LEGISLATIVE REPORT
May 30, 2025
In Today’s Edition:
- House Study Committee on Cancer Care Access
- Mercedes-Benz Expands HQ in Atlanta
- Federal News: House Passes One Big Beautiful Bill Act
- Federal News: NIH Grant Denials Double This Year
- Federal News: Graduates Face Harsh Job Market Reality
- Community Engagement: 2025 Greater North Fulton Chamber Of Commerce Futures Summit
- Georgia State to Create New Downtown Greenspace
- Georgia State University: Highest First-Time Bar Pass Rate
- Regents’ Professorships Awarded to GSU Faculty
- GSU’s Dr. Donald Hamelberg Named VP for Research
- Georgia State Fuels Public Policy Passion
- Upcoming Study Committees
House Study Committee on Cancer Care Access
Study Committee on Cancer Care Access on May 29th: Photo – Dr. Chris Parker Presenting to Panel
The House Study Committee on Cancer Care Access, created by HR 72, held the first of four meetings this week at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA. This study committee examined the lack of access to quality cancer care and the need to evaluate and make recommendations for such care.
Dr. Chris Parker, Director of the Georgia Health Policy Center at Georgia State University presented before the study committee on the History of Tobacco Settlement Funds and State Cancer Funding. He is a health systems strategist, researcher, and policy analyst with over two decades of experience in public and global health, health equity, and health systems strengthening. His current projects span international program evaluation, community health research, and health policy training for state legislators and medical students, and he holds several leadership roles on health-focused boards and committees.
Mercedes-Benz Expands HQ in Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz will officially establish its North American headquarters in metro Atlanta, relocating up to 500 additional jobs to its existing “1MB” campus in Sandy Springs and investing in a new, state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) facility nearby. This move consolidates key corporate operations under one roof and builds on the company’s already strong presence in Georgia, which began with the opening of the “1MB” site in 2018. The announcement was made by Governor Brian Kemp, who emphasized Georgia’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and mobility.
The expansion not only reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market but also aims to improve agility, collaboration, and speed to market by bringing teams closer together. Local leaders, including Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, praised the company for being a valuable corporate partner and highlighted how recent infrastructure investments helped make this expansion possible. The full transition is expected to be completed by August 2026, solidifying metro Atlanta’s role as a strategic base for the luxury automotive leader’s future growth.
Federal News: House Passes One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Photo: Caleb Perez
House Republicans passed HR 1– The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping legislative package encompassing President Trump’s full “America First” agenda. The bill includes historic tax cuts, border security enhancements, energy independence measures, spending reductions, and incentives for American manufacturing.
Praised by President Trump and top Republican leaders, the legislation promises relief for working families, small businesses, and national defense. It also features TRUMP Savings Accounts for newborns, no taxes on tips/overtime, and expanded tax deductions for American-made purchases. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
What They’re Saying:
President Trump: “Arguably the most significant piece of legislation in our nation’s history.”
Speaker Mike Johnson: “A generational, nation-shaping bill that delivers on the America First agenda.”
Rep. Steve Scalise: “A massive tax-saving, inflation-fighting, border-securing win for families.”
Other GOP leaders: “Unleashes energy, secures peace through strength, protects Medicaid, and reduces waste.”
Now, eyes turn to the Senate, as Republicans urge quick action to deliver on campaign promises and, in Trump’s words, “usher in America’s Golden Age.”
Federal News: NIH Grant Denials Double This Year
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has more than doubled its number of rejected grant applications this year, creating concern within the medical research community. At least 2,500 applications have been denied so far, often under the category of “withdrawn,” which typically means rejection for administrative or technical reasons. This surge in denials is seen as part of broader disruptions to scientific research during the Trump administration, contributing to growing uncertainty among researchers.
Much of the increase in rejections stems from the NIH quietly shutting down several grant programs—particularly those aimed at early-career scientists. The sudden disappearance of these funding opportunities from the NIH website has left many applicants confused and unsupported. Researchers worry that the lack of transparency and the sharp reduction in funding access will harm scientific progress and discourage young scientists from continuing in the field.
Federal News: Graduates Face Harsh Job Market Reality
A recent report by Resume.org reveals growing concerns among hiring managers about the preparedness of recent college graduates entering the workforce. More than half of those surveyed believe graduates lack basic workplace readiness and professionalism, with many citing excessive phone use and difficulty managing young employees. Career experts point to a gap in transitional support from both colleges and employers, leaving graduates with little exposure to real-world work environments.
Out of 1,000 hiring managers surveyed, a significant majority shared negative experiences with recent hires: 80% had at least one new graduate who didn’t work out, 70% placed new hires on performance plans, and 65% had to terminate them. Only 58% said they would consider hiring from the class of 2025, with lack of motivation and initiative being the most commonly cited issues among those who struggled to succeed.
Community Engagement: 2025 Greater North Fulton Chamber Of Commerce Futures Summit
May 15th at City Springs Studio Theater.
The 2025 North Fulton Futures Summit, brought together regional leaders for a morning focused on economic development and infrastructure. Attendees received key updates on the Georgia Express Lanes and MARTA’s plans for the future of SR 400, as well as a deep dive into the proposed sports and entertainment districts in Roswell and Alpharetta. These developments are set to play a major role in shaping the region’s growth and expanding opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
A major highlight of the summit was a panel featuring all six North Fulton mayors: Mayor Jim Gilvin of Alpharetta, Mayor John Bradberry of Johns Creek, Mayor Peyton Jamison of Milton, Mayor Kurt Wilson of Roswell, Mayor Bill Kolbrener of Mountain Park, and Mayor Rusty Paul of Sandy Springs. Each shared their vision for their city’s future, along with ongoing projects and priorities designed to support both residents and local businesses. Their collaborative discussion offered a compelling look at what’s ahead for the North Fulton region.
Georgia State University’s Office of Government & Community Affairs was also in attendance, staying engaged and up to date on the major initiatives that will impact the university and Georgia.
Georgia State to Create New Downtown Greenspace
Georgia State University is expanding its downtown Atlanta campus with the addition of a new greenspace, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza (FSL Plaza), located next to the existing Greek Housing complex on Edgewood Avenue. The plaza is designed to provide a larger, inclusive space for recreation, community-building, and honoring the university’s Greek life legacy. Although only 130 students currently live in Greek Housing, the plaza will serve the broader community of 700 to 1,000 students involved in Greek organizations.
This new development is part of the university’s larger $107 million “Building Pathways for Success” initiative, which aims to create a more unified and vibrant central campus. The initiative includes linking major campus landmarks like the Georgia State Greenway, Hurt Park, and Woodruff Park, while also activating additional campus spaces. University leaders hope the FSL Plaza will foster a sense of unity among Greek-affiliated students, especially those not housed within the complex, and celebrate the diversity of Georgia State’s Greek organizations, including the historically Black fraternities and sororities of the Divine Nine.
Georgia State University: Highest First-Time Bar Pass Rate
Georgia State University College of Law achieved the highest bar passage rate among first-time test takers in Georgia on the February 2025 exam, with an impressive 73.9%. This success outpaced Emory Law and the University of Georgia School of Law, which had first-time passage rates around 50%, despite Georgia State having significantly more test takers. Fifty-five GSU Law graduates sat for the exam, compared to just 21 from Emory and 18 from UGA.
This milestone reflects Georgia State Law’s strong commitment to student success, bolstered by programs like “Pounce the Bar,” led by Director Tia Gibbs. Launched in August 2023, the initiative provides structured support and preparation resources for students tackling the bar exam and MPRE. The program emphasizes accountability, discipline, and thorough preparation as keys to success, demonstrating the college’s strategic investment in equipping students for post-graduate achievement.
Regents’ Professorships Awarded to GSU Faculty
Photo: Georgia State’s 2025 Regents’ Professors: Clockwise from upper left: Daphne Greenberg, Pam Longobardi, Xiaochun He, Didier Merlin.
Four distinguished Georgia State University faculty members have been honored with Regents’ Professorships, the highest academic rank awarded by the University System of Georgia. This year’s appointments include Daphne Greenberg (Learning Sciences, College of Education & Human Development), who received an initial appointment, while Didier Merlin (Institute for Biomedical Sciences) was reappointed. Xiaochun He (Physics & Astronomy, College of Arts & Sciences) and Pam Longobardi (Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design, College of the Arts) received permanent reappointments.
Regents’ Professorships are awarded to full professors who demonstrate sustained and significant scholarly achievement with national and international recognition. The title recognizes exceptional contributions in research, teaching, and the broader dissemination of knowledge. The appointments underscore Georgia State’s commitment to academic excellence and the remarkable impact of its faculty across disciplines.
GSU’s Dr. Donald Hamelberg Named VP for Research
Photo: Dr. Donald Hamelberg at Georgia State University
Georgia State University has named Dr. Donald Hamelberg (Ph.D. ’01) as its new vice president for Research and Economic Development, effective June 1. Dr. Hamelberg, a Distinguished University Professor in Chemistry, brings 17 years of service and leadership to the role, having recently served as interim VP. His appointment follows a national search and strong support from the university community. President M. Brian Blake praised Dr. Hamelberg’s impact, noting his efforts to elevate research, foster collaboration, and streamline internal processes.
Dr. Hamelberg has held various academic leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Chemistry and associate dean for research. A highly accomplished researcher in computational biophysical chemistry, he has received major grants and accolades, and serves as an editor for respected scientific journals. A proud Georgia State alumnus, Dr. Hamelberg expressed gratitude for the opportunity and optimism about advancing research and innovation at the university.
Georgia State Fuels Public Policy Passion
Photo: Jordan Madden; Student at Georgia State University
Jordan Madden, a Georgia State University senior, has been a dedicated advocate for public policy since the age of 14, when he began organizing for climate justice and education reform in Atlanta. His early activism led him to join the Sunrise Movement and later intern at the Georgia state Capitol, where he honed essential skills in policy and coalition building. Inspired by his community and driven by a passion for justice, Madden chose Georgia State for its proximity to political institutions and its legacy of civic engagement.
At Georgia State, Madden made a significant impact through student leadership and service. As the 83rd speaker of the Student Government Senate, he led initiatives to improve campus life and championed resources for students. He participated in programs like the Social Action Alliance, the Public Policy Club, and the 1913 Society, while also being deeply involved in efforts to support Black male students. Madden’s story is one of grassroots activism transformed into institutional leadership, with a focus on creating lasting change.
Upcoming Study Committees
HOUSE
June 3rd, 2025: Study Committee on Cancer Care Access
SENATE
June 4th, 2025: Public Safety Committee Meeting
June 11th, 2025: Children and Families Committee Meeting
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.
RESOLUTIONS
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.
RESOLUTIONS
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.
Think Georgia State is right for you? Take the next step to becoming a Panther by clicking here.
Brian Harris, Director for Government & Community Affairs
Jason Thomas, Assistant Director for State Relations
Debbie Jones, Associate to the Director
Vinesh Sahadeo Singh, Data Analyst
100 Auburn Avenue, Suite 300
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-413-2030
