LEGISLATIVE REPORT
April 25, 2025

 

In Today’s Edition:

• Governor Kemp Delivers Over $1 Billion in Tax Relief to Georgians
• Georgia Passes Major Legal Reforms
• No Tuition Increase for Most In-State Students in 2025-26
• Buckhead Welcomes New Patrol Post
• Governor Kemp Announces CRH Expansion
• Federal News: Savannah Native Appointed to U.S. Department of Labor
• Federal News: Proposals Outline Path to Close DOE
• Federal News: Federal Grant Listings Now Monitored
• GSU Breaks $1M Milestone on Record-Setting Georgia State Day 2025
• Upcoming Study Committees

 

Governor Kemp Delivers Over $1 Billion in Tax Relief to Georgians

Governor Brian Kemp Cobb Chamber Bill Signing: Photo – Georgia General Assembly.

 

Governor Brian Kemp signed two major bills— HB 111 and HB 112—delivering over $1 billion in tax relief to Georgia residents. HB 111 accelerates the largest state income tax cut in Georgia’s history, reducing the income tax rate to 5.19%, down from 5.75% just a few years ago. HB 112 authorizes a third one-time tax refund of up to $500 per household. These measures aim to return hard-earned money to taxpayers and ease financial pressure amid rising costs, all made possible by the state’s conservative budgeting and strong fiscal position.

Kemp, joined by state leaders at a signing ceremony in Cobb County, praised the General Assembly for their support and highlighted Georgia’s role as a national leader in responsible tax policy. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns echoed the governor’s remarks, emphasizing their commitment to reducing the tax burden and fostering long-term economic stability. Additionally, Kemp recognized the Assembly’s recent ratification of his suspension of the state gas tax following Hurricane Helene to help residents recover from the storm’s impact.

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Georgia Passes Major Legal Reforms

Governor Brian Kemp Bill Signing at the Georgia State Capitol: Photo – Georgia General Assembly.

 

Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law a historic tort reform package, including  SB 68 and  SB 69, representing Georgia’s most sweeping legal reforms in nearly two decades. SB 68 modernizes the state’s civil litigation system by clarifying liability in negligent security cases, requiring transparent calculation of medical damages, and preventing manipulative tactics like “anchoring” for pain and suffering awards. It also allows seatbelt use to be considered as trial evidence and reforms trial procedures, such as voluntary dismissals and bifurcated trials. These updates are aimed at curbing frivolous lawsuits, stabilizing insurance costs, and restoring balance to Georgia courtrooms while preserving access to justice.

SB 69, known as the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, regulates third-party litigation financing. It requires funders to register with the state, bars foreign adversaries from participating, and prohibits funders from influencing legal decisions. The bill introduces transparency rules for litigation finance contracts, limits what funders can collect from legal settlements, and ensures only plaintiffs or their legal counsel control case strategy. Together, these new laws promote fairness, consumer protection, and accountability in Georgia’s civil justice system, helping ensure a level playing field for individuals, businesses, and legal professionals across the state.

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No Tuition Increase for Most In-State Students in 2025-26

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia has approved tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year, with no tuition increase for most in-state undergraduates. Out-of-state tuition will rise by 2%, and international tuition by 3%. This marks the seventh time in ten years that tuition has remained flat for Georgia students at most institutions, demonstrating USG’s continued commitment to keeping college affordable, with average in-state tuition increases staying below 1% over the past decade.

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Buckhead Welcomes New Patrol Post

Governor Brian Kemp, alongside First Lady Marty Kemp and other state and local leaders, celebrated the opening of a new State Patrol Post on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Buckhead. The 1,750-square-foot facility, designed by Houser Walker Architecture, aims to enhance public safety in the Buckhead community and surrounding areas of Atlanta. Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of collaboration with the General Assembly, Mayor Andre Dickens, and law enforcement in achieving a historic reduction in violent crime in Atlanta. The new post, funded by a $1.3 million addition to the FY24 budget, will support efforts to take criminals off the streets and bring them to justice.

House Speaker Jon Burns and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens highlighted the significance of the new facility in bolstering public safety and fostering trust within the community. Approximately 35 Troopers will utilize the post, with 13 directly assigned to the facility, providing increased accessibility and around-the-clock security. DPS Commissioner Col. Billy Hitchens expressed optimism that the new post, in partnership with the Atlanta Police Department, will continue to lower crime rates and hold criminals accountable. The construction of the new Georgia State Patrol post was completed in March 2025.

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Governor Kemp Announces CRH Expansion

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that CRH, a leading provider of building materials solutions, will expand its footprint in metro Atlanta by creating over 300 new jobs and investing $1.7 million in a new Finance & Accounting Shared Services Center (SSC) in Fulton County. This SSC will support CRH’s Americas Materials Solutions business, which is headquartered in Atlanta. Governor Kemp highlighted the collaborative approach to economic development in Georgia, emphasizing that such investments create high-quality jobs for Georgians and contribute to the state’s business-friendly environment.

The new SSC, located in Roswell, will enhance CRH’s finance and accounting operations, providing efficiencies that benefit customers across North America. Hiring for various roles is underway, with plans to fully staff the facility by 2029. Local leaders, including Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson and Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts, expressed enthusiasm for CRH’s expansion, noting the positive impact on the community and the region’s appeal to tech leaders. The Metro Atlanta Chamber also praised the investment, citing the area’s diverse talent pool and global appeal.

CRH is a leading global provider of building materials solutions, employing around 79,800 people across 3,816 locations in 28 countries. The company holds market leadership positions in North America and Europe, offering materials and services for transportation, utility infrastructure, non-residential construction, and outdoor living projects.

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Federal News: Savannah Native Appointed to U.S. Department of Labor

Photo: Lori Frazier Bearden

 

Lori Frazier Bearden, a Savannah native, has been appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor under the Trump Administration. Bearden brings extensive experience in public administration and workforce development, including prior roles at the Georgia Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She notably helped lead efforts to safely reopen Georgia’s career centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bearden holds degrees from Columbus State and Auburn University, where she is also a Ph.D. candidate studying the effects of one-party dominance in state legislatures. In her new role, she will help oversee federal programs related to job training, unemployment insurance, and workforce development. She and her husband, Joshua Bearden—an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Army colonel—will relocate to Washington, D.C., with their two children.

 

Federal News: Proposals Outline Path to Close DOE

Several Republican-led bills in Congress aim to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education by redistributing its responsibilities across other federal agencies. Proposals include transferring student loans to the Treasury, special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and civil rights enforcement to the Department of Justice. These efforts align with President Trump’s directive to Education Secretary Linda McMahon to prepare for the department’s closure. As part of this initiative, the administration has already laid off half the department’s staff, canceled research contracts, frozen teacher preparation grants, and reversed COVID-19-related education funding extensions. One key bill, the Returning Education to Our States Act, proposes converting education funding into block grants for states, while another bill would reestablish a scaled-down Office of Education within HHS.

Democratic lawmakers are pushing back with resolutions and legislation that defend the Department of Education’s role in ensuring educational equity and access. Their efforts emphasize the department’s support for programs such as special education and financial aid. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Sen. Adam Schiff introduced measures condemning the dismantling of the department, while Rep. Jahana Hayes proposed legislation to block any downsizing efforts. Despite these efforts, the House education committee recently voted along party lines against advancing a resolution by Rep. Bobby Scott seeking transparency from the Trump administration about its actions to dismantle the agency. Closing the department would require congressional approval, including a 60-vote Senate supermajority.

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Federal News: Federal Grant Listings Now Monitored

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now overseeing Grants.gov, has restricted federal agencies’ ability to post funding opportunities by revoking permissions without notice, according to The Washington Post. Agencies must now submit grant notices to a DOGE-monitored HHS email for approval under the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. With DOGE now solely responsible for posting, concerns have risen that delays or inaction could halt the distribution of over $500 billion in annual federal grant funding.

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GSU Breaks $1M Milestone on Record-Setting Georgia State Day

Georgia State University’s seventh annual day of giving, Georgia State Day 2025, marked a historic milestone by surpassing $1 million in donations for the first time. Nearly 2,000 donors contributed over 2,300 gifts to support close to 300 university programs that promote student success both academically and beyond. The record-breaking total was largely driven by significant challenge gift contributions, including two major initiatives from the Georgia State University Foundation: a dollar-for-dollar match up to $100,000 for university-wide scholarships and a $100,000 athletics challenge unlocked by 100 gifts.

The celebration brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters to highlight the power of community-driven philanthropy. Events held on campus, particularly at Hurt Park, encouraged student engagement and appreciation for donor contributions. President M. Brian Blake and Foundation Board Chair Kevin Lofton praised the GSU community for their shared commitment to the university’s mission and the transformative impact of donor support in empowering students to thrive in Atlanta and beyond.

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Upcoming Study Committees

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 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 885, sponsored by Rep. Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia), would review and recommend updates to Georgia’s election procedures and laws, with a final report due before December 1, 2025.

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 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 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 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 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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