LEGISLATIVE REPORT
March 7, 2025

 

In Today’s Edition:

• Governor Kemp Signs Amended FY 2025 Budget
• Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Kelly Loeffler Visit the Georgia State Capitol
• Federal News: Court Blocks NIH Funding Cuts
• Georgia Ranked #1 in Nation for Teacher Morale
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Elisa Heinzelmann
• Upcoming Events: Legislative Calendar

 

Governor Kemp Signs Amended FY 2025 Budget

• $13.4 billion for Georgia’s K-12 schools
• $2 billion for Medicaid benefits
• $13 million to hire over 300 new state prison guards

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Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Kelly Loeffler Visit the Georgia State Capitol

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

 

Kelly Loeffler at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

 

This week, the Georgia State Capitol welcomed Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and former U.S Senator Kelly Loeffler during their visit from Washington, D.C. The visit provided an opportunity for them to engage with state legislators and community leaders and reinforce their advocacy on matters impacting Georgia at both the state and federal levels.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district and assumed office since 2021.  Kelly Loeffler, former Georgia U.S. Senator and businesswoman, has been recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 52-46 vote as the new leader of the Small Business Administration (SBA), marking her return to Washington to oversee small business support programs.

Both persons 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: Court Blocks NIH Funding Cuts

A federal judge has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to cap NIH research overhead payments at 15%. The ruling halts the policy while lawsuits filed by states, universities, and medical organizations proceed, with the judge stating that plaintiffs are likely to succeed in overturning the cuts. The decision impacts billions in federal funding for research institutions, which argued that the cap would undermine scientific progress and lead to layoffs.

The lawsuit claims the policy change violated federal law by being abrupt and poorly justified. Research institutions, which typically receive overhead payments covering facilities, administration, and essential costs, faced potential losses of $100 million or more. While the administration argues the cuts would redirect funds to scientific research, critics see it as a broader attack on biomedical funding.

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Georgia Ranked #1 in Nation for Teacher Morale

Georgia ranks #1 in the nation for teacher morale, according to Education Week’s newly released Teacher Morale Index. The state scored +47, significantly higher than the national average of +18.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods credited efforts to reduce high-stakes testing, increase teacher pay, and prioritize educator voices for the achievement, emphasizing that the work to support teachers must continue.

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Legislation Tracker

Repeal of Automated Speed Enforcement in School Zones
HB 225, sponsored by Rep. Dale Washburn (R-Macon), would repeal all laws allowing automated traffic enforcement devices for speeding violations in school zones, prohibits new or renewed contracts for such enforcement The bill passed the House by a vote of 129-37 and has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

School Safety and Student Records Act
HB 268, sponsored by Rep. Holt Persinger (R-Winder), would establish the Office of Safe Schools, mandates threat management teams, updates student records policies, and enhances school safety measures. The bill passed the House by a vote of 159-13 and has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Healthcare Professional Rehabilitation Program
HB 219, sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), would authorize the establishment of a professional health program to monitor and rehabilitate impaired healthcare professionals, ensuring patient safety while allowing funding through public and private sources. The bill passed the House by a vote of 168-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee.

Physical Therapists Certify Disability for Decals
HB 563, sponsored by Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), would allow licensed physical therapists to certify individuals as disabled for the purpose of obtaining special vehicle decals.  The bill passed the House by a vote of 168-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Battlefield Preservation Fund
HB 454, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), would establish the Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund to provide matching grants for acquiring and preserving historic battlefield sites in Georgia through conservation easements. The bill passed the House by a vote of 157-14 and has been assigned to the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee.

Dental Teaching License Update
HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), would revise licensing requirements for dentists and dental hygienists teaching at accredited schools or academic medical centers, allowing out-of-state licensed professionals to obtain a Georgia license for instructional purposes. The bill passed the House by a vote of 166-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.

Distraction-Free Education Act
HB 340, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton
(R-Peachtree Corners), would require local school systems to establish policies limiting student access to personal electronic devices during the school day for grades K-8 to minimize distractions and improve academic focus. The bill passed the House by a vote of 143-29 and has been assigned to the Senate Children & Families Committee.

Combating Threats from China Act of 2025 – Higher Education
HB 150, sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming
(R-Covington), would require Georgia’s University System to report quarterly on funding received from foreign countries, entities, or individuals of concern, detailing the amount, source, and purpose of such funds. The bill passed the House by a vote of 145-22 and now crosses over to Senate.

Income Tax Rate Reduction and One-Time Tax Credit
HB 111, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong 
(R-Lawrenceville), would gradually reduce Georgia’s state income tax rate from 5.39% to 4.99% by 2026, with reductions subject to economic conditions and state revenue growth. The bill passed the House by a vote of 110-60 and now crosses over to the Senate.

HB 112, sponsored by Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming), would provide a one-time tax credit of up to $500 for Georgia taxpayers who filed income tax returns for both the 2023 and 2024 tax years. The bill passed the House by a vote of 175-0 and now crosses over to the Senate.

Authorization for APRNs and PAs to Order Home Healthcare
HB 54, sponsored by Rep. David Clark 
(R-Buford), would allow advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to order home healthcare services for patients of licensed home health agencies and establishes related regulations, including continuing education requirements and tax credits for caregiving expenses. The bill passed the House by a vote of 177-0 and now crosses over to Senate.

Tuition Grants for Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Public Servants
HB 56, sponsored by Rep. Jesse Petrea 
(R-Savannah), would provide tuition grants to spouses of fallen or disabled public servants. The bill passed the House by a vote of 172-0 and now crosses over to Senate.

Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory
HB 577, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), would establish a directory of authorized nicotine vapor products, prohibits sales of unlisted products, and enforces compliance through penalties and seizures. The bill passed the House by a vote of 159-2 and now crosses over to Senate.

Teledentistry Regulation and Coverage
HB 567, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), would authorize and regulate teledentistry by licensed dentists, sets practice guidelines, allows dental hygienists to perform limited services remotely, and provides for insurance coverage of teledental services. The bill passed the House by a vote of 174-2 and now crosses over to Senate.

Permanent Dual Achievement Program
HB 217, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong 
(R-Lawrenceville), would make the Dual Achievement Program a permanent statewide initiative, updating eligibility requirements, funding provisions, and accountability measures while allowing students to earn a high school diploma through technical education. The bill passed the House by a vote of 169-2 and now crosses over to Senate.

Denial of State Education Funds for Disruptive Conduct
HB 602, sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming
(R-Covington), would deny state-funded loans, grants, and scholarships for two academic years to students convicted of a crime or found guilty of materially disruptive conduct on campus. The bill was not called for a vote in the House and did not crossover.

Tuition Grants for Nursing
HB 541, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), would expand tuition equalization grants to include private institutions in Georgia offering accredited nursing programs, aiming to address the state’s nursing workforce shortage. The bill was not called for a vote in the House and did not crossover.

Homelessness Prevention Program
HB 689, sponsored by Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton), would establish a statewide program to prevent homelessness by funding rental assistance, eviction mediation, and legal aid for low-income individuals, managed through the Housing Trust Fund. The bill was not called for a vote in the House and did not crossover.

Ricky and Alyssa’s Law – School Safety Enhancements
SB 17, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), would require public and private schools to implement a mobile panic alert system for real-time emergency coordination. Schools must also procure school mapping data for first responders, ensuring accurate building layouts and critical emergency information. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 55-0 and crosses over to the House. 

Hormone Therapies and Puberty-Blocking Medications
SB 30, sponsored by Sen. Ben Watson
(R-Savannah), would prohibit prescribing or administering hormone therapies and puberty-blocking medications to minors for gender transition, with limited medical exceptions. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 34-19 and has been assigned to the House Public & Community Health Committee.

Repeal of Library Exemption for Harmful Materials
SB 74, sponsored by Sen. Max Burns
(R-Sylvania), would repeal the exemption that previously shielded libraries and librarians from liability under laws restricting the distribution of harmful materials to minors, making violations a high and aggravated misdemeanor, but provides a defense for librarians who make a good faith effort to remove such materials. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 32-23 and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.

Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act
SB 36, sponsored by Sen. Ed Setzler 
(R-Acworth), would enact the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, restricting government actions that substantially burden religious exercise unless justified by a compelling interest and pursued by the least restrictive means. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 32-23 and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.

Criminal Penalties for AI Misuse
SB 9, sponsored by Sen. John Albers 
(R-Roswell), would establish criminal penalties for using AI in illegal activities, including enhanced sentencing for AI-assisted crimes and bans the distribution of AI-generated obscene material depicting minors. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 46-9 and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.

Revising U.S. Department of Education References
SB 154, sponsored by Sen. Bo Hatchett 
(R-Cornelia), would update Georgia’s legal code by revising or removing references to the U.S. Department of Education, replacing outdated terms, and aligning state law with current federal education policies. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 37-17 and has been assigned to the House Education Committee.

Expanded Apprenticeship Program Incentives
SB 180, sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon 
(R-Gwinett), would allow apprenticeship sponsors to contract with the Technical College System of Georgia, offering completion awards of up to $10,000 per apprentice and increasing the annual apprentice limit per sponsor to enhance workforce development. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 53-1 and has been assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.

Military Retirement Tax Exemption
SB 31, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal 
(R-Cumming), would exempt all military retirement income from state income tax in Georgia, providing financial relief for veterans and reservists starting in the 2026 tax year. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 53-1 and has been assigned to the House Ways & Means Committee.

Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program
SB 193, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass
(R-Newnan), would authorize the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to establish an adult workforce high school diploma program with third-party providers. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 48-0 and has been assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.

Tuition Equalization Grant Eligibility
SB 149, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), would revise the definition of an “approved school” for tuition equalization grants, updating accreditation and operational requirements for proprietary institutions in Georgia. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 50-4 and crosses over to the House. 

Georgia Interagency Homeless Council
SB 170, sponsored by Sen. Kim Jackson  (D-Stone Mountain), would establish the Georgia Interagency Council for the Homeless to coordinate statewide efforts, assess needs, and improve resources for homeless individuals, with annual reporting and a scheduled repeal in 2028. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 50-2 and crosses over to the House. 

Military Families School Enrollment 
SB 236, sponsored by Sen. Kenya Wicks (D-Fayette), would allow students of active-duty military parents to enroll in public schools in their intended attendance zone before securing housing, ensuring continuity in education despite relocations. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 54-1 and crosses over to the House.

Ban on DEI Programs in Education
SB 120, sponsored by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone), would prohibit public schools, local education agencies, and public postsecondary institutions from promoting, supporting, or maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, with penalties including the withholding of state and federally administered funds. The bill was not called for a vote in the Senate and did not crossover.

Mandatory Kindergarten Before First Grade
SB 65, sponsored by Sen. Derek Mallow
(D-Savannah), would require all children to complete kindergarten before entering first grade and lowers the compulsory school attendance age from six to five. The bill was not called for a vote in the Senate and did not crossover.

Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act
SB 182, sponsored by Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), would establish the Georgia Music Office to promote the state’s music industry, attract professionals, support economic growth, and certify “Music Friendly” communities, fostering local music-related development. The bill was not called for a vote in the Senate and did not crossover.

Georgia Sports Betting Act
HB 686, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville), would legalize and regulates online sports betting in Georgia under the Georgia Lottery Corporation, establishes licensing requirements, sets a 24% privilege tax, creates a trust fund for proceeds to support education and state programs, and includes consumer protection measures. The bill was not called for a vote in the House and did not crossover.

HR 450, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville), would propose a constitutional amendment to authorize the Georgia General Assembly to legalize and regulate sports betting, allocate tax revenues to education and addiction prevention programs, and submit the amendment for voter ratification. The bill was not called for a vote in the House and did not crossover.

 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Elisa Heinzelmann

Q: Where is your hometown? 
A: I grew up in Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Q: What is your major? 
A: I’m a Junior double-majoring in Political Science and Middle Level Education.

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: I wouldn’t say she’s the person who inspires me the most in the world, but I hold great respect for Dolly Parton. Between her obvious contributions to the American Culture through her music and her efforts to further the education of children in the US is admirable.

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I have been assigned to the House of Representatives. I’m thankful to be working with the Higher Education Committee, as well as the Banks and Banking Committee.

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: My duties vary from helping representatives with their scheduling, talking to constituents, and assisting and attending the committee meetings. It’s very hard to define as every day looks completely different, varying from small tasks to bigger ones. I’m glad that my day to day provides so much variety.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I hope to learn a lot about how the legislature works from an unbiased view point. I would love to explore the ups and downs of a session, while being actively engaged in the community.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: I’m looking forward to seeing how this experience will influence and guide my future. The insight I will gain will hopefully be a defining factor for how I make my career choices, and I hope that this internship will provide me with a broad network.

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: Rewarding. Outside of the wonderful networking with staff and fellow interns, the overall experience has felt very rewarding to me. Walking into the Capitol building and sitting down at my desk itself just feels so rewarding, but knowing that I get to work “in the room where it happens” is a reward of growth. 

Support A Panther

 

Upcoming Events 

 Monday, March 10, 2025

• Legislative Day 29

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

• Legislative Day 30

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

• Committee Work Day

Thursday, March 13, 2025

• Legislative Day 31

 

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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