News Summary
Georgia recently implemented over 100 new laws affecting various aspects of daily life, including transportation funding, public health, education reforms, and animal welfare measures. Significant allocations include $290 million for transportation projects and $200 million for corrections staff salaries. New regulations cover public safety, the justice system, and education, while also introducing tax credits for parents. Notably, the laws reflect ongoing discussions about inclusivity and mental health, aiming to adapt to the evolving needs of residents.
Atlanta, Georgia – More than 100 new laws took effect in Georgia on July 1, 2023, impacting numerous aspects of daily life, including crime, finance, education, and fireworks. The bulk of these laws were approved by the General Assembly and typically go into effect the summer following their sign-off, which occurred after Sine Die at the end of March 2023.
Among the significant legislative updates, the state has allocated $290 million for transportation projects across Georgia. Additionally, $200 million has been designated for the Department of Corrections aimed at increasing salaries for correctional staff and supporting private prison facilities.
Several laws focus on safeguarding public health and safety, such as HB 358, which defines “military installation” and forbids foreign entities from purchasing land adjacent to military bases. Another important law, SB 144, provides liability protections for pesticide manufacturers by limiting their responsibility for health risk warnings beyond those required by federal regulations.
Several measures aimed at animal welfare include HB 331, which prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, or domestic rabbits at specific public venues to combat puppy mills, and HB 614, which allows local authorities to restrict fireworks sales near areas that house horses.
With regards to judicial reforms, HB 176 permits appeals in criminal cases regardless of whether all charges have been decided by a judge. The Georgia Survivor Justice Act (HB 582) allows survivors of domestic violence to submit evidence of their abuse in court, which may influence sentencing outcomes. Additionally, HB 199 aims to limit public access to certain personally identifiable information.
For educators, HB 340 bans cell phone use by students in kindergarten through eighth grade during school hours. Further, HB 235 enables school staff members to take leave for organ donations, fostering a community of health and support.
In a notable development in the workforce sector, SB 193 creates an Adult Workforce High School Diploma program designed for individuals aged 21 to 40 seeking to improve their employment prospects. Meanwhile, HB 192 creates school initiatives to prepare students for jobs that are in high demand within Georgia’s economy.
Tax legislation is also at the forefront of this legislative session. HB 136 introduces a $250 state income tax credit for parents with children aged five and under and expands childcare expense credits. In addition, HB 111 accelerates a planned state income tax reduction, lowering the rate from 5.39% to 5.19%.
Several light-hearted laws have also been enacted, such as designating cornbread as the official state bread and Brunswick stew as the official state stew, along with establishing National Sugar Cane Syrup Day.
As for legislative revisions related to mental health and law enforcement, SB 132 aims to reduce delays in pretrial mental health assessments while SB 244 awards attorney fees to defendants facing prosecutorial misconduct that leads to case dismissals. Additionally, HB 161 expands the capabilities of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct cyber-enabled investigations more efficiently.
In further reforms, SB 55, known as the “Dignity and Pay Act,” sets a minimum wage for workers with disabilities. SB 1, the “Riley Gaines Act,” restricts participation of transgender athletes from teams that correspond to their gender identity assigned at birth, highlighting ongoing discussions surrounding inclusivity in sports.
Other noteworthy laws that went into effect include provisions for composting human remains as an alternative to traditional burial methods (HB 241) and establishing reporting requirements for universities regarding foreign funding (HB 150). With these legislative changes, Georgia aims to address the evolving needs of its residents while ensuring public safety and promoting economic growth.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- 11 Alive
- WSB TV
- Atlanta News First
- Discover Dade
- Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
- Google Search: Georgia laws 2023
- Google Scholar: Georgia legislation 2023
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia
- Google News: Georgia new laws 2023
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
