LEGISLATIVE REPORT
June 27, 2025
In Today’s Edition:
- Governor Kemp Unveils $26.5M Infrastructure Boost
- Rural Georgia Receives $8M in Grants
- Mandela Fellowship Brings Leaders to GSU
- Federal News: Senate Reduces House’s Tax Hike
- Federal News: Cuts to Education Studies Partially Reversed
- Federal News: FAFSA Returns to Oct. 1 Launch
- Federal News: Co-Ops and Internships Drive Hiring
- Georgia State University: Launches New Era for Baseball
- Georgia State University: Professor Saves Students $1.1 Million
- Georgia State University: Innovative Neuroscience at GSU Retreat
- Georgia State University Students Connect Globally Through Virtual Exchanges
- Upcoming Study Committees
Governor Kemp Unveils $26.5M Infrastructure Boost
Governor Brian Kemp and the State Road and Tollway Authority have announced a historic $26.5 million in Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) awards to support 13 vital infrastructure projects across the state. Thanks to a significant $46 million enhancement in the AFY 2025 budget, this round marks several records, including the largest rural investment to date ($13.3M) and the highest loan total ($15.5M). From resurfacing rural roads in Twin City to a $4.9 million investment in the Cumberland CID’s shared-use pedestrian project, these grants and loans are set to strengthen Georgia’s transportation system and spur economic development, particularly in rural areas.
Notable projects include Barrow County’s $3.4 million roundabout project to improve freight movement, Cherokee County’s airport spur road expansion, and Mount Vernon’s roadway repairs and paving following hurricane damage. Additionally, Colquitt, Dougherty, and Dodge counties will see accelerated timelines and long-term savings for major resurfacing and bridge work. As Executive Director Jannine Miller emphasized, the GTIB program continues to support local governments in delivering safer, more connected roads across the state—ultimately improving mobility and economic opportunity for all Georgians.
Rural Georgia Receives $8M in Grants
Governor Brian Kemp has announced the second round of grants under the OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Initiative, with $8 million awarded to support the creation of ready-to-develop industrial sites in rural areas. These funds will go toward site studies, grading, and essential infrastructure improvements, helping rural communities attract new businesses and boost local economies. Leaders like Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns praised the initiative as a strategic investment in Georgia’s economic future, ensuring rural areas remain competitive and ready for growth.
Grants were awarded to several development authorities across Georgia, including in Milledgeville, Bulloch County, Dublin-Laurens, and Worth County, for major infrastructure upgrades. Additional funding through GRAD-Certification Scholarships was also awarded to help communities prepare industrial parks for certification, making them more attractive to prospective businesses. The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering job creation and economic opportunity in every corner of the state.
Mandela Fellowship Brings Leaders to GSU
Photo: Representative Derrick Jackson and Fellows : Georgia General Assembly
State Representative Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone) welcomed 30 Mandela Washington Fellows from across Sub-Saharan Africa to the Georgia State Capitol as part of their summer leadership experience in the U.S. The fellows, all emerging leaders between the ages of 25 and 35, are participating in the Public Management and Leadership Institute at Georgia State University, where they will receive five weeks of intensive academic and leadership training.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, launched in 2014, is the U.S. government’s flagship program under the Young African Leaders Initiative. Rep. Jackson, now hosting the cohort for the fourth time, emphasized the importance of sharing the state’s history and government process while encouraging the fellows to bring new ideas and skills back to their home countries. He wished the 2025 group a transformative experience in Atlanta and beyond.
Federal News: Senate Reduces House’s Tax Hike
Senate Republicans have proposed a scaled-back version of the House’s controversial endowment tax hike on private colleges and universities. The Senate Finance Committee’s draft would raise the current 1.4% excise tax to a maximum of 8%, significantly lower than the House’s 21% peak but still unwelcome news for affected institutions. Like the House bill, the Senate version features a tiered structure based on endowment value per student and excludes international students from enrollment counts—penalizing schools with large foreign student populations. While colleges that opt out of federal financial aid would be exempt, many private institutions, particularly small liberal arts colleges, warn that even the Senate plan would force cuts to student aid and academic programming.
The proposal is part of a broader budget reconciliation effort aligned with President Trump’s fiscal priorities. Leaders from institutions like Hillsdale, Grinnell, and top research universities have opposed the tax, with some suggesting alternative models that reward spending on financial aid or low-income enrollment. Critics argue that the tax punishes philanthropic giving and weakens higher education’s independence, with no incentive for behavior Congress should want to encourage. While college leaders welcome the Senate’s comparatively lower rate, many—especially those from smaller colleges—remain concerned about inequities and are preparing contingency plans in case the legislation passes unchanged.
Federal News: Cuts to Education Studies Partially Reversed
Despite pledges to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Linda McMahon is now walking back some earlier decisions by reinstating parts of the agency’s research functions. Following mass layoffs and contract terminations ordered before her Senate confirmation, McMahon recently testified that 74 employees have been rehired and about 20 of 101 canceled research and data contracts will be restarted—though many in reduced form or under new bids. These reinstatements include regional education labs, an international assessment (PISA), and limited operations for tools like the What Works Clearinghouse. However, many contracts will not return to their original scope, leaving education researchers deeply concerned.
Lawsuits from research groups like SREE and AERA argue that the cuts violate congressional mandates and have gutted vital education research. The Trump administration contends it has broad discretion under legislative language and is technically meeting requirements by selectively reinstating minimal contracts. In some cases, it claims restarting studies is no longer feasible. Critics warn that piecemeal restorations—without funding for new content or full implementation—undermine the federal commitment to evidence-based education policy and leave students and educators without key insights, especially in areas like literacy, math, adult education, and disability services.
Federal News: FAFSA Returns to Oct. 1 Launch
Photo: Richard Stephen/iStock/Getty Images Plus
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will return to its traditional October 1 launch date for the 2025–26 academic year—marking the first on-time release since 2022. This follows delays caused by a major system overhaul and technical glitches that pushed previous FAFSA releases to later dates. To ensure a smoother experience, the department will repeat last year’s beta-testing rollout starting in August, working with select school districts and college-access organizations and sending test records to institutions during that period.
Additionally, the department is simplifying a key pain point in the application process: inviting contributors. Previously, students had to use a Contributor ID, but this year they can invite parents or guardians by simply entering their email address—no prior StudentAid.gov registration required. This change aims to boost completion rates and reduce user frustration, improving accessibility for families navigating the financial aid process.
Federal News: Co-Ops and Internships Drive Hiring
Photo: Shutterstock
According to the 2025 College Hiring Outlook Report, companies are still hiring but with increased caution due to economic uncertainty. Employers are leaning heavily into internships, co-op programs, and contract-to-hire roles as a way to evaluate candidates before making full-time offers. These roles are now seen as extended auditions, where companies assess soft skills like communication, adaptability, and ethical judgment—often above technical expertise. Only 21% of employers rate the hiring market as strong, a steep drop from 61% in 2023. Still, 70% plan to maintain or increase internship hiring.
The report also highlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping the hiring process. Tools like AI resume screeners and video interviews help employers manage applications more efficiently but also place more emphasis on clarity, presence, and authenticity. While job seekers are using AI to prepare resumes and cover letters, over-reliance on it can hurt their chances. The message is clear: Hiring is becoming a longer-term evaluation, and whether you’re a student or mid-career professional, your attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn are just as important—if not more so—than your technical skills.
Georgia State University: Launches New Era for Baseball
Georgia State University is officially moving forward with construction of a new $15.9 million baseball stadium in Downtown Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood, on the historic site of the former Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Approved by the Board of Regents in 2024, the new ballpark will seat 1,000 fans and is funded through GSU Athletic Association gifts and reserves. It will bring the Panthers baseball team back to the city from their current facility in Panthersville, enhancing both player amenities and fan experience. Construction began following a permit filed on June 13, and while a February 2026 grand opening was initially planned, construction timelines may push that date further out.
The stadium will be part of Georgia State’s broader vision for an athletic village, alongside Center Parc Stadium and the Convocation Center. Plans include relocating the Hank Aaron statue and preserving the left-field fence where Aaron hit his legendary 715th home run. The development is also expected to boost ongoing revitalization efforts in Summerhill, a neighborhood that has seen significant residential growth since the Braves’ departure. A new 900-space parking deck will replace parking lost due to construction, and future plans include a new softball complex as part of the expanding sports hub.
Georgia State University: Professor Saves Students $1.1 Million
Georgia State University recently recognized Dr. Cyntoria Johnson, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, with an OER (Open Educational Resources) Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions to accessible education. Through her efforts, students have saved over $1.1 million in textbook costs. Johnson’s work is part of a broader initiative within the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies to adopt free, high-quality course materials, helping remove financial barriers and empowering students to more deeply engage with their learning. Her award, nominated by both students and colleagues, was celebrated at Georgia State’s Open for Student Success Symposium.
Dr. Johnson’s department was the first at Georgia State to establish a full degree pathway using OER, allowing students to complete their criminal justice and criminology coursework without paying extra for textbooks. Her leadership aligns with Georgia State’s BluePrint to 2033 strategic plan, which emphasizes affordability and student success. Johnson expressed deep appreciation for the award, calling it especially meaningful because it came directly from student nominations. The recognition highlights a growing commitment across the university to reimagine how education is delivered and to make learning more equitable for all.
Georgia State University: Innovative Neuroscience at GSU Retreat
Georgia State University’s Brains & Behavior program recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a dynamic retreat that brought together over 250 students, faculty, and researchers. The event featured more than 50 student-led poster presentations that showcased wide-ranging, interdisciplinary research on brain-related topics across fields like neuroscience, psychology, music, communication sciences, occupational therapy, and computer science. From stroke recovery to mental health in athletes, the retreat highlighted how collaboration across departments is fueling new breakthroughs in understanding the human brain.
Notable projects included a study on piano therapy for stroke survivors, research on how prayer may impact brain activity, investigations into the effects of prenatal morphine exposure on memory and learning, and assessments of college athletes’ mental well-being. Students and faculty alike emphasized how the program fosters mentorship and creative partnerships that often lead to real-world impact. With over 150 graduate fellows and 250 undergraduates supported to date, Brains & Behavior continues to be a model for cross-disciplinary innovation in brain science.
Georgia State University Students Connect Globally Through Virtual Exchanges
This spring, Georgia State University students engaged in innovative virtual exchange programs led by Professors Glenwood Ross and Cyntoria Johnson of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Instead of traveling abroad, students collaborated online with peers from Nile University in Egypt and Universidad del Valle in Colombia, exploring topics such as economics, criminal justice, and the global impact of hip-hop culture. Students gained both academic insights and valuable cultural perspectives—such as experiencing Ramadan practices through a Zoom meeting timed for sundown in Giza.
The programs, funded through the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative and supported by the U.S. State Department, provided students with digital badges and credits toward global scholar distinction. Johnson’s collaboration with Professor Luis Carlos Montalvo Vidal offered a unique course on how rap music drives social justice worldwide. Students described the experience as “unique,” “memorable,” and “muy muy interesante.” With renewed funding for next year, Georgia State continues to empower students with intercultural competencies and global readiness skills—all from their own campus.
Upcoming Study Committees
July 09th, 2025: Study Committee on Cancer Care Access
July 10th, 2025: Study Committee on Reducing and Prioritizing Mandates for Public School Administration
July 17th, 2025: Study Committee on the Costs & Effects of Smoking
August 19th, 2025: Study Committee on the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers
SENATE
No Committee Meetings
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.
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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
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