sponsor: (31st)
• Committee Assignment: Rules
• Summary: Authorizes the placement of a monument honoring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center.

Who is Affected & How:

• State Capitol Grounds: Adds a new monument recognizing Justice Thomas.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 244 – Attorney’s Fees for Disqualified Prosecuting Attorneys

• Primary Sponsor: (21st)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Allows defendants in criminal cases to recover attorney’s fees and legal costs if they successfully motion to disqualify a prosecuting attorney for misconduct.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, defendants bore their own legal costs in such cases. This bill enables reimbursement if a court finds the prosecutor engaged in misconduct.

Who is Affected & How:

• Defendants: May recover legal expenses if prosecutorial misconduct is proven.
• Prosecutors: Held to higher accountability standards.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 245 – Grandparent Visitation Rights Expansion

• Primary Sponsor: (3rd)
• Committee Assignment: Children & Families
• Summary: Expands the rights of grandparents to seek visitation orders or amend existing visitation agreements.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allows grandparents to request visitation rights when a parent is incarcerated or has lost custody.

Who is Affected & How:

• Grandparents: Gain more opportunities to seek visitation.
• Children: Potentially increased family contact in parental custody disputes.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 252 – Municipal Property Conveyance to Independent School Systems

• Primary Sponsor: (39th)
• Committee Assignment: State & Local Government Operations (General)
• Summary: Allows municipal governments to transfer property to independent school systems for educational use.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Clarifies that cities can donate or sell land and buildings to local school systems without requiring public auction.

Who is Affected & How:

• Municipal Governments: Greater flexibility in supporting school infrastructure needs.
• Independent School Systems: Easier acquisition of property for expansion or facility improvements.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 256 – Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) Transparency Requirements

• Primary Sponsor: (46th)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries & Utilities
• Summary: Requires Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) to disclose certain financial and acquisition details to their members.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Mandates EMCs to publicly report major acquisitions and infrastructure investments within 90 days of completion.

Who is Affected & How:

• EMC Members (Consumers): Gain greater insight into utility decisions.
• Electric Co-ops: Must comply with new disclosure rules.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 260 – Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority Creation

• Primary Sponsor: (25th)
• Committee Assignment: State & Local Government Operations (General)
• Summary: Establishes a redevelopment authority to oversee the revitalization of the former Central State Hospital site.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Creates an appointed board to manage economic development projects on the hospital property.

Who is Affected & How:

• Local Governments & Developers: Gain a structured process for redevelopment.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SB 268 – Crime of Interference with First Responders

• Primary Sponsor: (29th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Creates a new criminal offense for interfering with firefighters, paramedics, or other emergency responders while performing their duties.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Classifies interference as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Who is Affected & How:

• First Responders: Greater legal protection from obstruction.
• Public & Protesters: Subject to new penalties for interfering with emergency services.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 284 – Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008 Amendment

• Primary Sponsor: (20th)
• Committee Assignment: Insurance & Labor
• Summary: Expands the Georgia Commissioner of Securities’ authority to order financial restitution for securities violations.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Authorizes the commissioner to issue restitution orders requiring violators to return misappropriated funds to investors.

Who is Affected & How:

• Investors: Gain additional protections from fraudulent securities practices.
• Financial Firms & Brokers: Subject to greater enforcement actions.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

SB 285 – Increased 911 Fee Contributions to Peace Officers’ Benefit Fund

• Primary Sponsor: (29th)
• Committee Assignment: Retirement
• Summary: Increases the percentage of 911 fees allocated to the Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Raises the allocation from 5% to 7% of total 911 fees collected statewide.

Who is Affected & How:

• Peace Officers & Retirees: Gain additional funding for pension benefits.
• Local 911 Centers: Adjustments in funding distribution.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

SB 298 – Appeals for Sovereign Immunity Denials

• Primary Sponsor: (29th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Establishes procedures for appealing court rulings that deny claims of sovereign immunity.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allows state agencies to appeal a trial court’s rejection of sovereign immunity defenses before proceeding to trial.

Who is Affected & How:

• Government Entities: Gain legal pathways to challenge immunity denials.
• Plaintiffs in Lawsuits Against the State: May experience delays in case progression.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

SR 262 – Call for a Convention of States Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution

• Primary Sponsor: (46th)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Applies for a convention of states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Petitions Congress to call a constitutional convention focused on term limits and fiscal restraints on the federal government.

Who is Affected & How:

• Georgia Delegates & Lawmakers: Would participate in a potential Article V convention.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon legislative passage.

SR 282 – Joint Study Committee on Next-Generation 911 Funding

• Primary Sponsor: (30th)
• Committee Assignment: Public Safety
• Summary: Creates a study committee to evaluate funding needs for the modernization of Georgia’s 911 emergency system.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Tasked with recommending funding strategies for next-generation 911 upgrades.

Who is Affected & How:

• 911 Call Centers & First Responders: Potential future funding increases.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon legislative passage.

House Bills

Modified Structured Rule

HB 150 – Combating Threats from China Act of 2025

• Primary Sponsor: Fleming (114th)
• Committee Assignment: Higher Education
• Summary: Establishes measures to counteract potential threats from China in Georgia’s higher education institutions by restricting financial agreements and increasing reporting requirements.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Foreign Influence: Financial or strategic involvement from Chinese entities in Georgia’s universities.
• Higher Education Institutions: Public and private universities in the state.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Foreign Gift Reporting Threshold Lowered: Universities must now report foreign donations over $50,000 (previously $250,000).
• Prohibited Partnerships: Universities are restricted from forming partnerships with Chinese government-affiliated research institutions or companies.

Who is Affected & How:

• Universities: Must comply with new financial disclosure rules.
• Foreign Entities: May face restrictions on academic collaborations.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Non-compliance could result in a loss of state funding or fines up to $100,000 per violation.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

HB 159 – Georgia Housing and Finance Authority; Increase Outstanding Bond Limit

• Primary Sponsor: Crowe (118th)
• Committee Assignment: Banks & Banking
• Summary: Increases the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority’s (GHFA) outstanding bond limit to allow more funding for affordable housing projects.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Outstanding Bonds: Debt issued by GHFA to support housing projects.
• GHFA: State agency responsible for promoting affordable housing.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases GHFA’s bond limit from $3 billion to $4.5 billion, allowing for an additional $1.5 billion in affordable housing funding.

Who is Affected & How:

• GHFA: Gains increased funding ability for housing projects.
• Developers & Homebuyers: May have more access to affordable housing programs.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• GHFA remains responsible for ensuring financial accountability and compliance with federal lending laws.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval.

HB 185 – Dietetics Practice Act Repeal & Reenactment

• Primary Sponsor: Ehrhart (36th)
• Committee Assignment: Regulated Industries
• Summary: Updates the Dietetics Practice Act by repealing and reenacting regulations on dietitian licensing and practice to align with national standards.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Dietitian: A licensed professional specializing in nutrition.
• Dietetics Practice Act: State law regulating dietitian certification and practice.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases continuing education requirements from 15 hours to 30 hours per renewal period.
• Requires passage of a national exam before applying for a license, instead of just state certification.

Who is Affected & How:

• Aspiring Dietitians: Must meet revised licensing and examination standards.
• Licensed Dietitians: Must complete additional continuing education hours.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Practicing without a license may result in fines up to $10,000.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

HB 288 – Prosecutor Accusations Against Peace Officers

• Primary Sponsor: Gaines (120th)
• Committee Assignment: Public Safety & Homeland Security
• Summary: Allows peace officers to seek declaratory judgments when a prosecutor publicly questions their credibility, giving them a way to contest professional reputational damage.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Declaratory Judgment: Court ruling that clarifies legal rights.
• Peace Officer: Law enforcement personnel.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Creates a 30-day window for an officer to file suit after a prosecutor makes a credibility claim.
• Requires the prosecutor to provide supporting evidence if the accusation affects employment or testimony admissibility.

Who is Affected & How:

• Peace Officers: Can challenge allegations that may impact their careers.
• Prosecutors: Must substantiate credibility claims if contested in court.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Courts will determine if credibility accusations are substantiated.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon Governor’s approval.

HB 460 – Attorney-Client Privilege in Penal Institutions

• Primary Sponsor: Panitch (51st)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary Non-Civil
• Summary: Limits attorney-client privilege for inmates when communication poses a risk to security or ongoing criminal investigations.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Attorney-Client Privilege: Confidentiality of legal discussions between a lawyer and client.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allows monitored conversations when an inmate is suspected of planning new criminal activity.
• Exempts communications regarding non-legal matters from protection when recorded on institutional phones.

Who is Affected & How:

• Inmates: Legal conversations could be subject to review under specific conditions.
• Attorneys: Must navigate new confidentiality limitations when discussing certain topics.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Violations could lead to suppression of evidence or disciplinary action against correctional officers.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 484 – Georgia Laws Digitization

• Primary Sponsor: Yearta (152nd)
• Committee Assignment: Code Revision
• Summary: Requires all Georgia laws to be digitized and made publicly available for ease of access.

Definitions & Key Terms:

• Digitization: The process of converting physical or paper-based records into digital formats.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Mandates digital publication of all statutes dating back to 1850, including historical amendments.
• Requires the Georgia Code Revision Commission to establish and maintain an online database for public access.

Who is Affected & How:

• Citizens: Gain better access to legal records.
• Government Agencies: Must allocate resources to scan and publish archives.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Agencies failing to comply could face administrative sanctions and funding cuts.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

HB 485 – Repealing Unfunded Legislative Provisions

• Primary Sponsor: Yearta (152nd)
• Committee Assignment: Code Revision
• Summary: Repeals certain laws enacted before 2013 that remain unfunded and unimplemented.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Removes more than 20 statutes that were never funded, including provisions related to rural broadband expansion and tax incentives for historic preservation.

Who is Affected & How:

• State Budget: Removes outdated financial obligations from Georgia’s books.
• Local Governments & Businesses: Some previously planned incentives and mandates will no longer be considered for future funding.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 494 – Mopeds & Insurance Requirements

• Primary Sponsor: McClain (109th)
• Committee Assignment: Motor Vehicles
• Summary: Requires mopeds to be covered by a form of minimum financial responsibility for accident damages.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Mandates liability insurance for mopeds, requiring at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

Who is Affected & How:

• Moped Owners: Must now purchase and maintain insurance to legally operate their vehicles.
• Insurance Providers: Expected to offer new moped-specific policies.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in fines up to $500 and potential impoundment of the moped.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

HB 529 – Georgia Online Automatic Renewal Transparency Act

• Primary Sponsor: Barrett (24th)
• Committee Assignment: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
• Summary: Requires online businesses to provide clearer disclosure and cancellation options for automatic subscription renewals.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Mandates that companies notify customers at least 30 days before an automatic renewal.
• Requires businesses to offer a simple, one-click cancellation option.

Who is Affected & How:

• Consumers: Gain greater transparency and control over subscription services.
• Businesses: Must adjust their subscription models to comply with disclosure and cancellation rules.

Penalties & Enforcement:

• Companies failing to comply could face fines up to $10,000 per violation.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 530 – Electronic Filing in Probate Court

• Primary Sponsor: Leverett (123rd)
• Committee Assignment: Judiciary
• Summary: Authorizes Georgia probate courts to accept electronic filing of legal pleadings.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, probate courts required paper filings; this bill allows e-filing as an official method statewide.

Who is Affected & How:

• Attorneys & Probate Courts: Can now file and process legal documents electronically.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

HB 549 – Peace Officer Training Reimbursement Timeframe Extension

• Primary Sponsor: Seabaugh (34th)
• Committee Assignment: Public Safety & Homeland Security
• Summary: Extends the period in which an agency can seek reimbursement for training expenses when an officer leaves for another law enforcement job.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Extends the reimbursement window from 12 months to 24 months.

Who is Affected & How:

• Hiring Law Enforcement Agencies: May be required to pay previous agencies if hiring a recently trained officer.
• Peace Officers: May face longer contractual obligations to avoid triggering reimbursement clauses.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 579 – Trade Licensure Reforms

• Primary Sponsor: Reeves (99th)
• Committee Assignment: Appropriations
• Summary: Revises licensing requirements for certain trade professions in Georgia.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Reduces the required apprenticeship period for electricians and plumbers from four years to two years.
• Establishes a fast-track licensing option for military veterans with equivalent experience.

Who is Affected & How:

• Skilled Trades Workers: May obtain licenses faster.
• Employers: Could benefit from a larger workforce.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

HB 583 – Free License Plates for Veterans

• Primary Sponsor: Glaize (67th)
• Committee Assignment: Motor Vehicles
• Summary: Increases the number of free vehicle license plates issued to eligible veterans.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases the number of free license plates per eligible veteran from one to two.

Who is Affected & How:

• Veterans: More flexibility in registering personal vehicles.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 52 – Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption

• Primary Sponsor: Rice (139th)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Extends the property tax exemption for disabled veterans to include their unremarried surviving spouses and minor children.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Previously, only the veteran was eligible; this bill extends eligibility to their surviving spouse and minor children if the veteran was receiving the exemption at the time of death.

Who is Affected & How:

• Surviving Spouses & Children of Disabled Veterans: Can now receive property tax relief.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 111 – Income Tax Rate Reduction

• Primary Sponsor: Hong (103rd)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Lowers the Georgia state income tax rate for individuals and businesses.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Reduces the state income tax rate from 5.49% to 5.29%.

Who is Affected & How:

• All Georgia Taxpayers: Will see a slight decrease in state income tax liability.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

HB 112 – One-Time Tax Credit for 2023-2024 Filers

• Primary Sponsor: McDonald (26th)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Provides a one-time tax credit for individuals who filed Georgia income tax returns in both 2023 and 2024.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Grants a $250 tax credit for individual filers and $500 for joint filers.

Who is Affected & How:

• Georgia Taxpayers Who Filed in 2023 & 2024: Will receive a one-time tax credit when filing their 2025 tax returns.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 360 – Historic Structure Tax Credit Revision

• Primary Sponsor: Efstration (104th)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Revises the tax credit program for rehabilitating historic structures.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Increases the maximum allowable tax credit per project from $5 million to $7.5 million.
• Extends the program’s sunset date from 2027 to 2032.

Who is Affected & How:

• Property Owners & Developers: Can now receive larger tax credits for restoring historic buildings.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

HB 370 – School District Homestead Exemption

• Primary Sponsor: Gaines (120th)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Establishes a state-wide homestead exemption for school district property taxes.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Sets a uniform homestead exemption of $20,000 across all Georgia school districts (previously varied by county).

Who is Affected & How:

• Homeowners: Will receive a larger or standardized property tax exemption for school taxes.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026.

HB 425 – Emergency Power Generator Tax Credit

• Primary Sponsor: Burchett (176th)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Provides a tax credit for grocery and convenience stores that purchase emergency power generators.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Offers a 10% tax credit (up to $10,000 per unit) for businesses purchasing generators for backup power.

Who is Affected & How:

• Small Businesses & Grocery Stores: Encouraged to invest in emergency power solutions.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: Upon becoming law.

HB 532 – Conservation & Special Revenue Disbursement Revisions

• Primary Sponsor: DeLoach (167th)
• Committee Assignment: Ways & Means
• Summary: Updates how conservation grant funds and special revenue disbursements are allocated in Georgia.

New Requirements or Changes to Existing Law:

• Allocates an additional $10 million per year to Georgia conservation programs from lottery revenue surpluses.
• Increases grant funding for state park restoration projects by 15%.

Who is Affected & How:

• Conservation Groups & State Parks: Receive increased funding for environmental preservation.

Implementation & Effective Date:

• Effective Date: July 1, 2025.