LEGISLATIVE REPORT
February 21, 2025

In Today’s Edition:

• Congressman Rick Allen and Congressman Mike Collins Visit the Georgia State Capitol
• Federal News: Kelly Loeffler Confirmed as Head of Small Business Administration
• Teach in the Peach: GaDOE Launches New Teacher Recruitment Campaign
• Gov. Kemp: Duracell Selects Georgia for New Research & Development Headquarters
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Phuoc Dan (Daniel) Ngo
• Upcoming Events: Legislative Calendar

Congressman Rick Allen and Congressman Mike Collins Visit the Georgia State Capitol

Congressman Rick Allen at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

Congressman Mike Collins at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

This week, the Georgia State Capitol welcomed Congressmen Rick Allen and Mike Collins during their visit from Washington, D.C. The visit provided an opportunity for the representatives to engage with state leaders, discuss key issues impacting Georgia, and highlight ongoing federal initiatives relevant to the state.

Congressman Rick Allen, represents Georgia’s 12th congressional district while Congressman Mike Collins, represents Georgia’s 10th district. Both congressmen stressed the importance of representing Georgia’s interests in Washington, ensuring that the voices of their constituents are heard and reflected in national policy decisions.

Federal News: Kelly Loeffler Confirmed as Head of Small Business Administration

Kelly Loeffler sworn-in during her Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee confirmation: Photo by Kevin Dietsch

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia United States Senator and businesswoman, as the new leader of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in a 52-46 vote. The SBA plays a vital role in supporting small businesses by providing counseling, capital, and contracting expertise. Loeffler, who previously served briefly in the Senate, brings both political and business experience to the position. Her appointment marks a return to Washington after her 2021 runoff election defeat and reflects ongoing national attention on Georgia’s political landscape.

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Teach in the Peach: GaDOE Launches New Teacher Recruitment Campaign

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has launched Teach in the Peach, a statewide teacher recruitment campaign aimed at making Georgia the top state for educators. The initiative focuses on attracting, recognizing, and retaining top teaching talent by providing resources, recognition, and clear pathways to the profession. A central component of the campaign is the teachinthepeach.org website, which offers essential tools such as personalized certification pathways, a statewide interactive job map, and a career fit quiz. The website was developed with input from over 250 contributors, including current teachers, career changers, veterans, and students, showcasing insights and tips for navigating a teaching career in Georgia.

To complement the campaign, GaDOE announced Georgia’s first Statewide Educator Signing Day, scheduled for May 6, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame. The event will celebrate future educators, including high school and college students, career changers, and retired teachers returning to the workforce. Supported by partners like the College Football Playoff Foundation and the Atlanta Host Committee, the event highlights the ongoing $3 million investment in Georgia’s teachers. This initiative builds on the 2023 Georgia Teacher Burnout Report by addressing recruitment, recognition, and retention priorities, ensuring every child in Georgia has access to passionate and inspiring educators.

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Gov. Kemp: Duracell Selects Georgia for New Research & Development Headquarters

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Duracell will establish its new Global Headquarters for Research and Development at Science Square in Atlanta, investing $56 million and creating 110 jobs. Duracell, a leading battery manufacturer, already operates a manufacturing facility in LaGrange and a logistics plant in Fairburn, Georgia, supporting nearly 700 jobs combined. The new headquarters, located adjacent to Georgia Tech’s Midtown campus, will occupy part of Science Square’s 18-acre innovation-focused development. Governor Kemp highlighted Georgia’s strong logistics network, research institutions, and business-friendly environment as key factors attracting innovative companies like Duracell.

Duracell’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Liben Hailu, expressed confidence that the move to Atlanta will strengthen the company’s global leadership in battery technology. Atlanta’s transportation infrastructure, diverse talent pool from top-tier universities, and thriving tech ecosystem were cited by Mayor Andre Dickens as reasons for the city’s appeal.

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Legislation Tracker

Riley Gaines Act
HB 267, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner (R-Peachtree City), would  establish requirements for public schools and postsecondary institutions in Georgia to designate restrooms, changing areas, sleeping arrangements on school trips, and athletic teams based on biological sex, defined by reproductive anatomy. Prohibits males from participating in female-designated sports and mandates sex designation on vital records. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House 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 by a vote of 164-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 
HB 147, sponsored by Rep. Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), would require the Georgia Technology Authority to conduct an annual inventory of AI systems used by state agencies, with the first report due by December 31, 2025.  By December 31, 2026, the authority must establish comprehensive policies for AI procurement, implementation, and assessment, emphasizing the prevention of unlawful discrimination.  The bill passed the House by a vote of 172-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Economic Development Committee.  

Georgia Hemp Farming Act
SB 33, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), would set a maximum total THC concentration of 0.3% for consumable hemp products. It mandates updated certificates of analysis within 12 months for such products, listing specific compounds and confirming safety standards. The bill requires THC warning labels and QR codes linking to product analyses, with state inspections ensuring compliance. The bill passed the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.   

Student Safety and Behavioral Health Enhancement Act
HB 268, sponsored by Rep. Holt Persinger (R-Winder), would establish mental health coordinators, behavioral threat assessment plans, and improved student records transfer procedures to enhance safety, health, and well-being in Georgia schools. The bill was heard in House Education Committee, but no votes were taken.   

Revision of Approved School Definition for Tuition Equalization Grants
SB 149, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), would revise the definition of “approved school” for tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities by requiring qualifying proprietary institutions to have been located in Georgia since on or before January 1, 2021, while maintaining existing accreditation and operational criteria. Assigned to the  Senate Higher Education Committee. 

Prohibition on Funding and Contracts with Foreign Adversaries in Public Education
SB 181, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), would prohibit public schools and public postsecondary institutions in Georgia from accepting funding or entering into contracts with designated foreign adversaries, including China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Venezuela (Maduro Regime), Turkey, and Lebanon. Assigned to the  Senate Education and Youth Committee. 

Revised Definition of Approved School for Tuition Equalization Grants
HB 417, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), would revise the definition of “approved school” for tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities, requiring institutions to have been located in Georgia on or before January 1, 2021, and meet updated accreditation and operational criteria. Assigned to the House Higher Education Committee. 

Opioid Antagonist Requirements for Georgia Higher Education Institutions
HB 419, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), would require institutions within the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia to possess and maintain opioid antagonists on campus, with provisions for storage, administration by trained personnel, immunity from liability, emergency protocols, and funding contingent on community sources. Assigned to the House Higher Education Committee. 

Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program
SB 193, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass 
(R-Newnan), would establish Authorizes the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to establish a high school diploma program for adults aged 21-40. The program includes workforce credential opportunities, with funding based on student progress and graduation rates. Assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee. 

Permanent Dual Achievement Program
HB 217, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville), would require the Dual Achievement Program as a permanent statewide initiative, allowing eligible students to earn a high school diploma while completing technical college credentials. The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.  

Needs-Based Financial Aid Program: Revised Definition of Eligible Student
HB 38, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), would revise the definition of “eligible student” for Georgia’s needs-based financial aid program by increasing credit completion requirements to 80% for four-year programs and 45% for two-year programs. The bill passed the House by a vote of 169-3 and has been assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.  

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act
SB 89, sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland (R-McDonough), would increases Georgia’s tax credit for child and dependent care expenses to 40% of the federal credit. Introduces a $250 state child income tax credit for each qualifying child under age seven. Revises employer-provided childcare credit by reducing the required percentage of employees’ children using the facility from 95% to 75% and increasing the credit from 75% to 90% of operational costs. The bill has passed the Senate by a vote of 49-0 and has been assigned to the  House Ways & Means Committee.  

Combating Threats from China Act of 2025
HB 150, sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming (R-Covington), would  requires Georgia’s university system to submit quarterly reports detailing funding exceeding $50,000 received from foreign countries, entities, or individuals of concern, including China. Reports must specify the amount, type, source, related agreements, and purpose of such funding. The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.   

Repeal of Automated Traffic Enforcement in School Zones
HB 225, sponsored by Rep. Dale Washburn (R-Macon), would repeal all Georgia laws allowing automated traffic enforcement devices to monitor speeding in school zones. Prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering or renewing related contracts after the effective date. The bill passed the House Motor Vehicles Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.   

Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act
HB 353, sponsored by Rep. Devan Seabaugh (R-Marietta), would establish the Georgia Music Office within the Department of Community Affairs to promote and support Georgia’s music industry. The office will facilitate economic development, publicize music events, and certify Music Friendly Georgia Communities, requiring local workshops and advisory boards. The bill passed the House Creative Arts & Entertainment Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.   

Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Program
SB 85,  sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass     (R-Newnan), would provide grants to former foster youth under age 26 for undergraduate studies at eligible postsecondary institutions. The grant covers tuition, room, board, meal plans, and books after accounting for other financial aid. Eligibility includes foster youth currently in state custody, participating in independent living programs, adopted after age 14, or former foster youth meeting specific criteria. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.   

Authorization for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to Perform Artificial Insemination 
HB 329, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton  (R-Peachtree Corners), would authorize certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants to perform artificial insemination under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. Requires proper delegation through approved documentation and limits civil liability when written authorization is obtained from the couple. The bill passed the House Health Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

U.S. Department of Education References Update
SB 154, sponsored by Sen. Bo Hatchett  (R-Cornelia), would revise or remove references to the United States Department of Education from the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, adding “, or its successor” where applicable. Updates terminology by replacing “Student Aid Report” with “FAFSA submission summary.” The bill passed the Senate Education & Youth Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.  

Dental License for Teaching Purposes
HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), would revise provisions allowing the Georgia Board of Dentistry to issue dental and dental hygiene licenses solely for teaching or instructing at accredited dental schools, hygiene schools, or academic medical centers. The bill passed the House Health Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.   

Annual Update of Teacher Salary
HB 333, sponsored by Rep. Tangie Herring (D-Macon), would require Georgia’s state minimum salary schedule for elementary and secondary educators to be updated annually, adjusting for inflation or deflation based on federal economic indexes. Assigned to the House Education Committee. 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Phuoc Dan (Daniel) Ngo

Q: Where is your hometown?
A: My hometown is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Q: What is your major?
A: I am currently a senior majoring in Political Science.

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: At the moment, I cannot answer this question because, throughout my life, everyone I have met and interacted with has offered unique qualities and inspiration. From the street vendor in front of my elementary school in Vietnam to my family, I have been inspired by their journeys, ambitions, and experiences. Neglecting their contributions to my development would mean disregarding the invaluable inspiration they have provided me throughout my life.

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to?
A: I have been assigned to the Rules Committee under Chairman Butch Parrish.

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern?
A: My duties as an intern include helping around the office, delivering papers, and setting up meeting rooms.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: Through this internship, I hope to improve my communication skills, both personally and professionally. As I plan to apply to law school after completing my undergraduate studies, the ability to communicate precisely is crucial not just for success in law school but also in my future legal career. After all, I shouldn’t need four sentences to describe today’s weather.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans?
A: In addition to honing my communication skills, I view this internship as a rite of passage. After twelve years of attending school, studying for tests and writing papers, it is time for me to apply what I have learned in a professional setting. (Fun fact: I’m going to law school after the internship!)

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: Confidence. It is because you will not get anything done if you are not willing to step out and do what you are supposed to.

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Upcoming Events 

 Monday, February 24, 2025

• Legislative Day 22

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

• Committee Work Day

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

• Legislative Day 23

Thursday, February 27, 2025

• Legislative Day 24

Friday, February 28, 2025

• Legislative Day 25

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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