News Summary
A series of new laws in Georgia will take effect on July 1, addressing critical issues in education, justice reform, and social services. Key changes include a compensation system for wrongful convictions, mandatory background checks for educational staff, enhanced support for disabled veterans, stricter penalties for fentanyl trafficking, and significant increases in public education funding. These legislative updates reflect the state’s commitment to improving governance and social welfare for its residents.
Atlanta, Georgia—A series of new laws in Georgia will come into effect starting July 1, 2023, addressing significant issues related to education, justice, and social services. These laws are part of an ongoing effort to improve various aspects of governance and social welfare in the state.
Wrongful Convictions and Justice Reform
Among the most critical changes in the justice system is Senate Bill 244, which establishes a compensation system for individuals wrongfully convicted and incarcerated. The legislation allows defendants to recover attorney’s fees if a prosecuting attorney is disqualified due to misconduct. This reform was notably inspired by the ongoing conversation surrounding the Georgia election interference case involving Donald Trump and incorporates elements from the Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act.
Education Background Checks
House Bill 175 implements mandatory comprehensive background checks for early care and education programs, including Head Start. The background checks will consist of fingerprinting and searches of child abuse and sex offender registries, enhancing the safety of vulnerable children in educational settings.
Support for Disabled Veterans
House Bill 208 provides additional benefits for disabled veterans, allowing them to apply for two extra free license plates. Additionally, this law opens the door for Georgia motorists to purchase special plates that support various organizations, including the Shepherd Center and conservation efforts in the state.
Business and Economic Legislation
Several laws are aimed at restructuring business practices and improving legal frameworks. House Bill 131 modifies the advertising requirements for self-storage service facilities, reducing the frequency needed to place a lien on a unit’s property. Furthermore, House Bill 85 adjusts salary provisions for superior court judges, clarifying their compensation structure.
Combatting Fentanyl Trafficking
Senate Bill 79 introduces stiffer penalties for fentanyl trafficking, increasing sentences and fines for offenders involved in this serious criminal activity. This move aims to address the growing public health crisis associated with fentanyl in the state.
Public Education Funding
House Bill 371 significantly raises the annual capital outlay for the Quality Basic Education Act from $300 million to $375 million. This increase is dedicated to improving public education across Georgia and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to enhance student learning.
Regulation of Funeral Services
Senate Bill 241 sets new standards for funeral directors, legally classifying organic human reduction as a method of disposing of human remains through aerobic decomposition. This change reflects evolving practices in the funeral industry and environmental concerns.
Wage Standards for Persons with Disabilities
Senate Bill 55 prohibits employers from paying individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, aiming to promote fair labor practices and economic self-sufficiency for this demographic.
School Policies on Absenteeism
House Bill 123 prohibits school expulsions based solely on absenteeism, requiring localized reviews for chronic absenteeism cases. This regulation seeks to ensure that students are not unfairly penalized for circumstances that may contribute to their absence.
Future Tax Amendments
Looking ahead, House Bill 111 will gradually reduce Georgia’s income tax rate to 4.99% by January 2026, reflecting a significant shift in the state’s tax policy intended to benefit residents and businesses alike.
Additional Laws Effective January 1, 2025
Several laws are set to take effect on January 1, 2025. Senate Bill 233 will expand eligibility for school vouchers, offering families $6,500 if their children attend the lowest-performing 25% of schools. Senate Bill 189 will establish guidelines for voter registration among homeless individuals, mandating that they use county election offices for receiving mail related to elections.
Furthermore, Senate Bill 212 will assign newly established boards of elections the duty of election superintendents in counties without election boards, relieving probate court judges from this responsibility. Lastly, Senate Bill 366 will require comprehensive audits of the state’s tax incentive programs, needing at least a dozen economic analyses to ensure their effectiveness.
These legislative changes underscore Georgia’s commitment to social reform, educational improvement, and judicial accountability as part of its broader efforts to support residents through meaningful legislation.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: New legislation in Georgia
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Georgia new laws 2025
- Georgia Recorder
- Google Scholar: Georgia legislation
- State Affairs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia legislation
- WJBF News
- Google News: Georgia legislation 2025
