DeKalb Times

Legislators gathered this week for efforts on several bills as the 2025 legislative session nears its conclusion. Meetings were held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for Legislative Days 35 through 37, with Wednesday dedicated to committee work. The final three days of the session are scheduled for next week, ending on Friday, April 4.

Governor Kemp will have the opportunity to review any measures passed by both chambers before the session closes. He will then have a 40-day period to sign or veto the bills.

The Senate advanced the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, recommending a nearly $38 billion plan. This includes full restoration of $141 million for the Georgia Promise Scholarship and $170 million for Department of Corrections staffing. An additional $76 million was proposed to support the State Employees’ Retirement System. Chairman Blake Tillery expressed interest in evaluating the possibility of eliminating the state income tax. The Senate passed the bill with a 48 to 7 vote.

In legal reform developments, the House approved a substitute version of Senate Bill 69, the ‘Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act.’ John Kennedy outlined the need for regulations regarding third-party litigation funding, citing concerns about foreign involvement. The measure was passed with a vote of 98 to 69.

Discussions on social issues included Senate Bill 36, the ‘Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.’ The House Judiciary Committee removed an amendment requiring advance notice to local governments about potential lawsuits. In addition, Senate Bill 1, aiming to regulate transgender participation in sports, passed the House Education Committee. Senate Bill 30, concerning the use of puberty-blocking medications for minors, also moved forward after modifications.

Senate Bill 39, which impacts state funding for gender-affirming care, was sent back for further review by the House Committee. House Bill 127 was altered to include language preventing promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in educational institutions.

Gun legislation saw progress with House Bill 79, proposing tax credits for firearm safety courses. The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure, although it removed credits for secure storage devices.

On immigration, Senate Bill 21, concerning sanctuary cities, passed the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and awaits a floor vote.

School safety initiatives are addressed in House Bill 268, which integrates ‘Ricky and Alyssa’s Law’ for panic alert systems in schools. The legislation received unanimous committee approval.

Lastly, House Bill 428, protecting in vitro fertilization, passed both chambers and progresses to the Governor. House Bill 164 on truck weights and Senate Bill 123 on chronic absenteeism are also set for consideration by the Governor. The ‘Distraction Free Education Act,’ limiting electronic device use in schools, gained Senate approval with a 54 to 2 vote.

The Regional Business Coalition of Metropolitan Atlanta provided this legislative update, advocating for regional public policy improvements.