ATLANTA, Ga. – The 2025 legislative session in Georgia concluded prematurely on Friday as the Senate decided to adjourn unexpectedly and considerably ahead of schedule. Shortly after, the House members also dispersed for the day.
The premature departure resulted in several significant matters not reaching Governor Brian Kemp's desk before the end of this year.
On Friday, lawmakers agreed to provide a new $250 state income tax credit for parents with children aged 5 and younger. Additionally, several key proposals secured final approval, including one from Kemp. effort to limit lawsuits and a school safety bill This was in reaction to last year’s shooting at Apalachee High School. Additionally, lawmakers had already approved both income tax reductions and rebates.
However, as the House was discussing additional amendments to a bill aimed at regulating how, the Senate departed. speed monitoring cameras operate automatically In school areas, it was becoming progressively evident throughout the day that several contentious topics remained unaddressed, including a initiative to prohibit initiatives promoting diversity in public schools And at colleges, Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones advocated for increased legislative oversight of agencies along with a proposal to alter election rules. Any measures not approved by Friday might be revisited in the following year since 2025 marks the beginning of a two-year legislative term.
Jones stated following the Senate concluding its work shortly after 9 p.m. that both he and the senators were working towards leaving earlier than planned.
"We had already taken care of our priorities," he informed the press.
House Speaker Jon Burns, a Republican representing Newington, expressed his dissatisfaction because the Senate departed before the House could complete additional modifications to several bills.
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"It seems that the Senate has addressed all their political priorities and opted to conclude their day prematurely rather than completing the tasks they should be doing for those we serve," Burns informed the House members.
Here’s a view of where the legislation stood by Friday.
Passed
- PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN COULD RECEIVE A $250 STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR KIDS AGED FIVE AND UNDER. House Bill 136 , which also broadens the eligibility for state income tax credits related to child care costs.
- RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: Government bodies at both state and local levels would not have the authority to significantly impede an individual's religious liberty under Senate Bill 36 However, critics argue that it could lead to discriminatory practices. Kemp signed the bill on Friday.
- THE STATE INCOME TAX: A planned reduction in state income tax will be expedited as previously intended. House Bill 111 , imposing a uniform 5.19% income tax rate effective as of January 1st. Additionally, residents of Georgia will receive income tax refunds ranging from $250 to $500. House Bill 112 .
- Hurricane Aid: Lawmakers from both the House and Senate concurred on allocating over $850 million for assistance following Hurricane Helene’s impact, which caused billions of dollars in damages in Georgia during September.
- LAWSUIT LIMITS: Senate Bill 68 would make it more difficult to file lawsuits and secure substantial judgments while Senate Bill 69 restricts who can fund litigation.
- PUBLIC SCHOOL CELLPHONES: Students in kindergarten through eighth grade at public schools would be prohibited from using their cellphones throughout the school day under House Bill 340 .
- TRANSGENDER RIGHTS: Both Senate Bill 1 would prohibit transgender girls and women from participating in girls' and women's sports, Senate Bill 185 Would prohibit the state from funding gender-affirming care for inmates.
- AMERICA FIRST LICENSE PLACE: Senate Bill 291 Would produce a "America First" license plate for automobiles registered in Georgia.
Did not pass
- DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION: Public schools and higher education institutions in Georgia could not have had any programs or activities promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion under such regulations. House Bill 127 .
- SPEED CAMERA ZONES: In Georgia, they might end up having either prohibited automatic speed monitoring cameras in school zones under House Bill 225 or placed additional regulations on them House Bill 651 .
- REGULATION RESTRICTION: Senate Bill 28 Would have provided legislators with greater supervision of the rules established by state agencies.
- IMMIGRATION: Senate Bill 21 could have eliminated legal safeguards and allowed individuals to take legal action against governments and their officials who fail to comply with Georgia’s laws mandating collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
- ELECTIONS: Under the proposed rule in Georgia, the Secretary of State would be obligated to withdraw from a nonpartisan body that facilitates the sharing of information among officials for maintaining precise voter registration records. House Bill 397 and Senate Bill 175 .
- PUBLIC DOCUMENTS: An outdated iteration of Senate Bill 12 Would have excused Georgia’s state lawmakers and law enforcement agencies from certain obligations to make public records available.
- PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFENSES: Librarians working in public libraries, as well as those in K-12 schools and universities, might have been subject to legal action for supplying pornographic content to young people. House Bill 483 .
- GUN TAX BREAKS: House Bill 79 Would have provided a four-day exemption from sales taxes on firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment, along with offering income tax rebates of up to $300 for those who pay for gun safety classes.
- A privately funded statue of the U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Georgian native Clarence Thomas was set to be erected by the state. House Bill 254 .
- ELECTED OFFICIAL PAY: Lawmakers abandoned a proposal To raise salaries for statewide elected officials, which would include giving Governor Brian Kemp an annual salary of $250,000.
- In 2026, people in Georgia might have had the opportunity to vote on a state constitutional amendment allowing sports betting. House Resolution 450 .