LEGISLATIVE REPORT
April 4, 2025

 

In Today’s Edition:

• Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
• FY 2026 Budget Receives Final Passage
• Governor Kemp Celebrates Tech Growth
• Federal News: Mass Layoffs Hit Public Health
• Federal News: Universities Navigate Funding Uncertainty
• Legislation Tracker
• GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Ella Salter
• Upcoming Events: Outside of the Legislative Session

 

Legislature Adjourns Sine Die

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned sine die on Friday, April 4, 2025, wrapping up a fast-paced and eventful 40-day legislative session. Lawmakers tackled a broad array of priorities, ultimately approving both the amended FY 2025 budget and the full FY 2026 budget. Beyond fiscal matters, major legislation addressed key issues such as K-12 and higher education funding, income tax relief, rural healthcare access, insurance reforms, housing affordability, and homelessness, among others.

With the session now concluded, Governor Brian Kemp has 40 days to act on the passed legislation. He can sign bills into law, issue vetoes, or allow measures to take effect without his signature. As the state awaits final decisions, all attention turns to the Governor’s desk, where some of the year’s most consequential policy choices now rest.

 

FY 2026 Budget Receives Final Passage

Senator Blake Tillery and Representative Matt Hatchett at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. Photo: Georgia General Assembly

 

• $169.5 million allocated in House Bill 68 for the University System of Georgia, reflecting a 2.7% enrollment increase and 0.5% increase in campus square footage.
• $17 million increase for the Dual Enrollment program, raising total funding to $108 million to support continued growth after serving 63,000+ students in FY 2024.
• $10 million added to align the HOPE Private award with the Zell Private award, bringing the total to $88 million to assist 15,000 private college students statewide in FY 2026.
• $141 million provided to fully fund the Georgia Promise Scholarship, offering grants for private school tuition, tutoring, and other qualified educational expenses as authorized by SB 233.

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Governor Kemp Celebrates Tech Growth

Flock Safety, a Georgia-based safety technology company, is expanding its operations with a new 97,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Smyrna, representing a $10 million investment and the creation of 210 jobs over the next three years. Governor Brian Kemp and other state and local leaders celebrated the ribbon-cutting, highlighting Georgia’s supportive business environment and the company’s role in enhancing public safety. The facility will produce advanced tools like the Drone as First Responder system, assemble solar panels, and refurbish devices, with full operations expected by 2027.

Founded in Georgia in 2017, Flock Safety already supports over 250 jobs and partners with more than 300 law enforcement agencies statewide. CEO Garrett Langley emphasized the importance of continuing innovation in public safety, particularly in aerospace and drone technology. State and local leaders welcomed the expansion, citing Smyrna’s ideal location and talent pool, and praised the company’s commitment to community safety and job creation.

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Federal News: Mass Layoffs Hit Public Health

Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. | Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

 

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Federal News: Universities Navigate Funding Uncertainty

Colleges across the U.S. are grappling with significant cuts to federal research funding as the Trump administration leverages grants to enforce political compliance, targeting schools like Columbia, Penn, and Johns Hopkins. These institutions—some of which receive nearly half their revenue from federal sources—now face investigations tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts or allegations of antisemitism, leading to suspended funds and operational strain.

The new enforcement strategy bypasses traditional due process, creating uncertainty that’s already impacted hiring, research programs, and graduate student opportunities. Critics argue this tactic undermines academic freedom and scientific progress, with schools increasingly pressured to alter policies in exchange for continued federal support.

Read More

 

Legislation Tracker

Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation Reorganization
HB 495, sponsored by Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella), would transfer the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation from the University System to the Department of Agriculture, establishes a new Georgia Rural Development Council to guide it, outlines duties including rural economic development support, and requires annual strategic plans for legislative review. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 50-1 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Georgia Lottery Act – Clarification and APA Updates
HB 74, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), would update the Georgia Lottery for Education Act to clarify references and apply the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act to licensing and disputes over coin-operated amusement machines, while exempting unrelated Georgia Lottery Corporation operations from such procedures. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 51-0 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Dental Teaching Licenses – Expanded Eligibility
HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), would revise provisions for issuing limited dental or dental hygiene licenses to qualified professionals solely for teaching at accredited schools or academic medical centers in Georgia, expanding eligibility criteria and allowing foreign-trained dentists to qualify under specific conditions. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 52-0 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Richard H. Smith Georgia CHIPS Advancement in Research and Economic Development Act
HB 216, sponsored by Rep. Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain), would establish the Georgia CHIPS and Advanced Technology Commission to lead semiconductor industry development through research, investment, workforce training, and strategic planning, replacing the former consortium and set to sunset in 2028. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 50-2 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Ban on Foreign Security-Risk Goods
HB 113, sponsored by Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming), would prohibit Georgia state agencies from purchasing goods from foreign entities deemed security threats, with penalties for violations. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 146-18 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act
HB 307, sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard (R-Warner Robins), would expand early literacy support by requiring schools to identify and assist students at risk of reading deficiencies or with characteristics of dyslexia, prohibits use of the three-cueing model, mandates tiered reading interventions, and enhances parent notification and teacher training. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 167-0 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Student & School Safety Enhancement Act
HB 268, sponsored by Rep. Holt Persinger (R-Winder), would establish mandatory mobile panic alert systems and school mapping data standards, enhances data sharing and behavioral health support, and sets new school safety policies to protect students and school communities. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 154-12 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust Fund Act
HB 454, sponsored by Rep. Houston Gaines (R-Athens), would establish a state-managed trust fund and matching grant program to help nonprofits and agencies acquire and preserve historic battlefield lands in Georgia through conservation easements and related protections. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 47-0 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval. 

Teledentistry Authorization and Regulation
HB 567, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), would authorize licensed Georgia dentists to provide care via teledentistry under specific conditions, allows limited dental hygienist involvement, and permits insurance coverage for dental services provided through teledentistry. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 165-2 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval. 

Dual Achievement Program Expansion
HB 217, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville), would permanently extend the Dual Achievement Program statewide, allowing students to earn a high school diploma through technical college pathways. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 143-22 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Foreign Funding Disclosure – Colleges
HB 150, sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming (R-Covington), would require Georgia’s public universities to report foreign funding from countries of concern, including China, twice a year. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 98-64 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Georgia Supporting Living Donor Educators Act
HB 235, sponsored by Rep. Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick), would require public schools and postsecondary institutions to grant paid leave for employees donating bone marrow (up to 7 days) or organs (up to 30 days), without using sick or annual leave. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 54-0 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Veterinary Loan Forgiveness Program Limits
HB 172, sponsored by Rep. David Huddleston (R-Roopville), would set eligibility limits for veterinary student loan forgiveness, raises award cap to $90,000, and restricts forgiveness to those practicing food animal specialties in rural counties. The bill passed the Senate by vote of 43-4 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act
SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), would prohibit male students from participating in female-designated school and college sports teams and using female-designated facilities, while establishing team classifications based on biological sex, with privacy safeguards, compliance procedures, and civil remedies. The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 34-20 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Revise or Remove U.S. Department of Education References
SB 154, sponsored by Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), would revise or removes references to the U.S. Department of Education in Georgia law and replaces references to “student aid report” with “FAFSA submission summary,” with most changes contingent upon federal abolition of the Department. The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 44-8 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Optometrists Dispensing Pharmaceuticals
SB 140, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), would allow doctors of optometry to dispense and sell non-controlled pharmaceutical agents related to eye care under specific conditions, including record-keeping, patient guidance, and compliance with pharmacy regulations.  The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 52-0 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval. 

Increased Liability Insurance for DUI Convictions
SB 121, sponsored by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone), would require individuals convicted of DUI or reckless driving to carry higher minimum motor vehicle liability insurance—up to $300,000 in coverage for repeat offenders—for three years following conviction. The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 51-2 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act
SB 36, sponsored by Sen. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), would establish that government actions may not substantially burden a person’s religious exercise unless proven to serve a compelling interest through the least restrictive means, allowing individuals to seek relief in court. The bill passed the House by vote of 96-70 and was signed by Governor Brian Kemp.

Prohibit Disclosure of Student Information to Political Campaigns
SB 212, sponsored by Sen. Shawn Still (R-Johns Creek), would prohibit schools from disclosing public student directory information to political candidates, campaigns, or affiliated groups and imposes restrictions on campaign activity targeting students or using school property. The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 53-0 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act
SB 85, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), would establish a grant program to provide eligible former foster youth with financial support for undergraduate education, covering tuition, housing, and related expenses, subject to specific appropriations. The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 53-1 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program
SB 193, sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan), would authorize the Technical College System of Georgia to establish a diploma program for adults aged 21–40, using third-party providers, to offer free coursework and credentials tied to workforce readiness, with performance-based funding and reporting requirements. The Senate agreed with the changes of the House with a vote of 50-1 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Monitoring and Rehabilitation Program for Impaired Healthcare Professionals
HB 219, sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), would authorize the creation of professional health programs to monitor and rehabilitate impaired healthcare professionals under the Georgia Composite Board and Georgia Board of Nursing, including confidential procedures and funding provisions. The bill was not brought up for a vote on the Senate floor. 

Certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Authorized for 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 physician supervision, with required documentation and liability protections. The bill was not brought up for a vote on the Senate floor. 

Protections for Code Enforcement Inspectors
HB 483, sponsored by Rep. Brian Prince (D-Augusta), would provide enhanced criminal penalties for assault and battery offenses committed against code enforcement inspectors and revises exemptions for libraries related to harmful materials laws, while allowing a good faith defense for librarians. The bill was not brought up for a vote on the Senate floor. 

School Zone Speed Camera Reform
HB 651, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville), would revise rules for using automated traffic enforcement devices in school zones, strengthens oversight, and authorizes civil penalty enforcement by prosecutors. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 140-29 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.

Pilot 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 for immersive writing programs in grades 2–5 at eligible public elementary schools and mandates accessible playgrounds for new schools built after July 1, 2027. The bill was not brought up for a vote on the Senate floor. 

Authorize 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, expands their roles in documentation and tax credit eligibility, and includes provisions for training and regulatory updates. The House agreed with the changes of the Senate with a vote of 157-0 and the bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval. 

 

GLIP Intern Spotlight: Q&A with Ella Salter

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

Q: What is your major? 
A: I am a Junior at Georgia State University majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs.

Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: I am most inspired by the women working in fields adjacent to mine. Female Lawyers, Politicians, Activists, Judges, and Policy Makers are powerful and a considerable inspiration to young women aspiring to study Political Science and/or attend Law School. Female Political Figures in a male-dominated field make me feel like it is possible to be important, smart, and respected while trying to make a difference.

Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to? 
A: I am a Senate Aide to Senator Brandon Beach, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, and I also work for Senator Emanuel Jones. 

Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern? 
A: As the Aide to a Committee Chairman, I do a lot of work for the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. I prepare the Committee folders, send out bill hearing notices, help prepare the meeting agenda, and I also take the committee minutes during the meetings. My typical day includes a few standard errands to and from Legislative Council, Secretary of the Senate, other Senate Offices, the Secretary of the State, and the Senate Chamber. My most important daily task is staying on top of my Chairman’s email and calendar. I am responsible for scheduling his meetings and facilitating his daily calendar.

Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I believe the Georgia Legislative Internship Program is a cardinal opportunity that has the potential to be extremely beneficial to any intern. I am positive that this internship will give me the confidence to pursue my future career ambitions. This is an extraordinary chance for me to gain unique experiences and enter a professional setting.

Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans? 
A: I believe that this Internship will be a key factor in deciding the direction of my career path. This experience will give me an unprecedented level of experience and knowledge about Government and Politics that will aid me in my entrance into the political sphere. Working underneath the Senators in the Georgia General Assembly will help me learn how to navigate my aspirations and how to be successful.

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: Exhilarating. Every single day I am learning something new whether it is related to my job, the Capitol, a part of the Legislative process, or something entirely unrelated. I love watching the entirety of the Session’s operation from start to finish through every avenue and individual office. It is such a blessing to be able to meet so many new people in all different lines of work from such vastly different backgrounds. Every person has a story and a goal, and I am so grateful to be a witness to and a part of the process.

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Upcoming Events

Several House and Senate Resolutions that successfully passed during the legislative session will be the focus of continued discussion and action in the months ahead. Although the session has adjourned, these resolutions remain active topics and will be explored further outside of the session.

 

HR 368, sponsored by Rep. Steven Sainz (R-St. Marys), would evaluate and recommend regulations on potentially intoxicating cannabinoids in consumable hemp products, consider public safety impacts, industry concerns, and assess whether excise taxes should apply to these products.

HR 69, sponsored by Rep. Imani Barnes (D-Tucker), would recognize every third Thursday in April as Biomedical Research Day to honor the role of animal studies in medical advancements, acknowledge biomedical professionals, and promote education and advocacy for compassionate animal care and scientific research careers.

HR 145, sponsored by Rep. Chris Rewin (R-Homer), would urge the Departments of Education and Public Health to collaborate on expanding vision and hearing screenings at multiple grade levels to detect issues that could hinder literacy development.

HR 711, sponsored by Rep. Chris Rewin (R-Homer), would examine causes of chronic absenteeism in PreK–12, assess best practices, and recommend legislative solutions to improve attendance and engagement.

HR 887, sponsored by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), would evaluate and recommend ways to reduce or reprioritize state mandates on public school administrators to better focus efforts on improving student learning.

HR 429, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), would review Georgia’s current 9-1-1 funding system and recommend reforms to support the transition to modern, technologically advanced Next Generation 9-1-1 centers.

HR 590, sponsored by Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella), would evaluate the effectiveness and future of telecommunications programs for Georgians with hearing and visual impairments and determine if legislative updates are needed to reflect modern technology and community needs.

HR 512, sponsored by Rep. Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons), would create a 13-member House Study Committee to examine the addiction crisis in Georgia and propose strategies for prevention, treatment, recovery support, and collaboration among stakeholders.

HR 592, sponsored by Rep. Mark Newton (R-Augusta), would examine how noncompete clauses affect physician mobility, patient care access, and healthcare outcomes in Georgia, and to consider potential legislative reforms.

HR 450, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Wiedower (R-Watkinsville), would propose a constitutional amendment allowing the General Assembly to legalize and regulate sports betting in Georgia, directing revenue toward education (including HOPE scholarships and pre-K) and gambling addiction prevention programs.

HR 593, sponsored by Rep. Mark Newton (R-Augusta), would evaluate access, funding, and barriers to maternal, prenatal, and pediatric healthcare in Georgia, especially in rural areas, and to recommend legislative solutions.

HR 816, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), would explore establishing a registry for individuals substantiated to have abused or exploited at-risk populations, such as the elderly or disabled, including a review of similar systems in other states.

HR 659, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), would examine rising insurance premiums, limited coverage, industry profit margins, and regulatory practices, with the goal of recommending reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and consumer protection in Georgia’s insurance market.

HR 611, sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), would assess gaps in services for minors discharged from psychiatric or emergency hospital care, explore prevention programs for family disengagement, and recommend improvements to care coordination, state responsibilities, and funding strategies.

HR 847, sponsored by Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville), would assess Georgia’s public health funding, examine the structure and services of the current system, identify funding gaps, and recommend potential legislative actions to strengthen the state’s public health infrastructure.

HR 304, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Au (R-Johns Creek), would evaluate the health and economic impacts of smoking and secondhand smoke, including associated healthcare costs, Medicaid and Medicare burdens, and productivity losses.

HR 817, sponsored by Rep. David Clark (R-Buford), would assess the risks and privacy concerns associated with government use of drones manufactured by foreign adversaries and to recommend appropriate regulations and intergovernmental coordination.

 

 

SR 216, sponsored by Sen. Elena Parent (D-Atlanta), would examine rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in Georgia and assess laws, enforcement, and infrastructure investments to improve safety and accountability.

SR 217, sponsored by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon), would examine causes and solutions to chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools, aiming to reduce its impact on student achievement and long-term success.

SR 255, sponsored by Sen. Carden Summers (R-Cordele), would examine and make recommendations on reducing harmful companion animal breeding practices, such as puppy mills and illegal backyard operations, to improve animal welfare, public safety, and enforcement consistency.

SR 301, sponsored by Sen. Gail Davenport (D-Jonesboro), would examine the historical significance and lasting impact of Rosenwald schools in Georgia, which educated African American children during segregation, and to explore actions to preserve their legacy.

SR 310, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), would assess and recommend additional services and resources for youth aging out of foster care to improve outcomes in education, employment, housing, and overall adult success.

SR 311, sponsored by Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula), would evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and oversight of recovery residences in Georgia, with the goal of recommending improvements to ensure quality support for individuals recovering from addiction.

SR 323, sponsored by Sen. Drew Echols (R-Gainesville), would explore strategies for expanding and enhancing tourism across Georgia to position it as the nation’s top travel destination.

SR 386, sponsored by Sen. Colton Moore (R-Trenton), would assess the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing the FairTax model in Georgia’s state taxation system.

SR 391, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), would examine the implications, safeguards, and opportunities related to artificial intelligence and digital currency use in Georgia.

SR 393, sponsored by Sen. Harold Jones II (D-Augusta), would evaluate current support systems and recommend policies to enhance services for Georgia’s 1 million+ family caregivers.

SR 424, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome), would evaluate franchise fee policies, particularly their impact on unincorporated areas and large electricity customers.

SR 427, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), would examine and recommend regulations on intoxicating cannabinoids in hemp products to protect public health while considering industry impact.

SR 429, sponsored by Sen. Max Burns (R-Sylvania), would explore reforms to Georgia’s felony disenfranchisement laws and consider restoring voting rights for individuals reintegrating into society.

SR 431, sponsored by Sen. Sally Harrell (D-Atlanta), would evaluate how social media and AI affect children’s health, safety, and privacy, and to recommend improvements to online protection laws.

SR 444, sponsored by Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), would review Georgia’s civil rights laws, identify gaps in anti-discrimination protections, and recommend legislation to ensure equal access to employment, housing, public accommodations, and services.

SR 474, sponsored by Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta), would explore solutions to rising student debt and low postsecondary completion rates, including the feasibility of a means-tested scholarship program to improve access to affordable higher education in Georgia.

SR 476, sponsored by Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), would assess the impact of waivers granted to local school systems on educational outcomes, teacher retention, and equity, following a five-year extension of these waivers by the State Board of Education.

 

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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