Daily report, 2025 March 4

Tuesday March 4,
2025

DAILY REPORT 27th Legislative Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

The House will reconvene for its 28th Legislative Day on Thursday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m.

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar
HB 37 Education; require local school systems to notify employees regarding social security withholdings and eligibility for certain benefits
Bill Summary: HB 37 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-219.1, to require local school systems to notify new hires whether Social Security taxes are withheld from employee's paychecks beginning July 1, 2025. Every five years and upon separation of employment, the school system must remind employees whether Social Security taxes are withheld from the employee's pay during employment.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Education
Yeas: 169 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass

HB 77

Motor vehicles; encountering funeral procession on two-lane highway; revise responsibilities
Bill Summary: HB 77 revises right-of-way procedures for funeral processions by requiring the operator of every vehicle not participating in a funeral procession and who are on any two-lane highway to yield the right-of-way to the procession. The bill also requires both lead and rear vehicles in the procession to display flashing hazard lights.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 171 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-04-2025 Do Pass

HB 79

Firearm Safe Handling and Secure Storage Tax Credit Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 79 creates O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.11A to allow a taxpayer to claim a tax credit of up to $300 for eligible expenses related to firearm safe handling instructional courses and firearm secure storage devices.

The tax credit will have an annual aggregate cap of $3 million, and an individual taxpayer may only receive credits totaling $300 in their lifetime from this program. Any unused tax credit cannot be carried forward.

The program will sunset on December 31, 2031.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 165 Nays: 8

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

HB 123

Criminal procedure; pretrial proceedings in capital offense cases where the death penalty is sought when the accused has an intellectual disability; provide
Bill Summary: HB 123 changes the standard, in a capital case for which the death penalty is being sought, for determining when the accused has an intellectual disability (ID) from beyond a reasonable doubt to preponderance of the evidence.

When the death penalty is sought, the defendant can file a pretrial notice of intent to raise a claim of ID. The hearing may be conducted upon motion of the defendant, which is at the discretion of the court or upon joint consent motion of the defendant and the state. The pretrial determination of ID will be made by the court sitting as the finder of fact.

If the court does not find that the defendant has an ID, then the defendant is not precluded from raising it again in further proceedings. Either party may seek immediate review of the trial court's determination regarding the ID ruling.

After July 1, 2025, when the death penalty is sought and the defendant contends that they have ID, after finding the defendant guilty, the court will allow the defendant to present evidence of the ID and will then instruct the jury on the procedure. If the jury agrees with the defendant, then they will enter a separate finding of "intellectual disability".

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. William Werkheiser (157th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass

HB 129

Ad valorem tax; bona fide conservation use property; remove a limitation on leased property as to certain entities
Bill Summary: HB 129 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-7.4, related to bona fide conservation use property, to allow property leased by a corporation, partnership, general partnership, limited partnership or corporation, or a limited liability company to qualify as bona fide conservation use property if it meets the following conditions: entity is owned by at least one natural or naturalized citizen, and the primary purpose of the property is related to production of agricultural or timber products.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Charles Cannon (172nd) Ways & Means
Yeas: 165 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass

HB 144

Income tax; certain medical preceptor rotations; revise tax credit
Bill Summary: HB 144 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.22, relating to tax credits for medical preceptor rotations, to add licensed dentists to the eligible professions to receive a tax credit as a community based faculty preceptor. The credit is changed to be $1,000 for each preceptorship rotation completed by a physician or licensed dentist in a calendar year, and $750 for each preceptorship rotation completed in a calendar year by an advanced practice registered nurse.

The credit will not exceed an aggregate cap of $6 million per year, and the sunset date is changed from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2030.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 171 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass

HB 154 Emergency medical services; designate ambulance services as an essential service Bill Summary: HB 154 designates ambulance services as an essential service.

Authored By: Rep. Gary Richardson (125th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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Today on the Floor

House Committee: Floor Vote:

Health Yeas: 72 Nays: 0

Committee Action: Amendments:

02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 175

Education; employee comprehensive background checks for early care and education programs and Head Start programs; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 175 amends O.C.G.A. 20-1A-2 to require comprehensive background checks for employees of early care and education programs and Head Start programs. The bill provides for revocation and nonissue of licenses and commissions for early care and education programs for noncompliance.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Todd Jones (25th) Education
Yeas: 175 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass

HB 179

Appellate practice; digital recording of certain trial proceedings; provide
Bill Summary: HB 179 allows the transcript of evidence and proceedings in certain felony, all misdemeanor proceedings, and all civil cases to be either reported and prepared by a court reporter or, in the judge's discretion, be recorded with a digital recording system according to uniform court rules adopted by the Supreme Court with the advice and consent of affected trial courts.

A district attorney may also use a digital recording system to record grand jury proceedings. The court reporter will complete the transcript and provide a certificate attesting to the correctness of the transcript. The recording will not be considered the record of the proceeding unless transcribed and certified.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Judiciary
Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 180

Probate courts; modify certain requirements for probate judges
Bill Summary: HB 180 requires candidates for the office of probate court judge in counties with a population of 90,000 or more to file a supplemental affidavit stating they satisfy the additional qualifications specific to counties of 90,000 or more (must be 30 years of age, a member of good standing of the State Bar of Georgia, and have practiced law for seven years) as currently set forth in O.C.G.A. 15-9-4.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Judiciary
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-04-2025 Do Pass

HB 197 Insurance; health care provider to respond to a private review agent or utility review entity's attempt to discuss the patient's care; detail the effort
Bill Summary: HB 197 implements a callback telecommunications system for peer to peer communications in the event a clinical peer is not available upon first contact effort.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Health
Yeas: 174 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-10-2025 Do Pass

HB 200 State Board of Education; establish a three-year pilot immersive writing program for eligible public elementary schools; provide Bill Summary: HB 200 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-335, and provides for the State Board of Education to establish a three-year pilot immersive writing program for eligible public elementary schools for
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Today on the Floor

students in grades two through five.

The bill provides for applicants to participate in the pilot program, and provides for assessment and reporting on the impacts of the pilot program. The bill also authorizes the State Board of Education to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the pilot program.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Debra Bazemore (69th) Education
Yeas: 167 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 219

Professions and businesses; establish a professional health program to provide for monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired healthcare professionals; authorize
Bill Summary: HB 219 authorizes both the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, and the Georgia Board of Nursing, to establish a professional health program to monitor and provide rehabilitation services to impaired healthcare professionals.

A healthcare professional who participates in this program will be required to pay the costs associated with the program. Any company or entity that contracts with one of the boards to administer the program is immune from any civil or criminal liability incurred through its operation of the program. Both sections of the bill are contingent upon appropriation by the General Assembly, although both boards are permitted to accept and solicit private funding or public grants.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Regulated Industries
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2025 Do Pass

HB 225

Motor vehicles; enforcement of speeding violations in school zones through automated traffic enforcement safety devices; repeal all laws
Bill Summary: HB 225 relates to the definitions and permitted usage of automated traffic enforcement safety devices. Further Code sections are revised to allow automated traffic enforcement safety devices to be tested for accuracy and to allow individuals to be able to request a test of accuracy if a case is being developed against them using the device.

The bill restricts local governing bodies or law enforcement agencies to enter in or renew a contract in conjunction with an automated traffic enforcement safety device after the effective date of this Code section, with a repeal date being July 1, 2026.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Dale Washburn (144th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 129 Nays: 37

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-18-2025 Do Pass

HB 235 Georgia Supporting Living Donor Educators Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 235 amends O.C.G.A. 20-1-12, known as the 'Georgia Supporting Living Donor Educators Act', to require employers of school employees, teachers, and postsecondary employees to provide leaves of absence for the donation of bone marrow and organs.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rick Townsend (179th) Education
Yeas: 173 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Today on the Floor

HB 238

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; create and maintain an at-risk adult training course focusing on officer response to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Bill Summary: HB 238 requires the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council to create and maintain an at-risk adult training course focusing on officer response to individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 244

State auditor; local governments to request and receive in certain circumstances due date extensions related to filing annual audits; provide
Bill Summary: HB 244 makes adjustments to local government audit requirements, depending on total expenditures by such local government entity. The bill requires specified county officers to cooperate with the county government in the preparation of required financial statements and audits, subject to specified waivers.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Charles Cannon (172nd) Governmental Affairs
Yeas: 162 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 268 Education; safety, health, and well-being of students and school communities; provide Bill Summary: HB 268 is a comprehensive bill to provide for the safety, health, and well-being of students and school communities.
Student Records
Section 1
Student records must be requested from the transferring school within five days of notification by the custodian of a child in state custody or care. When a local unit of administration is tasked with educating a child in custody, all educational and medical records from the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Department of Human Services (DHS), or the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will be shared. These records must include, but are not limited to, whether the child has been adjudicated delinquent of a felony; if the child is servicing a suspension or expulsion and why; and if the child is subject to a disciplinary hearing, or other criminal action, disciplinary action, or behavioral correction plan. The custodian agency must release all records within five days to the requesting local unit of administration.
Section 7
Local boards of education will immediately provide an electronic copy of a student's complete education record to any parent, legal custodian, or another authorized person within three business days of the request. Should any part not be available electronically, the requesting individual will be notified on the third business day when it will be ready for retrieval.
Section 8
When a parent or legal custodian seeks permanent student enrollment of students above third grade, the parent or custodian must attest to the existence or non-existence of certain non-educational data when enrolling a new student. For example, the parent or guardian must disclose if the student has been adjudicated guilty of a class A felony or if the student is currently the subject of a notice of a disciplinary hearing.
Students may be provisionally enrolled for a 10-day period after the parent or custodian executes the document. Parents may request to view all student records forwarded to the transferring school, and

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no local board of education can have a policy which denies a parent or legal custodian of a student the ability to review the student's education records.
Section 14
Courts may intervene if it finds a parent or custodian has willfully and unreasonably failed to authorize the release of student education records.
Behavioral Health Coordinator
Section 2
Each school system will earn reimbursement for one or more qualified behavioral health coordinators based on the number of full-time equivalent enrollment totals. These coordinators will identify and facilitate appropriate interventions for students with or at risk of mental health concerns, including, but not limited to, telehealth services.
Student Affairs Officer
Section 4
Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) will designate one staff member as the RESA student affairs officer. RESAs are authorized to provide dispute resolution services related to data-sharing concerns between state agencies, local units of administration, local education agencies, and public and private schools.
Data Privacy
Section 6
The chief privacy officer will create a guidance document to provide to all local, state, and federal agencies that hold student education data, student health records, student data, and personally identifiable information of students and their families regarding current state and federal laws surrounding such data. This guidance should include what data can and cannot be shared with other educators, schools, DJJ, DHS, DFCS, and the federal Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). This guidance will also govern what these respective entities can and cannot share with law enforcement and other entities in the judicial system and vice versa.
Notification - Children Taken into Custody
Section 10
Each official taking action pursuant to O.C.G.A. 20-2-699, which is the Code section relating to the disposition of children taken into custody, will notify a school official, public or private, where the child is enrolled and the child's parent or guardian of the outcome of such disposition.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Section 12
All local boards of education will implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) initiatives in all high needs elementary and middle schools in their districts.
Suicide Prevention and Youth Violence Training
Section 15
Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, public schools serving students in grades six through 12
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must provide one hour of suicide awareness and prevention training, and one hour of youth violence prevention training each school year.
Absenteeism
Section 16
When a student is absent for 30 consecutive days, with certain conditions being met, the local school will refer the matter to DFCS to conduct an assessment and the RESA student affairs officer to determine whether the student has withdrawn.
Criminal Conduct for School Violence
Section 18
The bill clarifies what situations are considered disrupting or interfering with the operation of any public school, which is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Local school systems must implement a system of progressive discipline that allows a school to move a student to remote learning when there has been a credible threat of violence until such time as an investigation has been concluded.
Section 23
O.C.G.A. 16-11-37 relating to terroristic threats and acts is amended to add the threat of the death of, or serious injury to, a group of individuals who are or will likely be at or within a school. The Code is further amended to charge a parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who intentionally advises, counsels, encourages, aids, or abets their minor child in the commission of an offense and may be charged with and convicted of such offense.
Model Law Enforcement Agreements
Section 19
By August 1, 2025, the Department of Education must publish on its website model language for agreements between local school systems and law enforcement officers. Schools must update their written agreements with law enforcement officers by October 1, 2025. Such agreements must specify which educational information is accessible to law enforcement and what constitutes educational records that are protected by the federal 'Family Education Rights and Privacy Act' (FERPA).
School Safety Plan Updates
Sections 20 and 21 require school safety plans to include provisions to address the behavioral health needs of students and staff by January 1, 2027. Each school safety plan will also include a behavioral threat assessment management (BTAM) plan to provide a multidisciplinary process to identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats to school safety. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) will provide training and technical assistance to the Department of Education, RESAs, all local school systems, and private schools on BTAM plans.
Part II
Creation of Office of Safe Schools
The bill creates an Office of Safe Schools within the GEMA/HS, which will provide technical assistance for local school systems to develop policies and procedures for the prevention of violence on school grounds. The office is tasked with providing training on a number of critical school safety items to local school systems including: school security risk assessment tools, professional learning, school safety director training, and behavioral threat assessment management teams.
Behavioral Threat Management Teams
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The office will coordinate with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) by July 1, 2026, to develop a state-wide behavioral threat management operational process to guide local school systems and law enforcement agencies. These behavioral threat management teams will be trained on identifying specific behaviors which are known indicators of a youth at risk and possibly in need of supportive interventions or services.
BTAM teams will be formed at the discretion of the local school superintendent and local sheriff's office. This team will be made up of persons with expertise in counseling/mental health instruction, school administration, and law enforcement. Upon determination that a student poses a threat of violence or physical harm to himself or herself or others, the BTAM team will immediately notify the superintendent, local law enforcement, and the Office of School Safety. The BTAM team can request further information from the Office of Student Safety to use the S3 Database to complete its own report based on all available state resources on the individual of concern.
Behavioral Threat Assessment Indicator
By July 1, 2026, the office will coordinate with the DBHDD to develop a state-wide behavioral threat assessment indicator to evaluate the behavior of students who may pose a threat to the school, school personnel, or students. All members of local law enforcement and local school systems must be trained on the use of the indicator and each local school system and school will use the indicator upon its availability.
S3 Database
GEMA/HS will procure a state-wide behavioral threat assessment management system, known as the "School and Student Safety Database" or "S3 Database", to collect and integrate data to evaluate the behavior of students who may pose a threat to schools, school personnel, or students. The database will, at minimum, receive and share data from the following sources: the Department of Administrative Services, the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children, the Department of Education, the Department of Human Services, the Division of Family and Children Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Technology Authority, the 'See Something, Send Something' tip line, and local law enforcement agencies and their threat reporting systems. The database must comply with the standards of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy.
A parent may request a copy of their student's S3 record, unless denied such access by a court.
School Safety Director
Each local school system will designate a school safety director for such local school systems who will annually review local policies and procedures for compliance with state law and rules. The director will also provide necessary training and resources to students, and local school system staff relating to mental health awareness and assistance, active shooter training, and school safety and security. The director will serve as a liaison between local, national, state, and community agencies in matters of school safety and security.
By October 1 of each year, each director will conduct a school security risk assessment in collaboration with appropriate public safety agencies for each public school and private school by request. The director must also hold public meetings with parents to inform them of school safety policies and hear their input.
Reunification Plan
All local boards of education must have a reunification plan in the event the school is closed or unexpectedly evacuated due to a natural or manmade disaster. This reunification plan must be reviewed and updated annually.
School Buildings
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By August 1, 2026, each local school system will comply with certain access point and locking requirements. The safest area within a classroom or instruction area to shelter in place should be marked and students must be notified of these areas within the first 10 days of the school year.

Compliance

By August 1, 2025, the office will develop and adopt a school safety compliance inspection report to document compliance or noncompliance with school safety requirements mandated by law, rule, or regulation. The report will indicate adherence to established school safety best practices to evaluate the safety, security, and emergency response of the school. Unannounced compliance inspections will be conducted and corrective action procedures are dictated.

Reporting

By October 1, 2026, the Department of Education must publish disaggregated discipline data on a number of specific metrics, including the number of suspensions, expulsions, chronic disciplinary problems, and attendance for each local education agency.

By December 1, 2026, the Office of Safe Schools will publish on its public website, and every three months thereafter, deidentified and disaggregated data included in the S3 database.

Open Records

Section 24

Information held in the S3 Database or by the threat management team for the purpose of assessing and intervening with an individual of concern is not subject to open records.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Holt Persinger (119th) Education
Yeas: 159 Nays: 13

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-03-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 297

Ad valorem tax; define multipurpose off-highway vehicle; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 297 amends O.C.G.A. 40-1-1, relating to the definitions of motor vehicles and traffic, to change the definition of "multipurpose off-highway vehicle" to mean any self-propelled, motorized vehicle originally intended for off-highway use and to not include any all-terrain vehicles, low-speed vehicles, passenger cars, or personal transportation vehicles.

Additionally, the bill creates O.C.G.A. 48-5-504.50 to exempt multipurpose off-highway vehicles from ad valorem taxation, beginning on January 1, 2025.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass

HB 304

Local government; Georgia Municipal Court Clerks' Council; create
Bill Summary: HB 304 creates the Georgia Municipal Court Clerks' Council as an institution designed to improve municipal courts, assist municipal court staff, and assist in training municipal court staff. The council is a state agency comprised of the municipal court staff of all state municipal courts. The council is authorized to elect officers and an executive committee.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Bill Yearta (152nd) Judiciary
Yeas: 171 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-25-2025 Do Pass

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HB 309 Local government; require adoption of a resolution or ordinance and voter approval prior to abolishment of a police force that was created by such method
Bill Summary: HB 309 requires that a county police force created by referendum also be abolished by referendum.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Clifton (131st)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Yeas: 169 Nays: 3

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass

HB 314

Professions and businesses; athletic trainers; revise and update definitions
Bill Summary: HB 314 revises the definition of an "athletic injury", regarding athletic trainers, to be a condition sustained as a result of a person's participation in activities requiring physical strength, agility, flexibility, range of motion, speed, or stamina, regardless of where or how the injury occurred.

The bill also clarifies that an athletic training student can conduct certain duties while under the direct supervision of a physician or licensed athletic trainer, so long as the athletic trainer or physician is physically present in the facility where the athletic training student is operating. Further, the bill revises the certifying organization that allows the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers to grant a license to the Board of Certification for the athletic trainer.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. John LaHood (175th) Regulated Industries
Yeas: 93 Nays: 77

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 322

Ga. Board of Dentistry; issuance of a dental or dental hygiene license for the sole purpose of teaching in an accredited dental, dental hygiene school, or academic medical center; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 322 creates additional provisions for dental school teaching applicants to accomplish before submitting a teaching application to the Georgia Board of Dentistry.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Health
Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 325

Domestic relations; Protective Order Registry; revise certain definitions
Bill Summary: HB 325 allows a member of the state organized militia who alleges stalking by another member of the organized militia to seek a protective order, with subject matter jurisdiction established by evidence that a nexus exists between the alleged conduct constituting stalking and the organized militia. The military judge may grant a protective order on a temporary or permanent basis or approve a consent agreement, and may punish a party's disobedience with contempt.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Reynaldo Martinez (111th) Judiciary
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-25-2025 Do Pass

HB 339

Motor vehicles; exempt ride share drivers or ride share network services from definition of motor carrier
Bill Summary: HB 339 exempts ride share network services from liability for any injury to persons or damage to property committed by a ride share driver, provided that there has been no negligence or criminal misconduct by the ride share network service; the ride share network service is in compliance with the law regarding ride share drivers; and the ride share network service obtains a background check for each ride share driver at least once every two years.

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Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 340

Distraction-Free Education Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 340 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-324.8, to enact the 'Distraction-Free Education Act'. The bill requires local school systems and public schools to enact policies and procedures for use of personal electronic devices at school and school-sponsored events by students in kindergarten through eighth grade by July 1, 2026.

The bill provides for permissible student use of personal electronic devices, school electronic devices, and authorizes the Department of Education to provide guidance and technical assistance.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Education
Yeas: 143 Nays: 29

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 348 Insurance; expand lines of insurance or reinsurance in which a limited purpose subsidiary and captive insurance company may engage
Bill Summary: HB 348 defines the term "sponsor" and further clarifies a sponsor's role in supporting and funding limited purpose subsidiaries and captive insurance companies.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Bruce Williamson (112th) Insurance
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-20-2025 Do Pass

HB 369 Motor vehicles; sale of food or beverages; provide vehicle equipment standards
Bill Summary: HB 369 requires motor vehicles used for the sale of food or beverages that stop on roadways to be equipped with a signal arm with a yellow triangle that contains the word "caution", "slow", or "children", and a sign mounted on the vehicle's rear warning of frequent stops.

The Department of Public Safety is authorized to adopt rules and regulations concerning this Code section, and provisions are effective beginning January 1, 2026.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Dexter Sharper (177th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 156 Nays: 14

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-28-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 406

Judicial Retirement System; increase retirement age of superior court judges first taking office on or after July 1, 2026
Bill Summary: HB 406 allows a member of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) to retire at age 60, but the retirement allowance is reduced by any time served as a superior court judge. Once the member reaches 65, their retirement allowance is adjusted to reflect all their years of creditable service earned as a member of JRS. The bill is certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Retirement
Yeas: 167 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 426 Courts; nonpartisan election of magistrates; provide Bill Summary: HB 426 provides for the nonpartisan election of probate and magistrate judges.

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Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Kimberly New (40th) Judiciary
Yeas: 111 Nays: 59

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-20-2025 Do Pass

HB 432 Game and fish; Georgia turkey stamps; provide
Bill Summary: HB 432 introduces a Georgia turkey stamp, which residents of the state can receive at no cost. Non-residents aged 16 and older who wish to hunt turkey in Georgia are required to obtain this stamp for $100 in addition to their hunting license.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Game, Fish, & Parks
Yeas: 166 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 443 Game and fish; fees for reef and migratory fish endorsements; provide
Bill Summary: HB 443 establishes an annual fee for reef and migratory fish endorsements to regulate both recreational and commercial off-shore fishing. The bill specifies an annual $10 fee for Georgia residents and a $20 fee for non-residents who participate in off-shore fishing.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Game, Fish, & Parks
Yeas: 165 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass

HB 449

Public utilities; subject certain companies providing water services to regulation by Public Service Commission
Bill Summary: HB 449 creates definitions for "covered water system", "service water", "water services", and "water systems", and restricts covered water companies from having an increase of 15 percent or more in their rates or charges. If their rates or charges do increase by 15 percent or more from the lowest amount of such rate or charge over a period of three years, a hearing by the Public Service Commission is in order.

The commission is further allowed to produce rules and regulations, and will conduct regular assessments over covered water companies.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
Yeas: 170 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-03-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 455

Bingo; properties used for games; limit number of sessions; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 455 allows applicants to conduct bingo games at multiple locations and clarifies that these games can be played on property leased by the non-profit, tax-exempt organization and which can be used for purposes other than the operation of a bingo game. Further, the bill allows a licensee to operate 31 bingo sessions per month and to award a maximum of $6,000 in cash or gifts of equivalent value. The maximum amount that can be paid to individuals assisting in the operation of bingo games is increased to $150 per session.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Regulated Industries
Yeas: 149 Nays: 15

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2025 Do Pass

HB 463 Ad valorem tax; certain senior citizens who volunteer with local governments; provide homestead exemption Bill Summary: HB 463 creates O.C.G.A. 48-5-44.3 to allow for a local government to adopt an ordinance to allow senior citizens to claim an additional homestead exemption in exchange for
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

volunteer work defined by the local entity.

The ordinance must include the following information: the maximum dollar amount for the exemption that can be provided, not to exceed $500; the maximum number of senior citizens that can claim the exemption; the hourly rate at which the exemption can be earned, not to exceed $10 per hour; the date an application will be due for the exemption; and the types of volunteer work eligible for the exemption. A "senior citizen" is defined as a person of at least 65 years of age on January 1 of the related tax year.

The exemption will apply to taxable years beginning on January 1, 2027.

The bill requires a favorable 2/3 vote of both the Senate and House of Representatives, and statewide referendum.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 465

Autism Missing Person Alert System Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 465 adds autism spectrum disorder to the list of eligible conditions to activate the Mattie's Call statewide alert system for missing disabled adults. Activation of the alert system for those with autism spectrum disorder will include guidance to local law enforcement to prioritize waterways and public roadways in their search, and to disclose distinctive autism-related behaviors that can identify the missing person.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Carl Gilliard (162nd) Human Relations & Aging
Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 515 Augusta Judicial Circuit; superior courts; provide for a sixth judge
Bill Summary: HB 515 increases the number of superior court judges in the Augusta Judicial Circuit from five to six. The additional judge will be appointed for a term beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, with their successor elected at the 2028 nonpartisan judicial election.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Judiciary
Yeas: Nays: Recommit to Committee

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2025 Do Pass

HB 516 State government; authorize county and regional library boards to conduct meetings via teleconference
Bill Summary: HB 516 allows county and regional library boards and community service boards to conduct meetings via teleconference.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Kimberly New (40th)

Rule Applied:

State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action:

Yeas: 164 Nays: 5

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 551

Motor vehicles; conditions, procedures, and limitations for issuance of temporary operating permits; provide
Bill Summary: HB 551 relates to motor vehicle temporary operating permits (TOPs) and requires individuals who become a resident of Georgia to register their vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident. Each day that the vehicle is found in violation of this is considered a separate offense, and the individual in violation will be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined $100.

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Today on the Floor

Vehicles owned, rented, leased, or operated in the state are required to be registered. The bill makes it unlawful for individuals to operate vehicles without a valid license plate or TOP, and removes existing language regarding used and new motor vehicle dealers issuing temporary operating permits. Given there is enough space, if a vehicle does not have a county name decal on its license plate, the individual in violation is subject to a fine no greater than $25.

The bill outlines the process for dealers of new or used vehicles issuing TOPs. The issuance of a TOP is done without a fee unless certain circumstances are applicable, TOPs are to be designed by the Department of Revenue and may bear the name of the dealer and its location, and the permit will have an expiration date that is 45 days from point of purchase.

The department is allowed to develop and maintain an electronic TOP issuance system and is responsible for monitoring those who violate provisions regarding TOPs. If the department decides to suspend a dealer's access to the TOP issuance system, the dealer has the right to a formal hearing to be held within 30 days of the department's decision. If a dealer has been found to issue TOPs unlawfully, they will be suspended for up to 24 months and are issued a fine of no more than $100 per offense. The bill further revises language relating to dealership plates, dealer recordkeeping, and passive entities that own motor vehicles.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 168 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 563 Motor vehicles; authorize licensed physical therapists to certify an individual is disabled for purposes of obtaining special vehicle decals
Bill Summary: HB 563 adds licensed physical therapists to the list of physicians who may present an affidavit for the purpose of allowing an individual to apply for a disability parking permit.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Karen Bennett (94th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-25-2025 Do Pass

HB 569

Labor and industrial relations; employment security; benefits and appeals; revise certain notice provisions
Bill Summary: HB 569 allows for electronic delivery of decisions by the Department of Labor involving unemployment insurance. The applicant can elect to use this electronic delivery or have their paperwork mailed to them. The bill also provides a definition of "issue date", which includes a provision that allows the department, through regulations, to waive or alter the time limit provisions of when a decision becomes final, as long as it complies with due process for all interested parties.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Justin 'Jutt' Howard (71st) Industry and Labor
Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass

HB 575

Transportation, Department of; authorize notice of certain public hearings by electronic publication
Bill Summary: HB 575 allows the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to use electronic publication for notifications of certain public hearings. The bill states that in any instance where federal or state law is unclear as to whether a public hearing is required, the GDOT is required to hold a hearing.

The bill authorizes the GDOT to negotiate acquisition of common property of a condominium association or property owners' association with the designated board for either such association. The bill also authorizes establishment of a program by the department for the clearing of rights of way

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

and the removal of wrecked or abandoned heavy duty vehicles from the rights of way of interstate highways and limited access highways.

The bill provides for payment of costs related to the removal or relocation of public utilities through agreement between the department and the utility provider.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Derrick McCollum (30th) Transportation
Yeas: 165 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-27-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 584

Health; reassign licensing and oversight of certain treatments and programs from Departments of Community Health to Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Bill Summary: HB 584 reassigns licensing and oversight of drug abuse treatment and education programs, narcotic treatment programs, community living arrangements, and adult residential mental health programs from the Department of Community Health (DCH) to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

Community service boards will be the governing bodies.

Rules and regulations created and implemented by December 31, 2025 will remain in effect until revoked. All issued and provisional licenses provided by DCH on December 31, 2025 will be valid until they are revoked, renewed, surrendered, or terminated. The reassignment will be effective January 1, 2026.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Public and Community Health
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2025 Do Pass

HB 651

Motor vehicles; use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 651 allows for automated traffic safety enforcement devices to be placed in school zones. The device must display an accurate depiction of the driver's speed, and is permitted to issue citations to those who go 10 miles per hour over the speed limit an hour before and an hour after the school's starting and dismissal time. Automated traffic safety enforcement devices can only be placed on highways with more than two lanes if there is a demonstrable need.

The bill adds language that allows the governing body authorized to enforce the speed limit in a school zone to apply for a permit with the Department of Transportation. Formerly, each school in a school zone was required to apply. The enforcing agency is also required to notify and issue citations to violators via first-class mail, and violators are able to contest by contacting their local court.

Fifty percent of money collected from citations will be allocated to law enforcement or public safety initiatives. The other 50 percent will be allocated equally among schools within the governing body's jurisdiction. The local governing body is further required to post a report on how the money is disbursed on their website.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 164 Nays: 8

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-28-2025 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

Local Calendar
HB 30 Catoosa County; school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 30 provides a homestead exemption from Catoosa County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount of $100,000 for residents who are 67 years of age or older.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Mitchell Horner (3rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 534 Fairburn, City of; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: HB 534 authorizes the City of Fairburn to levy a hotel/motel tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Derrick Jackson (68th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 536 Public Facilities Authority of the City of Fairburn Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 536 creates the Public Facilities Authority of the City of Fairburn.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Derrick Jackson (68th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 539 Gwinnett County; school district ad valorem tax; increase homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 539 revises a homestead exemption from Gwinnett County School District ad valorem taxes for homesteads of residents who occupy that home by increasing the amount to $10,000 of the assessed value.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 540

Gwinnett County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; expand additional homestead exemption to certain veterans and employees
Bill Summary: HB 540 revises a homestead exemption from Gwinnett County School District ad valorem taxes for certain public service employees by expanding the additional $2,000 exemption to also apply to disabled veterans, and all employees of the Gwinnett County and Buford City school systems.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 572 Braselton, Town of; annex certain properties Bill Summary: HB 572 annexes certain property into the Town of Braselton.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Holt Persinger (119th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

HB 594 Baker County; board of commissioners meet on the first Tuesday of each month; provide
Bill Summary: HB 594 provides for the Baker County Board of Commissioners to meet on the first Tuesday of each month.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 595 Early County; homestead exemption from school district ad valorem tax; remove sunset date
Bill Summary: HB 595 removes the sunset date of a homestead exemption from Early County School District ad valorem taxes for residents 70 years of age or older.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 596 Colquitt County; State Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee Bill Summary: HB 596 authorizes the Colquitt County State Court to collect a technology fee.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Charles Cannon (172nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 603 Banks County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee Bill Summary: HB 603 authorizes the Banks County Probate Court to collect a technology fee.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Chris Erwin (32nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 608 Muscogee County; School District; revise how vacancies on board are filled Bill Summary: HB 608 revises how vacancies are filled on the Muscogee County School Board.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Tremaine Teddy Reese (140th) Rule Applied:

Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee

Local

Action:

Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 619 Donalsonville, City of; election schedule for mayor and councilmembers; revise
Bill Summary: HB 619 revises the election schedule for the mayor and city council of the City of Donalsonville to provide for staggered terms of election.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 622 Hoboken, City of; revise compensation of mayor and councilmembers
Bill Summary: HB 622 revises the compensation of the mayor and city council of the City of Hoboken. The mayor will receive $475 per month, and council members will receive $175 per month.

Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th)

Rule Applied:

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House of Representatives

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Today on the Floor

House Committee: Floor Vote:

Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 625 Fulton County; State Court; provide additional judge Bill Summary: HB 625 provides an additional State Court judge for Fulton County.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 640 Alpharetta, City of; election of city offices by majority vote; provide
Bill Summary: HB 640 provides for election by majority vote for any office of the City of Alpharetta.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

HB 648

College Park, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; homestead exemption; remove income cap
Bill Summary: HB 648 removes the income cap from a homestead exemption from City of College Park ad valorem taxes in the full amount of the assessed value of the homestead for residents who are disabled or are 65 years of age or older.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Kim Schofield (63rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

SB 70

"Conyers Community Improvement Districts Act"; enact
Bill Summary: SB 70 provides for the creation of community improvement districts in the City of Conyers.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

SB 77

City of Cartersville; independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 77 provides a homestead exemption from City of Cartersville School District ad valorem taxes in an amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the adjusted base value of the homestead with a sunset date of December 31, 2030.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

SB 78

"City of Tybee Island Buildings and Public Facilities Authority Act"; enact Bill Summary: SB 78 creates the City of Tybee Island Building and Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Ben Watson (1st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Amendments:

SB 83

Bartow County; school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 83 provides a homestead exemption from Bartow County School District ad valorem taxes in an amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the adjusted base year value of the homestead.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-03-2025 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Actions

Committee Actions
Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.

Appropriations Committee
HR 118 Woolfolk, Mr. Michael; compensate
Bill Summary: HR 118 authorizes the Department of Administrative Services to pay Mr. Michael Woolfolk $1,350,000 in the form of an annuity, paid in equal monthly installments over 10 years beginning in 2026, after an initial lump sum payment of $445,500.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Stacey Evans (57th) Appropriations

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

HR 119 Stinchcomb, Mr. Mario; compensate
Bill Summary: HR 119 authorizes the Department of Administrative Services to pay Mr. Mario Stinchcomb $975,000 in the form of an annuity, paid in equal monthly installments over 10 years beginning in 2026, after an initial lump sum payment of $321,750.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Stacey Evans (57th) Appropriations

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

HR 128 Watkins, Mr. Joseph Samuel; compensate
Bill Summary: HR 128 authorizes the Department of Administrative Services to pay Mr. Joseph Samuel Watkins $1,688,527.40 in the form of an annuity, paid in equal monthly installments over 10 years beginning in 2026, after an initial lump sum payment of $535,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Appropriations

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

HR 129 Clark, Mr. Daryl Lee; compensate
Bill Summary: HR 129 authorizes the Department of Administrative Services to pay Mr. Daryl Lee Clark $1,917,128 in the form of an annuity, paid in equal monthly installments over 10 years beginning in 2026, after an initial lump sum payment of $632,652.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Appropriations

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

Economic Development & Tourism Committee
HB 490 Crimes and offenses; required human trafficking training program for hotels; provide Bill Summary: HB 490 requires hotel employees to complete a training course on identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Debra Bazemore (69th) Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Actions

Governmental Affairs Committee

HB 397

Elections; allow municipalities to opt in to providing advance voting on Saturdays for municipal elections
Bill Summary: HB 397 allows for the removal of a State Election Board member at any time the General Assembly is in session by a majority vote, or at any time the General Assembly is not in session by the president of the Senate or the speaker of the House. A state election board member appointed to fill a vacancy may be removed in the same manner as a member elected by the General Assembly.

The bill allows the governing authority of a municipality to opt out of conducting voting on one or more Saturdays during the period of advance voting in any municipal election that is not held concurrently with a county or state election.

The bill specifies when special elections to present a question to voters are to be held.

The bill provides for a period of at least 60 days between the call of a special primary or special election, and the election day of such special primary or special election. The bill provides for a period of at least 60 days between the call of a municipal special primary or special election and the election day of such municipal special primary or special election.

The bill removes the third Tuesday in September as one of the dates permitted for municipal special primaries or special elections held in odd-numbered years. The bill provides for a period of at least 45 days between the call of a special election to present a question to voters, and election day for such special election.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tim Fleming (114th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 502

Elections; preferential treatment during advance voting for voters accompanied by children two years of age or younger; provide
Bill Summary: HB 502 allows electors who are accompanied by one or more children of two years of age or younger to vote without waiting in line during the period of advance voting or during specified hours on election day.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Saira Draper (90th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 604 Elections; authorize local election superintendents to conduct manual recounts of ballots following the computation, canvassing, and tabulation of returns
Bill Summary: HB 604 allows the superintendent to conduct a hand accounting of all ballots cast in one race within a county or municipality.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 613 Administrative Services, Department of; preferences in certain public works construction contracts to a contractor participating in a registered apprenticeship program; provide
Bill Summary: HB 613 requires the Department of Administrative Services to give preference to a contractor or subtractor that participates in a high demand apprenticeship program.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Actions

HB 728

Elections; limit effective date of rules or regulations adopted by State Election Board prior to a primary, election, or runoff
Bill Summary: HB 728 requires nonemergency rules or regulations adopted by the State Election Board to go into effect 30 days following a presidential preference primary, general primary, general election, or runoff if such rule or regulation is adopted within 75 days of such primary, election, or runoff.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

Human Relations & Aging Committee
HB 645 Health; COVID-19 testing of staff members in long term-care facilities; repeal certain provisions
Bill Summary: HB 645 removes the COVID-19 testing requirement for new residents and staff in long-term care facilities.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John LaHood (175th) Human Relations & Aging

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

Transportation Committee

HB 638

MARTA; prohibit stopping or parking of a motor vehicle other than a transit vehicle in a designated transit vehicle lane in the City of Atlanta
Bill Summary: HB 638 prohibits parking or stopping in a transit vehicle lane in the City of Atlanta unless authorized by an official traffic control device, occurs during an emergency situation, or is otherwise authorized by law and provides for enforcement by automated transit vehicle lane monitoring devices.

The bill establishes civil monetary penalties for violation differentiated by whether the violation was enforced via a law enforcement officer or an automated transit vehicle lane monitoring device with recorded images. The bill provides for disbursement of funds collected, device and records inspections, and a sunset date of January 1, 2030.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 7

George C. Trulock, Jr. Memorial Highway; Grady County; dedicate Bill Summary: House Resolution 7 is the annual House road dedication package. The resolution includes:
HR 7, dedicating the portion of State Route 38/Highway 84 from the East Whigham City Limit to the West Whigham City Limit in Grady County as the George C. Trulock, Jr. Memorial Highway;
HR 31, dedicating the bridge on U.S. Highway 29/State Route 8 over South Fork Broad River in Madison County as the R. George Strickland, Jr. Memorial Bridge;
HR 96, dedicating the portion of State Route 155 from I-285 to Snapfinger Road in DeKalb County as the Dr. Gregory B. Levett, Sr. Parkway; and
HR 303, dedicating the interchange of Interstate 75 and US 280 in Crisp County as the Honorable Johnny Floyd Interchange.

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Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Actions

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Joe Campbell (171st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Ways & Means Committee

HB 260

Ad valorem tax; increase amount of a state-wide homestead exemption from certain ad valorem taxes
Bill Summary: HB 260 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-44, relating to homestead exemptions, to increase the statewide homestead exemption from $2,000 to $5,000, provided the owner resides in the home as their primary residence.

The bill requires two-thirds approval of both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly as well as the approval of a referendum by voters during the November 2026 general election.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

HB 266

Income tax; exempt income received as personal compensation for full-time duty in the active military service of the United States
Bill Summary: HB 266 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-27, relating to the computation of taxable net income, to exclude $35,000 of income related to military retirement benefits for retired military members under 65, beginning in tax year 2027. The amount increases $5,000 per year until reaching $65,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 330 Income tax; credits for contributions to law enforcement foundations; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 330 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.21, relating to tax credits for donations to nonprofits awarding grants to public schools, by increasing the aggregate limit of tax credits allowed from $15 million to $20 million.

Any contribution amount that has been preapproved but not contributed may be applied for and disbursed by the Department of Revenue at 95 percent of the amount otherwise allowed by this Code section. Any contribution by certain corporate entities is limited to being utilized against 30 percent of that entities tax liability. The bill eliminates the ability to carry forward any unused portions of the tax credit to be used against future tax years' liabilities.

The bill amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.25, relating to income tax credits for contributions to law enforcement foundations, by adding to the definition of "law enforcement foundation" a nonprofit corporation that maintains a formal relationship with one or more local enforcement units or provides support to law enforcement statewide. Qualified expenditures is expanded to include the purchase or lease of supplies and materials for technology updates, and the lease of facilities and purchase of goods for community engagement initiatives.

Any contribution amount that has been preapproved but not contributed may be applied for and disbursed by the Department of Revenue at 95 percent of the amount otherwise allowed by this Code section. Any contribution by certain corporate entities is limited to being utilized against 30 percent of that entities tax liability. The bill eliminates the ability to carry forward any unused portions of the tax credit to be used against future tax years' liabilities.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Charles Cannon (172nd) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Actions

HB 341

Income tax; certain employers that offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements to employees; create tax credit
Bill Summary: HB 341 creates O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.10, which allows for a tax credit for small employers, defined as having 10 or fewer employees, that contribute to an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement for employees. The maximum tax credit allowable is $600 per covered employee during the first three years of the program's existence, $400 per covered employee in the fourth year of the program, and $200 per covered employee in the fifth year of the program. The aggregate amount of tax credits allowed is limited to $5 million per year.

The employer must contribute at least $100 per month toward an employee's coverage. Any amount of a tax credit that is unused may not be carried forward to be used against future tax liabilities.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 357

Revenue and taxation; tax credits for certain contributions made by taxpayers to certain mortgage loan originators; provide
Bill Summary: HB 257 adds O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.26 to allow for tax credits for contributions by taxpayers to qualified mortgage loan originators. A "qualified mortgage loan originator" is defined as a nonprofit corporation that, among other stipulations, acts as a mortgage loan originator to make mortgage loans for disadvantaged individuals, operates in a manner considered to be charitable, and provides mortgage loans with terms that are favorable to the borrower.

The aggregate amount of tax credits allowed per calendar year will not exceed $10 million per calendar year, and each qualified loan originator is limited to accepting $2 million per year. Credit limits for taxpayers will be set as the following: $5,000 per year for individuals; $10,000 per year for married couples filing jointly; and $10,000 for a member of a limited liability company, a shareholder of a Subchapter "S" corporation, or a partner in a partnership.

Any contribution amount that has been preapproved but not contributed may be applied for and disbursed by the Department of Revenue at 95 percent of the amount otherwise allowed by this Code section. Any contribution by certain corporate entities is limited to being utilized against 30 percent of that entities tax liability. The bill prohibits the ability to carry forward any unused portions of the tax credit to be used against future tax years' liabilities.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 511

Insurance; deductions from taxable income for contributions by taxpayers to catastrophe savings accounts and interest earned on such accounts; provide
Bill Summary: HB 511 creates O.C.G.A. 48-7-28.5 to allow for the creation of a catastrophe savings account to be used during qualifying catastrophic events. The account will be a savings or money market account, and can only be used for catastrophic weather events declared a disaster or emergency be the state's governor. A qualifying expense is either an insurance deductible and any expenses related to the qualifying damage to a taxpayer's primary residence that is not covered by insurance.

The contribution limits are set at no more than $2,000 if a taxpayer's deductible is less than $1,000; twice the taxpayer's deductible for deductibles over $1,000, up to $25,000; or up to $250,000 if a taxpayer is self-insured. A taxpayer is granted a deduction on contributions to the account, interest income will be exempt from tax, and excluded from the taxpayer's income when making a qualifying distribution from the account.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 24 of 26

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Actions

HB 577

Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 577 amends O.C.G.A. 48-11-1 through 48-11-30 to require the Department of Revenue to develop a directory for registrations of nicotine vapor products, which are defined as products containing nicotine and vapor device designed to deliver consumable vapor that contains nicotine. The term will not include a consumable vapor product that is contained in or utilizes an open system.

The registration for each brand will require information such as the name under which the vapor product transacts, license information, principal place of business of the manufacturer, and the brand name, category, flavor and description. A fee of $1,000 is when the manufacturer first submits a certification for a product and $250 annually per product thereafter.

The commissioner will provide manufacturers that submit registrations with deficiencies an opportunity to make corrections prior to removing the product from the directory. If a product is removed from the directory, then dealers and distributors will have 30 days from the date notice is received of the removal to either sell or return for full refund the product in its inventory. After 30 days, sale of the product removed from the directory will be illegal.

The bill provides for civil penalties directed towards vapor product dealers or vapor product distributors that make available for sale any product that is not included in the directory.

By January 31 of every year after the program goes into effect, the Department of Revenue will provide a report on the directory, including products included on the directory, revenue, and expenditures related to the administration of the program.

The bill will only be effective upon appropriation for the specific purposes set forth in the bill.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 586

Revenue and taxation; intangible recording tax; revise notes
Bill Summary: HB 586 amends O.C.G.A. 48-6-60, 48-6-66, and 48-6-68, relating to the application of the intangible recording tax, by changing the period length in the definitions of a long-term note secured by real estate, the placement of a lien upon real estate, and bonds for a title in the absence of a security deed from three years to seven years.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Bruce Williamson (112th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-04-2025 Do Pass

Page 25 of 26

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 4, 2025

Committee Meetings

Committee Meeting Schedule
This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.legis.ga.gov to view all upcoming events.

Wednesday - March 5, 2025

03/05/2025 9:00 AM RULES (House)

341 CAP

03/05/2025 10:00 AM INSURANCE (House)

606 CLOB

03/05/2025 10:00 AM Rules Subcommittee on Lawsuit Reform (House) 341 CAP

03/05/2025 10:00 AM INDUSTRY AND LABOR (House)

506 CLOB

03/05/2025 11:00 AM ENERGY, UTLITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS 403 CAP (House)

03/05/2025 12:00 PM JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL (House)

132 CAP

03/05/2025 12:00 PM PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY HEALTH (House) 403 CAP

03/05/2025 12:30 PM Regulated Industries Subcommittee on Alcohol- 606 CLOB

Tobacco (House)

03/05/2025 1:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION (House)

606 CLOB

03/05/2025 1:00 PM EDUCATION (House)

406 CLOB

03/05/2025 2:00 PM SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (House)

406 CLOB

03/05/2025 3:00 PM RURAL DEVELOPMENT (House)

515 CLOB

03/05/2025 3:00 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS (House)

606 CLOB

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