LEGISLATIVE REPORT
March 21, 2025

 

In Today’s Edition:

• 2025 Legislative Kickball Game
• Congressman Rich McCormick Visits the Georgia State Capitol
• Georgia Proposes Tax Cuts and Credits
• Gov. Kemp Appoints Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Labor Commissioner
• TriNet to Create 750 Jobs in Metro Atlanta
• Federal News: Trump Plans to Dismantle U.S Department of Education While Keeping Some Core Functions
• Federal News: NIH Withdraws Minority Research Grants Again
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Kendall Griffin
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Jaslin Stanley
• Upcoming Events: Legislative Calendar

 

2025 Legislative Kickball Game

Photo: (from left to right) President Brian Blake, Speaker Jon Burns, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Chancellor Sonny Perdue.

 

Photographer: Carolyn Richardson

 

On Wednesday, Georgia lawmakers returned to Center Parc Stadium to participate in the annual legislative kickball game. This is always a fun event where members of the General Assembly and staff can escape from the Capitol for fellowship outside of their legislative duties.

This year, the House of Representatives emerged victorious, defeating the Senate with a final score of 10-4. After seven innings of spirited play, House members celebrated their well-earned win. No doubt, the Senate will be looking for redemption next year!

Thanks to GSU Athletics who make this annual event possible!

 

Congressman Rich McCormick Visits the Georgia State Capitol

Congressman Rich McCormick and Lt. Governor Burt Jones at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

 

This week, the Georgia State Capitol welcomed Congressman Rich McCormick during his visit from Washington, D.C. A decorated veteran and Emergency Room physician, Dr. McCormick proudly serves Georgia’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. His visit provided an opportunity to engage with state legislators and community leaders, reinforcing his commitment to advocating for policies that impact Georgia at both the state and federal levels.

Congressman McCormick emphasized the importance of representing Georgia’s interests in Washington, ensuring that the concerns of his constituents are heard and reflected in national policy decisions. His discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between federal and state leaders to address key issues affecting the community.

 

Georgia Proposes Tax Cuts and Credits

The Georgia General Assembly is considering two key income tax bills aimed at providing financial relief to residents. HB 112 introduces a one-time tax credit for taxpayers who filed returns for both 2023 and 2024, offering refunds of up to $500 based on filing status. This automatic refund will be applied to any outstanding liabilities before issuance and is exempt from state income tax.

Meanwhile, HB 111 seeks to gradually reduce the state’s income tax rate, starting at 5.19% in 2025 and decreasing annually by 0.10% until it reaches 4.99%. The reductions, however, may be delayed if revenue growth targets are not met. Together, these bills aim to ease the tax burden on Georgia residents while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Legislative Update: This week, both HB 111 and HB 112  advanced in the legislative process, moved from the Senate Rules Committee to the Senate floor where they both passed with a vote of 30-23 and 52-0 respectively.  Both pieces of legislation now go to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

 

Gov. Kemp Appoints Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Labor Commissioner

Photo: John McCosh/Georgia Recorder

 

Governor Brian P. Kemp has appointed Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. She will be sworn into office on April 4th, completing the term of Bruce Thompson, who passed away last November. Holmes, a leader in economic development and workforce initiatives, previously served as President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. Kemp praised her dedication to strengthening Georgia’s workforce and business environment, expressing confidence in her leadership.

Holmes brings extensive experience in economic development, business advocacy, and workforce planning. Having served on the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia, she understands the critical connection between education and workforce readiness. Leaders across the state, including former Governor Nathan Deal and Lt. Governor Burt Jones, have expressed strong support for her appointment, highlighting her ability to drive economic growth and create opportunities for Georgians.

Read More

 

TriNet to Create 750 Jobs in Metro Atlanta

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that TriNet, a leading provider of HR solutions, will establish a corporate center in Dunwoody, bringing 750 new jobs and a $15.4 million investment to DeKalb County over the next five years. The company’s expansion aims to strengthen Atlanta’s business ecosystem by providing small and medium-sized businesses with essential HR services, while also creating new opportunities in technology, HR consulting, client management, and sales.

TriNet leaders emphasized their commitment to attracting top talent, fostering collaboration, and supporting professional growth within the Atlanta region. With access to Atlanta’s universities and business community, the new office will serve as a hub for employee development and client engagement. Local leaders, including Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch and DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, welcomed the investment, highlighting the positive economic impact and job creation for the community.

Read More

 

​Federal News: Trump Plans to Dismantle U.S Department of Education While Keeping Some Core Functions​

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The plan aims to shift power back to states and local communities, while maintaining core federal responsibilities like Title I funding, Pell Grants, and support for students with disabilities. However, fully dismantling the department requires congressional approval, and Democrats have vowed to resist the move.

Read More

 

Federal News: NIH Withdraws Minority Research Grants Again

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has once again withdrawn applications for its F31 diversity fellowship, blocking funding opportunities for early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds. This follows a brief reversal in February when applications were initially pulled, then reinstated, only to be removed again. The NIH cites a review of its research priorities but has continued reviewing applications for the standard F31 fellowship.

The decision has sparked concerns among scholars and grant reviewers, who argue that the move disproportionately impacts minority researchers and delays their academic careers. Some applicants have opted to reapply under the standard fellowship, while others are refusing to withdraw, seeing the repeated removals as part of broader efforts to create uncertainty and discourage diversity-focused funding.

Read More

 

Legislation Tracker

Prohibition on State Purchases from Certain Foreign Entities
HB 113, sponsored by Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming), would prohibit the state and its agencies from purchasing goods, services, or technology from foreign companies or countries deemed security threats.  The bill passed the Senate Government Oversight Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Authorization for APRNs and PAs to Order Home Healthcare Services
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. The bill was heard on the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Distraction-Free Education Act
HB 340, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton 
(R-Peachtree Corners), would require K-8 schools to adopt policies restricting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day.  The bill passed the Senate Children & Families Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory Act
HB 577, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), would establish a directory of approved nicotine vapor products and prohibits the sale of unlisted products in Georgia. The bill was heard on the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, but no actions were taken.   

Georgia Veterans Cemeteteries
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 Senate Veterans, Military & Homeland Security Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Teledentistry Authorization and Regulation
HB 567, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), would authorize and regulates teledentistry by licensed dentists, allowing remote dental services under specified conditions and requiring insurance coverage for teledentistry. The bill passed the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Quality Basic Education Act Amendment – Reading Support & Dyslexia Provisions
HB 307, sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins), would expand support for students at risk of not achieving grade-level reading proficiency or exhibiting characteristics of dyslexia by implementing intervention plans, requiring parental notification, banning the three-cueing system in literacy instruction, and mandating the use of high-quality instructional materials aligned with the science of reading. The bill passed the Senate Education & Youth Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Top State for Talent Act
HB 192, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), would expand career education for students in grades 6-12 by aligning curriculum with the High-Demand Career List, enhances dual enrollment funding for career and technical education, establishes evaluation metrics for workforce programs, and requires state agencies to use labor market data for education and job training alignment. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Dental Teaching Licensure Reform Act
HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), would revise requirements for issuing dental and dental hygiene teaching licenses in Georgia, allowing qualified individuals with out-of-state licenses to teach in accredited dental schools and academic medical centers without examination. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Dual Achievement Program Permanency Act
HB 217, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong 
(R-Lawrenceville), would make the Dual Achievement Program a permanent statewide initiative, allowing students to earn high school diplomas while completing technical college programs. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Foster Youth Transition Support Study
SR 310, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), would create a Senate study committee to assess and recommend improvements for services supporting foster youth transitioning to adulthood. The resolution passed the Senate Children & Families Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Dignity and Pay Act
SB 55, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), would end subminimum wages for workers with disabilities by 2027, ensuring equal pay under federal law. The bill passed the House by vote of 163-2 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Ricky and Alyssa’s Law – School Security & Emergency Response
SB 17, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), would require public schools to implement a mobile panic alert system and procure school mapping data by July 1, 2026, to enhance emergency coordination with first responders. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

Revising or Removing References to U.S. Department of Education
SB 154, sponsored by Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), would revise or removes references to the U.S. Department of Education in Georgia law, replaces “Student Aid Report” with “FAFSA submission summary,” and makes changes contingent on the federal department’s abolition. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. The bill passed the House by a vote of 144-15 and now goes back to the Senate to agree or disagree to the House changes.

Prohibition on Certain Hormone Therapies for Minors
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 purposes, with limited exceptions for specific medical conditions. The bill was heard on the House Public & Community Health Committee, but no actions were taken. 

Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act
SB 85, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), would establish a grant program to provide financial aid to former foster youth meeting eligibility criteria for undergraduate education, subject to specific state appropriations. The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

Tuition Equalization Grants at Private Colleges and Universities
SB 149, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), would revise the definition of an approved school for tuition equalization grants, updating eligibility criteria for private colleges and universities in Georgia. The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules 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, select third-party providers, set program requirements, disburse funds, and implement reporting measures. The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

Georgia Hemp Farming Act – THC Limits
SB 33, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), would establish limits on the total THC concentration in consumable hemp products, revises provisions for certificates of analysis, defines key terms, and mandates labeling and testing requirements to ensure product safety and compliance. The bill was heard on the House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, but no actions were taken. 

High Demand Apprenticeship Program – Expansion
SB 180, sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon 
(R-Gwinnett), would expand the High Demand Apprenticeship Program by allowing apprenticeship sponsors to enter contracts with the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia, provides completion awards for successful apprenticeships, and sets limits on funding per apprentice and per sponsor. The bill passed the House Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act
SB 36, sponsored by Sen. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), would establish protections for religious exercise by prohibiting government actions that substantially burden religious practices unless justified by a compelling governmental interest, while allowing individuals to seek legal relief for violations. The bill was heard on the House Judiciary Committee, but remained in committee after a 6-6 vote.  

Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act
SB 9, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), would establish criminal offenses for using AI-generated deceptive media to influence elections, mandates disclaimers on AI-generated campaign advertisements, grants enforcement authority to the State Election Board and Attorney General, and imposes penalties for violations, including fines and potential felony charges for repeat offenses. The bill passed the House Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee. 

 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Kendall Griffin 

Q: Where is your hometown? 
A: . My hometown is Athens, Georgia.

Q: What is your major? 
A: I am in my senior year and currently studying Journalism with a minor in Political Science. 

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: My family will always be my biggest inspiration. I always rely on them for career guidance. Their encouragement is the ultimate motivator to give my utmost effort and maintain professionalism with every opportunity I’m given.

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I have been assigned to the offices of Senator Shawn Still and Senator Mike Hodges.

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: Being a Senate Aide entails a plethora of tasks; my overall role is providing my office assistance, creating a greater sense of ease. A very good example of this is managing constituent communications (Outlook, Fireside, handwritten letters, phone calls). My favorite task is assisting my senator with resolutions or pages. Typically, I find time to give the pages a tour of the Capitol and take them to lunch. It has been a privilege to have genuine interactions with people from all over the state.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I’m eager to better understand the relationship between local, state, and federal government systems and how they interact in the legislative process. I also hope to learn about the policy-making process from a variety of perspectives, including those of policymakers, advocates, and constituents.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: By working closely with policymakers and understanding the intricacies of lawmaking, I will gain a deeper appreciation for how laws are crafted and the impact they have on communities. Whether I pursue law school or a career in state government, this internship will help me develop the analytical, research, and communication skills essential for both fields. The hands-on experience in policy research and legislative operations will give me a strong foundation to succeed in either path, allowing me to contribute effectively to the legal or public sector.

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: Humbling, and I mean that in the best way possible. GLIP has given me a great sense of humility through the professional obstacles I’ve had to overcome, and the relationships I’ve formed with constituents/nonprofit organizations. 

Support A Panther

 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Jaslin Stanley

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

Q: What is your major? 
A: I am a senior studying a Bachelor’s in Political Science. 

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: My mom inspires me the most in the world because she encourages me to persevere through any and all obstacles. 

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I am assigned to the office of Chairman, Tyler Paul Smith and I am involved with the House Judiciary Committee. 

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: Some of my tasks include taking phone calls from constituents and picking up the first readers for my representative.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I hope to learn more about the legislative process in Georgia from a first-hand and unbiased perspective/experience.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: I want to work in the public service in the future, so I believe that this experience of working directly with state policy will be very useful.

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 eventful because something interesting is always happening in the capital. There truly is never a dull moment in this internship.

Support A Panther

 

Upcoming Events 

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

• Legislative Day 35

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

• Committee Work Day 

Thursday, March 27, 2025

• Legislative Day 36

Friday, March 28, 2025

• Legislative Day 37

 

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.

Think Georgia State is right for you? Take the next step to becoming a Panther by clicking here.

 

Subscribe

 

Visit Our Website