LEGISLATIVE REPORT
February 14, 2025

• Lt. Gov. Burt Jones Unveils 2025 Child Tax Credit Initiatives
• State Economist Gives Economic Outlook
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Jaeda Ray
• Upcoming Events: Legislative Calendar

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones Unveils 2025 Child Tax Credit Initiatives

Lt. Governor Burt Jones has announced a key legislative priority for the 2025 session: expanding childcare tax programs and introducing a new child tax credit. The proposed legislation aims to make childcare more affordable for Georgia families and incentivize businesses to offer childcare benefits. Lt. Gov. Jones emphasized that these measures support Georgia’s workforce, parents, educators, and businesses, reinforcing the state’s commitment to accessible and quality childcare.

SB 89, sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland (R-McDonough), developed from recommendations by the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare, proposes increasing the state’s income tax credit for child and dependent care from 30% to 40%, creating a $250 per child tax credit for children under seven, and raising the employer-sponsored childcare tax credit from 75% to 90% of operational costs. The bill passed the Senate Finance Committee and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

State Economist Gives Economic Outlook

Dr. Robert Buschman Speaks at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia.

Georgia State University alum and now State Economist, Dr. Robert Buschman spoke to the House Appropriations Committee this week. Buschman noted that broad import tariffs could drive up consumer prices, while retaliatory measures from trading partners may harm key export industries, such as aerospace, agriculture, and automotive manufacturing. Georgia, the 12th-largest exporting state, saw $49.9 billion in exports last year, making up 6% of its GDP. Any disruption, he warned, could have statewide economic consequences.

Despite these concerns, Buschman reassured lawmakers that Georgia’s economy remains robust. The state has outpaced the national average in both income growth and employment, with personal income rising 10.0% since 2019 and a jobless rate of 3.7%—lower than the national 4.0% rate. While inflation peaked at 9.0% in 2022, it has since stabilized at 3.0%. However, high mortgage and auto loan interest rates continue to pressure consumers. He expects the Federal Reserve to make only a minor interest rate cut this year, as financial health indicators remain strong.

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Legislation Tracker

Sonny Perdue Legislative Building
SR 95, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal 
(R-Cumming), would designate the forthcoming legislative office complex as the “Sonny Perdue Legislative Building” in honor of George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue III for his decades of service to Georgia and the United States. Perdue served in the U.S. Air Force, was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1990, and became the first Republican Governor of Georgia since Reconstruction in 2002, serving two terms. He later served as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Donald Trump and is currently Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.  The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 47-4 and has been assigned to the House State Properties Committee. 

High Demand Career List 
HB 192, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), would align education programs with high-demand careers by updating course standards and career pathways. It enhances workforce development through grants, industry credentialing, and better alignment with labor market needs. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.   

Tuition Grants
HB 56, sponsored by Rep. Jesse Petrea
(R-Savannah), would expand Georgia’s educational grant program to include tuition grants for the spouses of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and prison guards killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.  The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

Dual Achievement Program 
HB 217, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong
(R-Lawrenceville), would establish the Dual Achievement Program as a permanent statewide initiative. Allows eligible students to earn a high school diploma while completing technical college programs. The bill was heard before the House Higher Education Committee, but no votes were taken.

Combating Threats from China Act 
HB 150, sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming (R-Covington), would require the University System of Georgia to submit quarterly reports detailing funding received from individuals or entities affiliated with China, the Chinese Communist Party, or the People’s Liberation Army. Reports must specify amounts, sources, types of funding, contracts, and purposes. The bill was heard before the House Higher Education Committee, but no votes were taken.

Dental Hygiene
HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), would revise provisions for the Georgia Board of Dentistry to issue dental and dental hygiene licenses solely for teaching in accredited schools or academic medical centers, ensuring qualified educators can instruct without full clinical licensure. Assigned to the House Health Committee.

School Psychologist Compact
HB 81, sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins),  would allow Georgia to enter the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, streamlining licensure and mobility for professionals across member states. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.    

CHIPS Advancement in Research & Economic Development Act
HB 216, sponsored by Rep. Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain), would create a dedicated fund to support grant and loan programs designed to attract semiconductor companies to the state, as well as a workforce education and training fund focused on careers in semiconductors, microelectronics, and related laboratories. The bill passed the House by a vote of 163-2 and has been assigned to the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

Student Teacher Promotion Act
HB 310, sponsored by Rep. Phil Olaleye
(D-Atlanta), would establish a grant program to support teacher recruitment by providing up to $7,500 in funding for student teachers completing their required training in Georgia public schools. Assigned to the House Education Committee.

Georgia High School NIL Protection Act
HB 383, sponsored by Rep. Brent Cox
(R-Dawsonville), would allow high school student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). It ensures contracts expire upon graduation or withdrawal, permits professional representation, and sets restrictions on endorsements related to certain industries. Assigned to the House Education Committee.

Expanding HOPE: More Support for High-Achieving Students
HB 385, sponsored by Rep. Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta), would seek to extend HOPE Scholarship eligibility for academically successful students pursuing both a bachelor’s and a first professional degree or those starting a graduate program within 18 months of earning a bachelor’s degree. Assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.

Gender-Affirming Health Care
SB 39, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery 
(R-Vidalia), would prohibit the use of state health plans or state funds for gender-affirming care, including surgeries and hormone therapies. In this bill, no healthcare facility owned or operated by the state and no physician or other healthcare provider employed by an agency or entity of the state can provide gender-affirming care. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 33-19 and has been assigned to the House Health Committee.

Ricky and Alyssa’s Law
SB 17, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), would require local school systems to implement a mobile panic alert system by July 1, 2026, to ensure real-time coordination between state and local emergency responders during school security emergencies. It mandates school mapping data for all public and private schools, including floor plans, critical utility locations, and access points, to enhance emergency response. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency will oversee regulations. The bill passed the Senate Education and Youth Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Income Tax Reduction 
HB 111, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong 
(R-Lawrenceville), would propose a gradual reduction of Georgia’s income tax rate of 5.19% for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The rate will decrease by 0.10% annually until it reaches 4.99%, unless economic conditions trigger a delay. Reductions may be postponed if state revenue growth is below 3%, if net revenue collection is lower than the past three years, or if the Revenue Shortfall Reserve lacks funds to offset the tax cut. The bill passed the House Ways & Means Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.    

One-Time Tax Credit Approved 
HB 112, sponsored by Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming),  would provide a one-time tax credit for individuals who filed Georgia income tax returns for both 2023 and 2024, with refunds of up to $500 based on filing status. The bill passed the House Ways & Means Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.    

Distraction Free Education Act
HB 340, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton
(R-Peachtree Corners), would require Georgia public schools to implement policies restricting personal electronic device use for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to minimize distractions and enhance learning.
Assigned to the House Education Committee.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SB 120, sponsored by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone), would prohibit Georgia public schools, local education agencies, and public colleges from promoting or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with violations resulting in potential loss of state funding. Assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Waiver of Immunity for Sanctuary Policy Violations
SB 21, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery
(R-Vidalia), would waive sovereign and governmental immunity for local governments, officials, and employees who violate Georgia’s prohibition on immigration sanctuary policies. It also mandates sheriffs, jailers, and deputies to comply with federal immigration detainer requests and waives immunity for noncompliance. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 33-18 and now crosses over to the House. 

Hormone Therapies and Puberty-Blocking Medications
SB 30, sponsored by Sen. Ben Watson 
(R-Savannah), would prohibit hospitals and the Georgia Composite Medical Board from providing specific medical treatments for minors related to gender dysphoria. It explicitly bans the prescription, administration, or performance of hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and sex reassignment surgeries aimed at altering a minor’s biological sex or affirming a gender identity inconsistent with their biological sex.  The bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Georgia Veterans Cemeteries
HB 53, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner
(R-Fayetteville), would allow certain reserve component members of the U.S. armed forces, their spouses, and children to be buried in Georgia veterans cemeteries. The bill passed the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Georgia Veterans Service Foundation Specialty License Plate
SB 76, sponsored by Sen. Drew Echols
(R-Gainesville), would establish a specialty license plate to honor Georgia veterans and their families. Proceeds from the plate sales will be allocated to the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 52-0 and now crosses over to the  House. 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Jaeda Ray

Q: Where is your hometown? 
A: I am from Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

Q: What is your major? 
A: I am currently a senior, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-law.

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: My sister is my biggest inspiration. Growing up, I watched her create opportunities for herself and succeed in every way. As a Georgia State University and University of Georgia graduate who studied neuropsychology, she worked hard to build her own path and showed independence and determination I’ve always admired. After graduating in 2020, she quickly started her career, showing me what it means to take control of your future. Her journey has inspired me to dream bigger and seize every opportunity that comes my way. She has also been my biggest supporter, helping me with resumes, school applications, interviews, and essays. Her guidance has meant everything to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I am assigned to House Media Services.

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: As a legislative intern for the House of Representatives Media Services, my duties include drafting informational documents about representatives and highlighting key facts about them. I also listen to and take detailed notes on sessions, committee meetings, and press releases. Additionally, I review committee agendas, upload them to the archives, and assist in coordinating room reservations for committee meetings.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I hope to gain hands-on experience in the legislative process and a deeper understanding of how state government works. This program gives me the opportunity to explore a field I’ve been interested in but haven’t had much direct experience with. By participating in the daily operations of the Georgia legislature, I aim to build practical skills in research, constituent services, and policy work. I’m also excited to connect with professionals and mentors who can guide me as I explore new career paths and shape my goals in public service.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: The Georgia Legislative Intern Program will build on my past experience and help me grow in new ways. I will gain hands-on experience in legislative tracking, communication, and collaboration with various groups, which will be invaluable as I pursue a career in government or diplomacy. This program will also deepen my understanding of how state policies impact communities, aligning with my passion for supporting marginalized groups and advocating for positive change. Additionally, the connections I make could lead to mentorship opportunities and career paths that support my goal of serving my community in the future.

Q: If you could use one word to describe your experience at the Georgia Legislative Internship Program thus far, what would that word be, and why?
A: I would describe my experience as exhilarating. It’s a perfect mix of excitement and eagerness as I learn so much and take on new responsibilities. At the same time, there’s a sense of nervousness about wanting to meet expectations and perform well, which keeps me motivated to grow and improve every day.

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Upcoming Events 

 Monday, February 18, 2025

• Legislative Day 18

Tuesday, February 19, 2025

• Legislative Day 19

Wednesday, February 20, 2025

• Legislative Day 20

Thursday, February 21, 2025

• Legislative Day 21

Helpful Links
Information on legislative activities including bills and resolutions as well as webcasts of daily sessions in both chambers and committee meetings are available via the General Assembly website at www.legis.ga.gov.

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