LEGISLATIVE REPORT
March 28, 2025

 

In Today’s Edition:

• Panther Intern Breakfast at the Georgia State Capitol
• Senate Passes FY 2026 Budget
• Senator Brandon Beach Named U.S. Treasurer
• Dr. Stephanie Kerce Honored at the Capitol
• Federal News: NIH Grant Releases Resume Under Political Oversight
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Loren Lyles
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Zahrya Grimes
• Student Spotlight: James Wilson Named Rising Star
• Upcoming Events: Legislative Calendar

 

Panther Intern Breakfast at the Georgia State Capitol 

Source: Meg Buscema, GSU Photographer

 

 

Senate Passes FY  2026 Budget

Senator Blake Tillery at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

 

Today, the Georgia Senate overwhelmingly approved HB 68, the $37.7 billion Fiscal Year 2026 state budget, with a 48-7 vote. This budget represents a $1.6 billion increase—4.4% higher than the original FY 2025 budget—demonstrating a strong commitment to public safety, healthcare, and education.

In alignment with the House and Governor, the Senate allocated $169.5 million in formula funding for the University System of Georgia, accounting for a 2.7% rise in enrollment and a 0.5% expansion in campus facilities. A notable shift in funding priorities includes a significant boost for private school vouchers, with $141 million designated for the program—substantially more than the House’s proposed $45.6 million. Additionally, the Senate’s budget plan takes a fiscally conservative approach by funding all capital projects with cash, eliminating the need for borrowing that the House had proposed for school construction and other infrastructure improvements.

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Senator Brandon Beach Named U.S. Treasurer

From Left to Right: Senator Brandon Beach, Megan Stevens, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones & Ella Salter at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

 

State Senator Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) has been appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Treasurer, a prestigious role that will place his signature on U.S. currency and give him oversight of the U.S. Mint, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and Fort Knox. Beach, a longtime Trump ally, joins other Georgians in high-profile federal roles, including Doug Collins (Secretary of Veterans) and Kelly Loeffler (Small Business Administration Administrator), as part of a broader push to elevate strong conservative voices.

On March 25, 2025, during a session in the Georgia Senate chamber, Lt. Governor Burt Jones formally recognized Senator Beach’s appointment, highlighting his significant contributions to the state. Known for his staunch support of the America First agenda, Beach has served in the Georgia Senate since 2013, championing pro-life legislation, Second Amendment rights, and election integrity. His appointment opens his State Senate seat, signaling a likely competitive GOP primary in the conservative district he represents.

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Dr. Stephanie Kerce Honored at the Capitol

From Left to Right:  Representative Chuck Martin, Elisa Heinzelmann, Dr. Stephanie Kerce, and  Speaker Jon Burns at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta

 

From Left to Right:  Dr. Stephanie Kerce, and President Brian Blake

 

From Left to Right:  Dr. Stephanie Kerce, and Pounce (GSU’s Mascot)

 

 

Federal News: NIH Grant Releases Resume Under Political Oversight

After a two-month pause, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is set to resume releasing grant solicitations, but with a new layer of political oversight. All Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) must now be approved by both the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aligning research priorities with the Trump administration’s agenda. This move has sparked concern among NIH staff, who fear increased political interference in scientific funding decisions.

The backlog is substantial—NIH published just three NOFOs between January 20 and March 26, compared to over 160 during the same period in prior years.

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Legislation Tracker

Needs-Based Financial Aid Eligibility Revision
HB 38, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), would expand the definition of an “eligible student” to include those with a financial aid gap and adjusts credit completion thresholds to qualify for aid; extends the program’s automatic repeal date to 2029. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 46-5 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Film, Gaming, or Digital Production Tax Credit – Revised Definition
HB 475, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), would revise the definition of “qualified production activities” for Georgia’s film, gaming, and digital production income tax credit; authorizes new rules, application fees, and requires companies to pay court costs if the denial of a certification is upheld on appeal. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 49-5. The House agreed with the Senate changes and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Distraction-Free Education Act 
HB 340, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), would prohibit K-8 students from using personal electronic devices during the school day, with specific exceptions. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 54-2 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Veterans Cemetery Eligibility Expansion
HB 53, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner (R-Fayetteville), would expand Georgia veterans cemetery eligibility to include certain reserve members, ROTC members, and their families. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 54-0. The House agreed with the Senate changes and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Prohibition on State Purchases from Foreign Adversaries
HB 113, sponsored by Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming), would prohibit Georgia state agencies from purchasing goods from certain foreign countries or related entities deemed security threats and authorizes the Georgia Technology Authority to maintain and enforce a restricted goods list. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 51-0 and now goes back to the House to agree or disagree to the Senate changes. 

Immersive Writing Program for Elementary Schools
HB 200, sponsored by Rep. Debra Bazemore (D-South Fulton), would establish a three-year pilot program providing grants to public elementary schools for immersive writing initiatives targeting grades 2–5. The bill passed the Senate Education & Youth Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Combating Threats from China Act of 2025 
HB 150, sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming (R-Covington), would require Georgia’s university system to submit semiannual reports on funding over $50,000 received from foreign countries, entities, or individuals of concern—specifically targeting ties to China and similar nations—for transparency and security oversight. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

Artificial Intelligence Usage Inventory and Policies
HB 147, sponsored by Rep. Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), would require the Georgia Technology Authority to annually inventory AI systems used by state agencies, publish reports, and develop model AI policies; mandates government entities to cooperate and submit inventories starting in 2027. The bill passed the Senate Science & Technology Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee.

State Bread Designation & Georgia Music Office
HB 14, sponsored by Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton), would designate cornbread as Georgia’s official state bread; also establishes the Georgia Music Office to support and promote the state’s music industry and prohibits companies from foreign countries of concern from bidding on state contracts. The bill passed the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Public Safety Tuition Grants
HB 56, sponsored by Rep. Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah), would provide tuition grants to spouses and children of public safety personnel and educators killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The bill passed the Senate Higher Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Student Safety, Mental Health, and Education Record Reforms
HB 268, sponsored by Rep. Holt Persinger (R-Winder), would mandates student safety measures through improved behavioral health coordination, stricter school threat assessments, streamlined education record transfers, and clearer inter-agency data sharing protocols. The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Ban on DEI Programs in Education
HB 127, sponsored by Rep. Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville), would prohibit public schools, local education agencies, and public postsecondary institutions from promoting or maintaining programs that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The bill passed the Senate Education & Youth Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Lottery Education Act Correction
HB 74, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), would amend the Georgia Lottery for Education Act to correct a reference and adjust administrative procedure exemptions for coin-operated amusement machines and related matters. The bill passed the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the Senate Rules Committee. 

Needs-Based Food Grant Program
HB 716, sponsored by Rep. Bryce Berry (D-Atlanta), would create a needs-based grant to address food insecurity among eligible postsecondary students in Georgia. The bill was heard on the House Higher Education Committee, but no actions were taken. 

Needs-Based Grants for Students Awaiting Financial Aid
HB 695, sponsored by Rep. Mary Ann Santos (D-McDonough), would establish a financial aid program awarding up to $5,000 to eligible students who have not yet received their financial aid, allowing them to purchase essential course materials at the start of the semester. The bill was heard on the House Higher Education Committee, but no actions were taken. 

Repeal of Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act
HB 206 sponsored by Rep. Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro), would repeal the “Drug-free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990” and ensures students are not denied HOPE scholarships or other aid solely due to convictions related to marijuana or controlled substances. The bill was heard on the House Higher Education Committee, but no actions were taken. 

Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory Act 
HB 577, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), would establish a state-managed directory of authorized nicotine vapor products; prohibits sale of non-listed products; enforces manufacturer certification, FDA compliance, and inventory regulations; imposes civil penalties, product seizures, and license revocations for violations; becomes effective upon appropriation of funds. The bill was heard on the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, but motion to pass had failed with a vote of 4-6.

Compulsory Attendance Revisions and Chronic Absenteeism Response
SB 123, sponsored by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon), would update Georgia’s compulsory school attendance laws to prohibit expelling students solely for absenteeism, requires attendance review teams in districts with high chronic absenteeism, mandates new protocols and reports, and excuses students for military service tests and exams. The bill passed the House by vote of 160-1 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Tuition Equalization Grants – Approved School Definition Update
SB 149, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), would revise the definition of an “approved school” for private colleges and universities eligible for Tuition Equalization Grants, updating accreditation and eligibility requirements and clarifying criteria including location, accreditation level, and operational standards. The bill passed the House by vote of 162-2 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

High Demand Apprenticeship Program Contracts
SB 180, sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett), would authorize apprenticeship sponsors to contract with the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia and receive completion awards based on training hours. The bill passed the House by vote of 158-0 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Top State for Talent Act
HB 192, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), would require Georgia’s education and workforce systems to align career education, credentialing, and funding with the High-demand Career List to better prepare students for in-demand jobs and strengthen the state’s workforce. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 48-1 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Dual Achievement Program – Permanent Statewide Implementation
HB 217, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville), would make the Dual Achievement Program a permanent statewide initiative allowing eligible students to earn a high school diploma through technical college coursework; updates eligibility requirements and expands funding mechanisms. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 44-2 and now goes back to the House to agree or disagree to the Senate changes.

Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program – Technical College System
SB 193, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), would authorize the Technical College System of Georgia to create a diploma program for adults aged 21–40, with funding tied to education and workforce credential milestones. The bill passed the House by a vote of 159-2 and now goes back to the Senate to agree or disagree to the House changes.

Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Program
SB 85, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), would establish a scholarship program, subject to funding, to support former foster youth under age 26 in covering postsecondary education costs. The bill passed the House by a vote of 166-2 and now goes back to the Senate to agree or disagree to the House changes.

Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act
SB 9, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), would criminalize the deceptive use of AI-generated media to influence elections and requires disclosure disclaimers in campaign ads that use AI content. The bill passed the House by a vote of 152-12 and now goes back to the Senate to agree or disagree to the House changes.

Student Data Privacy in Campaigns
SB 212, sponsored by Sen. Shawn Still (R-Johns Creek), would prohibit schools from sharing student directory information with political entities and restricts political solicitation involving minors on school grounds. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities
SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), would prohibit student-athletes from participating in school sports teams not matching their biological sex and establishes guidelines for restrooms, scholarships, and overnight accommodations. The bill passed the House Education Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Dogfighting and Game Ban
SB 102, sponsored by Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula), would expand prohibitions and penalties for dog and game cock fighting, including possession of related objects and presence of minors. The bill passed the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Library Exemption Repeal for Harmful Materials
SB 74, sponsored by Sen. Max Burns (R-Sylvania), would repeal the exemption shielding libraries from penalties for distributing harmful materials to minors and establishes a good faith defense for librarians. The bill was heard on the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, but no actions were taken.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act
SB 36, sponsored by Sen. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), would establish protections for individuals whose religious exercise is burdened by government actions unless justified by a compelling interest using the least restrictive means. The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Prohibit Hormone Therapy 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, with limited medical exceptions. The bill passed the House Public Health & Community Health Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Prohibit State-Funded Gender-Affirming Care
SB 39, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia), would ban the use of state funds or health plans to cover gender-affirming care, with limited medical exceptions and restrictions on state-employed healthcare providers. The bill passed the House Health Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Waiver of Immunity for Violating Immigration Sanctuary Ban
SB 21, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia), would waive sovereign and governmental immunity for local governments and their officials if they violate the state’s ban on immigration sanctuary policies; requires sheriffs and jailers to comply with federal immigration detainer requests. The bill passed the House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

Georgia Hemp Farming Act – THC Limits
SB 254, sponsored by Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), would set packaging, advertising, and milligram limits for delta-9-THC and other THC variants in consumable hemp products, including restrictions on beverages and food items. The bill passed the House Regulated Industries Committee, and is now eligible for consideration in the House Rules Committee.

 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Loren Lyles

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

Q: What is your major? 
A: I am a senior studying a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media.

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: The person who inspires me most in the world is my mom. She inspires me because, over the years, I’ve seen her be encouraging, driven, and genuinely want success for everyone around her. I also admire her soft yet stern demeanor in certain situations.

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

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: As a media intern some of my duties at the current moment are to assist in testing the House Floor microphones, editing clips from the meetings, and assisting around the office.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I hope to gain a better understanding of how state legislation works and how bills move through this system.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: I think that this experience will help bring a tighter structure to my schedule through working under a certain type of time constraint and particular pressures. This might also help me decide further on the type of career that I can thrive in and that will hopefully support my values.

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 at the Georgia Legislative Internship program as startling. I chose this word because, entering the program there is a mix of excitement and nervousness for me. As I was placed in the House Media Service, I was afraid that I was going to miss something that the rest of my cohort gets to experience, but now that I am here, I find the internship to be a great way to further expand the scope of work rather than just the legislative chambers of the House and Senate. The amount of work that goes into media services not only shocks me but is fun to be in the midst of. 

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GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Zahrya Grimes

Q: Where is your hometown? 
A: I am from Chicago, Illinois.  

Q: What is your major? 
A: I am a senior studying a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Global Studies.  

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: My mom inspires me the most because I get to live a life that was not available to her. My mom is one of the driving reasons as to why I seek out opportunities that push me forward. I love being a role model to my younger siblings and also grateful and humble that my mother can see me thrive, and support from her is all I need.

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I serve in the House Health, Retirement, Intragovernmental Coordination, and Appropriations Committee and the Higher Education Subcommittee. 

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: My duties consist of handling constituent services and mostly running work for my office. That is mostly making copies or dropping off bills/etc.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: What I hope to gain from this internship is the connections of great people and the strengthening of my work ethic. I hope to create lasting memories while getting to experience my own strengths and weaknesses. I love the thrill of a culture shock. In this case, I do not want to be comfortable. I want to learn and grow into a better student and person. I hope to gain new skills and connections that aid a better Zahrya.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: This internship will open doors for me in ways that are unknown right now. I hope this experience helps me grow and improve my networking skills that allows me to jumpstart my career after graduation. This internship allows me to spark interest in state level work. I am able to explore my options within the government and see what that entails.

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: My word would be insightful. I have learned a lot about the legislative process and how to conduct myself in the corporate world. It has been interesting interacting with the people in the Capitol and has given me valuable insights. 

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Student Spotlight: James Wilson Named Rising Star

James Wilson, a junior from Covington, Ga., majoring in Public Policy with a minor in Urban Education, was honored with the prestigious Rising Star Award by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus on February 21, 2025. As Student Government Association president, Wilson has used his time at Georgia State to shape a future in education—beginning in the classroom and eventually influencing statewide policy. Inspired by impactful coursework and mentorship, Wilson hopes to be the kind of educator and leader he once needed growing up.

 

Upcoming Events 

Monday, March 31, 2025

• Legislative Day 38

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

• Committee Work Day 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

• Legislative Day 39 

Thursday, April 3, 2025

• Committee Work Day 

Friday, April 4, 2025

• Legislative Day 40 (Sine Die)

 

 

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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