Daily report, 2025 April 4

DAILY REPORT Friday
April 4, 2025
House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050
The House has adjourned Sine Die.

40th Legislative
Day

Today on the Floor

Conference Committee Reports
HB 68 General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Bill Summary: HB 68, the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $37.8 billion, an increase of $1.6 billion or 4.4 percent over the FY 2025 original budget. The bill and tracking sheet may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website.

Authored By: Rep. Jon Burns (159th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Conference Committee Reports: The House adopted the Conference Committee Report with a vote of 170-5.

The Senate has adopted the Conference Committee Report.

(Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of the bill.)

Motions to Agree
HB 36 Guardian and ward; revise list of providers who are authorized to participate in the processes for appointment of a guardian for an adult
Bill Summary: HB 36 revises Georgia guardianship law by adding physician assistants, nurses, and professional counselors to the types of approved professionals authorized to participate in appointments of guardians or conservators, as well as those who evaluate the state of a ward or proposed ward. An adult shall not be presumed to be in need of a guardian solely because of a finding that the adult has a developmental disability. A proposed ward or proposed ward's legal counsel may challenge the sufficiency and weight of the results and conclusions of the evaluation. Additionally, definitions for "gross settlement" are provided with respect to applicable financial arrangements.

Authored By: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 37

Education; require local school systems to notify employees regarding social security withholdings and eligibility for certain benefits
Bill Summary: HB 37 emends O.C.G.A. 20-2-55 to provide for payment of the costs of health insurance coverage for family members of local boards of education.

Section 2 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: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

HB 54

Health; advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to order home healthcare services; authorize
Bill Summary: HB 54 authorizes an advanced practice registered nurse or a licensed physician assistant to order home health care under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Authored By: Rep. David Clark (100th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

HB 105

Public officers and employees; increase indemnification award of certain state public school personnel in the event of death
Bill Summary: HB 105 is the 'Daniel D. Podsiadly, Jr. Act.' The bill requires the State Board of Workers' Compensation to investigate and notify the Department of Administrative Services when a peace officer is awarded benefits and suffered catastrophic injury under certain circumstances. Law enforcement agencies must notify peace officers of the existence of the Georgia State Indemnification Fund within 10 days of a temporary or permanent disability suffered in the line of duty.

Section 4 amends O.C.G.A. 45-9-78, which increases the indemnification award from $75,000 to $150,000 for certain state public school personnel in the event of death.

Authored By: Rep. Will Wade (9th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 131

Self-service storage facilities; revise advertisement requirements before an owner can enforce an owner's lien
Bill Summary: HB 131 revises self-service storage facility advertising requirements so that storage facility owners attempting to enforce a lien are not required to advertise an auction once a week for two consecutive weeks, but are instead required to publish an auction advertisement once in the legal organ for the county or in any other commercially reasonable manner when the property being sold is anything other than a motor vehicle, motorcycle, trailer, watercraft, or recreational vehicle. The advertisement is deemed commercially reasonable if at least three independent bidders attend the auction.

Authored By: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 150

Combating Threats from China Act of 2025 - Higher Education; enact
Bill Summary: HB 150 creates the 'Combating Threats from Foreign Countries of Concern Act of 2025 - Higher Education.' The bill requires the university system to submit a semiannual report to the governor and the chairs of the House and Senate higher education committees detailing the funding received by the system from a foreign country of concern, a foreign entity of concern, or a foreign individual of concern.

Authored By: Rep. Tim Fleming (114th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 155 Local government; selection and objection to arbitrators; revise procedures Bill Summary: HB 155 provides guidelines and requirements for objecting to a proposed annexation and the arbitration process that follows. The bill allows for the direct appeal of all final judgements or orders reviewing a zoning decision.
The bill also allows for the right to appeal to a local government board or authority for specified permit decisions. It adjusts certain provisions related to timing, and notice requirements concerning zoning decisions.
The bill requires a referendum vote of impacted county voters to approve specified types of

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Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

annexations.

Authored By: Rep. Victor Anderson (10th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 156 Transportation, Department of; authority over vertiports; provide
Bill Summary: HB 156 defines the term "vertiport" and includes vertiports in the definition of "landing field." The bill also grants the Department of Transportation authority over vertiports.

Authored By: Rep. Todd Jones (25th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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: Rep. Tyler Smith (18th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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. Additionally, this bill addresses prior authorization practices.

Authored By: Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 217

Education; make Dual Achievement Program a permanent state-wide program
Bill Summary: HB 217 updates provisions related to local school system enrollment counts as they relate to local board of education elections. The bill authorizes the Education Savings Authority to submit the income information of Promise Scholarship applicants to the Department of Revenue for verification.

The bill extends the Dual Achievement pilot program sunset date to July 1, 2031. It also provides for the distribution of QBE formula earnings from the State Board of Education to the TCSG board based on the number of eligible students participating in the program.

Authored By: Rep. Soo Hong (103rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 233 State symbols; Brunswick stew as the official state stew; designate Bill Summary: HB 233 designates Brunswick stew as the official state stew of Georgia.

Authored By: Rep. Rick Townsend (179th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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Today on the Floor

HB 253

Ethan's Law; enact
Bill Summary: HB 253 is known as 'Ethan's Law.' Section 2 prohibits a superior court judge from ordering family reunification or unification treatments, programs, or services that as a condition of enrollment require or result in: A) a violation of a court order requiring a child to have no contact with their parent or legal guardian; B) the use of private youth transporters or private transportation agents engaged in the use of force, the threat of force, physical obstruction, acutely distressing circumstances, or circumstances that place the safety of the child at risk; C) a no-contact period between the child and their parent or legal guardian; or D) an out-of-state stay.

Section 3 authorizes ambulance services to accept physical custody of a newborn. The legislation allows placement of newborn safety devices, which are enclosed, locked, monitored receptacles in which a newborn can safely be placed, at medical facilities, fire stations, police stations, and ambulance services. These devices must be in a conspicuous place, visible to employees, agents, or staff members of the facility or station. The facility or station must have an emergency medical services provider on staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Authored By: Rep. David Clark (100th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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 increase the exclusion for income related to military retirement benefits for retired military members under 65 to $65,000.

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 50 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: Rep. Steven Sainz (180th)

Rule Applied: Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 296 Motor vehicles; presentation of a driver's license in a certain electronic format; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 296 clarifies language relating to poll workers in O.C.G.A. 21-2-417 to denote that a Georgia driver's license must be in physical format and issued by the Department of Driver Services.

The bill clarifies language relating to hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in O.C.G.A. 27-2-2 and 27-2-3.1 to denote physical driver's licenses being required to identify an individual. The bill further allows licensees who are required to present their license to a law enforcement officer who possesses proper equipment to show them their electronic format-issued license. The bill notes that by July 1, 2027, all law enforcement officers will acquire equipment that can verify electronic licenses.

Authored By: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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HB 308

Motor vehicles; operation of miniature on-road vehicles on certain highways; provide
Bill Summary: HB 308 adds a definition for "miniature on-road vehicle" into Title 40 and lists its characteristics including: can transport people; operates between 25 and 45 miles per hour; has an overall width of 80 inches or less; is designed to travel on four plus wheels; uses a steering wheel; contains a non-straddle seat, has a gross vehicle weight of less than 4,000 pounds; and is not designed to be a golf cart, multi-purpose off-highway vehicle, or all-terrain vehicle.

The bill excludes miniature on-road vehicles manufactured 25 years prior to a registration application from having to comply with federal emission standards unless the vehicle has been modified by an importer registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Further Code sections pertaining to license plates, license fees, registration, taxation returns, and vehicle operations are revised to include miniature on-road vehicles.

Authored By: Rep. Rob Clifton (131st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 352 Georgia Gestational Diabetes Management Act; enact
Bill Summary: "Georgia Gestational Diabetes Management Act" includes patients with gestational diabetes to the list of those eligible for Medicaid covered continuous glucose monitors.

Authored By: Rep. Devan Seabaugh (34th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 360

Revenue and taxation; rehabilitation of historic structures; revise tax credit
Bill Summary: HB 360 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.8, relating to tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic structures, to allow a taxpayer preapproved by the commissioner of the Department of Revenue to claim credits in tax year 2027, 2028, or 2029 for certified structures other than historic homes to receive the credit during tax year 2026.

A taxpayer must obtain a certificate of occupancy for the structure by December 31, 2026 to qualify, and eligible properties must be located within a 10-mile radius of the Cabbagetown Historic District.

Authored By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Rule Applied: Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 370

Ad valorem tax; school districts; state-wide base year homestead exemption; provisions
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 50 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 $200 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: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th)

Rule Applied: Structured

HB 371

Quality Basic Education Act; state's maximum authorization of capital outlay funding; provide for an increase
Bill Summary: HB 371 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-260, relating to capital outlay funds generally under the 'Quality Basic Education Act.' The bill provides for an increase of the state's maximum authorization of capital outlay funding from $300 million to $375 million annually.

Section 2 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-261, to require new construction for all elementary schools

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commencing on or after July 1, 2027, including an inclusive playground design. The playground must address the physical, sensory, cognitive, social, emotional, imaginative, and communication needs of students. The playground should include a sensory-diverse environment that enables children of all abilities to develop physically, socially, and emotionally.

Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 399

Property; require certain residential landlords to have in-state staff to manage tenant communications
Bill Summary: HB 399 requires out-of-state landlords owning or operating 25 or more rental properties in the state to employ a licensed broker, that may or may not reside in this state, and at least one person located within the state for purposes of managing and responding to communications from the landlord's tenants related to property issues.

Authored By: Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (84th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 422

State employees' health insurance; include high deductible health plans
Bill Summary: HB 422 requires the state employees' health insurance plan (SHBP) to include at least two high deductible health plans. The bill allows enrolled employees to make pretax contributions to their health savings accounts. Government entities outside the scope of this bill are encouraged to offer similar pretax contribution options for their employees.

Authored By: Rep. Derrick McCollum (30th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 491 Game and fish; remove an exception for use of air guns to hunt wildlife
Bill Summary: HB 491 removes a sunset date related to hunting wildlife with an air gun. The bill also makes it unlawful to take any catfish species from state waters using a bow and arrow except under certain conditions.

Authored By: Rep. Johnny Chastain (7th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

HB 513 Local government; criteria for service delivery strategy; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 513 provides for the use of additional funding sources related to county services jointly funded by the county and one or more municipalities. The bill requires the county to provide an annual report of the funding of such jointly funded services.

The bill authorizes local government entities to continue existing local ordinances related to video surveillance at gas stations if such ordinances were adopted prior to May 6, 2024.

Authored By: Rep. John LaHood (175th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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: Rep. Kimberly New (40th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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HB 567 Professions and businesses; authorize and regulate teledentistry by licensed dentists
Bill Summary: HB 567 authorizes teledentistry by licensed dentists, while establishing requirements and restrictions. The bill allows for the coverage of teledentistry healthcare services under dental benefits plans.

Authored By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 582

Georgia Survivor Justice Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 582 is the 'Georgia Survivor Justice Act.' When a defendant in a prosecution under Title 16, Chapter 5 (crimes against the person) raises a justification defense under O.C.G.A. 16-3-21, the defendant may offer relevant evidence that they had been subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse that was committed by the alleged victim to establish that the defendant was justified in using force or deadly force.

This evidence can include seeking law enforcement assistance, seeking services from a counselor or social worker, seeking medical attention, showing effects of battering and post-traumatic stress disorder, or relevant protective orders. Any evidence introduced is still subject to Evidentiary Rules 401, 402, and 403.

Section 3 limits the exception for murder to malice murder in which a person is immune from criminal liability due to coercion, and extends it to when there is imminent death of a third party.

Section 4 specifies that for O.C.G.A. 16-10-1 (violation of oath by public officer), which carries an existing penalty of imprisonment of one to five years, peace officers can only be subject to prosecution under the Code section for violations of their oath. No officer will be subject to prosecution for violation of their oath of office under the Code section unless the violation is predicated on the commission of a felony or a high and aggravated misdemeanor.

Section 5 allows a defendant previously sentenced to submit a petition to the court that requests they be sentenced under these new mechanisms, so long as the offense was committed prior to July 1, 2025, or the petition includes evidence that was not part of the record of the case at any sentencing hearing. The petition must be served upon the district attorney, and the state has 60 days to respond to the petition. There is a presumption that the hearing should be granted, although if a court denies the hearing, it must provide written findings for its reasoning. A hearing that is granted must be held within 90 days of the petition.

Section 6 allows a defendant to present evidence, at the time of sentencing, that they were subjected to acts of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse, and that those acts were a significant contributing factor to the offense that the defendant is being sentenced for. This section allows the following evidence to be introduced: hearsay; character evidence; evidence indicating they sought assistance from law enforcement, a counselor or social worker, or medical professionals; prior statements regarding these acts; evidence of the effects of battering and post-traumatic stress disorder; evidence pertaining to the alleged perpetrator's history of other types of these acts; expert testimony; or any other evidence that the court determines is credible and has sufficient probative value.

The judge may impose a different sentence if they believe that the defendant was subjected to these types of acts and that they were a significant contributing factor to the offense, or if the best interests of justice and welfare of society would be served. If the judge finds that one of those elements are met and the person was convicted of a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment, then they will be sentenced to imprisonment for between one and 30 years.

If that person was convicted of a felony other than one punishable by life or imprisonment or death, then they will be sentenced to imprisonment for between one and one-half the maximum period of time for which they could have been sentenced, by one-half the maximum fine to which they could have been subjected, or both.

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Section 7 provides for the evidentiary privilege in court proceedings for communications made in the context of victim-centered practices or victim-offender dialogues, as provided in O.C.G.A. 24-5-511, which is created in Section 8.

Section 8 creates the evidentiary privilege for communications made at any time while preparing for participating in a victim-centered practice or victim-offender dialogue. This information is not subject to discovery in court proceedings or public inspection. Parties involved in these practices or dialogues can refuse to share their communications relating to this and prevent others in court from doing so. Facilitators of these programs are immune from civil damages for statements, actions, omissions, or decisions made in the course of these practices or dialogues unless it was grossly negligent and made with malice or made with willful disregard for the safety or property of any party to the practice or dialogue.

Section 9 amends O.C.G.A. 45-3-7 to create a specific oath that all officers must take after July 1, 2025. The oath will be before the chief executive officer of the agency or any authorized judicial official, and that oath will be filed in and entered into the records of that agency. Agencies can add additional language, although it must be aspirational only and of no legal effect in any criminal proceeding. This also makes any aspirational language that is added have no legal effect in any civil or criminal proceeding.

Authored By: Rep. Stan Gunter (8th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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 62 months.

Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (112th)

Rule Applied: Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 630

State Board of Registration; remove used car division and the used parts division; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 630 revises requirements for the State Board of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers to be composed of 10 members. The bill revises requirements for applicants and existing applicants. In addition, both divisions within the board are merged to provide for more flexibility.

Authored By: Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

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: Rep. John LaHood (175th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HB 651 Motor vehicles; use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices in school zones; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 651 pertains to automated traffic enforcement safety devices. These devices are required to have yellow flashing lights when the device is operable to issue citations. The bill provides penalties for local governing authorities who are found to be violating their permit to use the device; violators may be issued a civil fine of $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for a second violation. If this does arise, the Commissioner of Public Safety may suspend their automated traffic
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enforcement safety device permits and must notify the Department of Transportation of the suspension. The suspended is allowed to have a hearing within ten days of the effective date of their suspension and, if disagreeing with the hearing's decision, may appeal it within 30 days. Unless otherwise stated through local ordinance or resolution, the device must be active one hour before and after classes are scheduled to begin and end. Violation occurs when an individual is going ten miles over the posted reduced speed limit. Further language is provided to give courts, where the recorded images from the devices are taken, jurisdiction over cases that may arise.

Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell (33rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

HB 652

Motor fuel tax; electricity delivered by certain electric vehicle charging stations; provide exception
Bill Summary: HB 652 amends Georgia's motor fuel tax code to clarify taxation of electricity used as a motor fuel through electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The bill introduces a fuel tax exemption for EV charging stations owned or operated by nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, as long as they meet certain requirements.

Authored By: Rep. Todd Jones (25th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

HR 7

George C. Trulock, Jr. Memorial Highway; Grady County; dedicate Bill Summary: HR 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;
HR 303, dedicating the interchange of Interstate 75 and US 280 in Crisp County as the Honorable Johnny Floyd Interchange;
SR 265, dedicating the interchange of Interstate 20 and State Route 92 in Douglas County as the Samuel Micah Moon Memorial Interchange;
SR 267, dedicating the intersection of U.S. 78 and Campbellton Street in Douglas County as the Aj'anaye Hill Memorial Intersection;
SR 284, dedicating the portion of State Route 92 from the Douglas County line to the Cobb County line as the Peace Officer Memorial Highway;
SR 348, dedicating the intersection of State Route 3 and Roach Hollow Road in Catoosa County as the Trooper William Black, Jr. Memorial Intersection;
SR 359, dedicating the portion of State Route 92 from Interstate 20 to Riverside Parkway in Douglas County as the Perry Parkway;
SR 371, dedicating the portion of State Route 16 from State Route 14 to State Route 54 in Coweta County as the Investigator Eric Anthony Minix Highway;
SR 378, dedicating the portion of Interstate 85 from Mile Point 73.872 to Mile Point 75 in Fulton County as the Jeff Foxworthy Highway;
SR 413, dedicating the bridge on State Route 49 over Interstate 75 (Exit 149) in Peach County as the
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Sgt. Patrick Sondron Memorial Bridge;

SR 414, dedicating the bridge on State Route 247 over Interstate 75 in Peach County as the Deputy Daryl Smallwood Memorial Bridge;

SR 439, dedicating the portion of State Route 40 from Charlie Smith Senior Highway/State Route 40 Spur to Church Street in Camden County as the Senator Sheila McNeill Memorial Highway;

SR 463, dedicating the intersection of State Route 400 and Whelchel Road in Lumpkin County as the Trooper First Class 2 Chase W. Redner Memorial Intersection;

SR 349, dedicating the portion of State Route 337 from State Route 48 to the Georgia/Alabama line in Chattooga County as the Martha Kay Tucker Memorial Highway;

SR 454, dedicating the portion of State Route 15 from mile marker 241.62 to mile marker 247.64 in Greene and Oconee counties as the Cary Williams, Jr. Highway; and

HR 328, dedicating the portion of Interstate 75 from the Riverdale exit to the Tara Boulevard exit in Clayton County as the Jeffrey E. Turner Highway.

Authored By: Rep. Joe Campbell (171st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

Rules Calendar
HR 40 House Study Committee on Reinsurance for Essential Industries; create Bill Summary: HR 40 creates the House Study Committee on Reinsurance for Essential Industries.

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

Rep. Demetrius Douglas (78th) Special Rules
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-03-2025 Do Pass

HR 72 House Study Committee on Cancer Care Access; create
Bill Summary: HR 72 creates the House Study Committee on Cancer Care Access. The committee is to be comprised of 12 committee members appointed by the speaker of the House.

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

Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Health
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 02-27-2025 Do Pass

HR 304 House Study Committee on the Costs and Effects of Smoking; create
Bill Summary: HB 304 creates the House Study Committee on the Costs and Effects of Smoking. The study committee will consist of five members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the House.

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

Rep. Michelle Au (50th) Public and Community Health
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 04-01-2025 Do Pass

HR 347 Georgia high schools; establish flag football programs for girls; urge Bill Summary: HR 347 urges Georgia high schools to establish flag football programs for girls.

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

Rep. Brent Cox (28th) Special Rules
Yeas: 172 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-13-2025 Do Pass

HR 429 House Study Committee on Funding for Next Generation 9-1-1; create
Bill Summary: HR 429 establishes the House Study Committee on Funding for Next Generation 91-1. The committee will consist of five members appointed by the speaker of the House. The committee will be abolished December 1, 2025.

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

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open

HR 557

House Study Committee on Georgia's Investment Funds; create
Bill Summary: HR 557 creates the House Study Committee on Georgia's Investment Funds. The committee will be comprised of five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker, of which two will be of the Minority Caucus. The committee will stand abolished on December 31, 2025.

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

Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick (95th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-26-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 558

House Study Committee on the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers; create
Bill Summary: HR 558 creates the House Study Committee on the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers. The study committee shall be comprised of the following members: four members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House, one of which is the chairperson of the Motor Vehicles Committee and one of which is the chairperson of the Regulated Industries Committee; the secretary of state or their designee; the commissioner of the Department of Revenue or their designee; one representative of a state or local law enforcement agency with experience in motor vehicle crime; and one member of the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board.

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

Rep. John Corbett (174th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-18-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 611

House Study Committee on Abandoned Child Placement Following Hospital Discharge; create
Bill Summary: HR 611 creates the House Study Committee on Abandoned Child Placement Following Hospital Discharge, which will study the abandonment of children after psychiatric hospitalization and other types of out-of-home care. The committee will be comprised of five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House.

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

Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Public and Community Health
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-26-2025 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

HR 711

House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education; create
Bill Summary: HR 711 establishes the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in Pre-K-12 Education. The study committee will conduct a comprehensive review of student attendance in pre-K through grade 12. The study committee will be composed of six members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House.

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

Rep. Chris Erwin (32nd) Education
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 04-01-2025 Do Pass

HR 753

House Study Committee on Improving Access to Internal Medicine in Rural Areas; create
Bill Summary: HR 753 establishes the House Study Committee on Improving Access to Internal Medicine in Rural Areas. The committee will examine the conditions, needs, issues, and challenges related to healthcare access in rural Georgia, particularly in communities facing shortages in health transportation.

It will consist of eight members, including legislators and healthcare providers. The committee is tasked with recommending necessary actions and legislation, with a report to be submitted by December 1, 2025.

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

Rep. Sandy Donatucci (105th) Rural Development
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 04-01-2025 Do Pass

HR 847 House Study Committee on Evaluating Funding for Public Health; create
Bill Summary: HR 847 creates the House Study Committee on Evaluating Funding for Public Health. The committee will be comprised of five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

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

Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Public and Community Health
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 04-01-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 885

House Study Committee on Election Procedures; create
Bill Summary: HR 885 establishes the House Study Committee on Election Procedures. This committee will examine Georgia's election laws, policies, and procedures, many of which have not been updated since 1964. The committee will recommend any necessary actions or legislation to ensure a secure and effective electoral system. It will consist of House members appointed by the Speaker, who will also designate the chairperson. The committee is set to be dissolved on December 1, 2025.

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

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Rules
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

HR 887 House Study Committee on Reducing and Prioritizing Mandates for Public School Administration; create Bill Summary: HR 887 establishes the House Study Committee on Reducing and Prioritizing Mandates for Public School Administration. The study committee will be composed of six members
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House.

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

Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Education
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 04-01-2025 Do Pass

SB 10

Superior Courts of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit; additional judge; provide
Bill Summary: SB 10 authorizes the governing authorities of counties within judicial circuits that have at least 15 superior court judges to provide funding for up to five judicial officers to serve those superior courts, with those judicial officers appointed by the chief judge of the circuit and requiring the same qualifications of superior court judges.

The judicial officers will not be elected, will serve terms not to exceed two years, and may be reappointed. Judicial officers will have all powers of a superior court judge, but will not preside over any case or matter related to a serious violent felony. Judicial officers will be employees of the county or counties that make up the judicial circuit.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Russ Goodman (8th) Judiciary
Yeas: 161 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-26-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 12

Inspection of Public Records; documents and records in the possession of private persons or entities; revise provisions
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 12 requires public agencies to act as custodians of public records and to produce specified public records on behalf of a private entity when necessary.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Frank Ginn (47th) Governmental Affairs
Yeas: 167 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 101

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; testing in the newborn screening system; require
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 101 states all benefits policies renewed on or after January 1, 2026 will include coverage for orthotic devices and prosthetic devices that are medically necessary for the following: activities of daily living, essential job-related activities, personal hygiene-related activities, and physical activities.

Coverage will be provided for no more than three orthotic devices or prosthetic devices per affected limb per covered person during any three-year period.

Coverage considered as habilitative or rehabilitative benefits will be comparable to coverage for other medical and surgical benefits, may be subject to the same cost-sharing requirements that apply to other medical devices, and may be limited for out-of-network providers. The bill requires the commissioner to submit a report to the House Committee on Insurance and the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee regarding implementation of coverage by July 1, 2032.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Public and Community Health
Yeas: 167 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 04-01-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 148

Public School Property and Facilities; outdoor learning spaces pilot program; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 148 amends the Quality Basic Education Act to allow local school boards to offer hunting safety instruction for students in grades six through 12. Each local board of education is also authorized to establish a curriculum for hunter safety instruction based on the hunter

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

education courses offered by the Department of Natural Resources. The State Board of Education will adopt instructional standards no later than April 1, 2026.

Section 2 creates O.C.G.A. 20-2-590, which establishes an outdoor learning spaces pilot program beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Private, nonprofit, and local school system funding may be utilized for design and construction costs.

Section 3 removes the requirement of involvement from a licensed physician or other person authorized by the Georgia Composite Medical Board in automated external defibrillator programs.

Section 4 increases the number of personal days school personnel may utilize accumulated sick leave for from three days to five days.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Bo Hatchett (50th) Education
Yeas: 165 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 179

Education; the academic and disciplinary records of each transferring student shall be provided within five days; require
Bill Summary: SB 179 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-149.3 to implement a new graduation requirement. Beginning in the 2031-2032 school year, students must have completed a computer science course or a career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) course embedded with computer science in grades eight through 12 in order to graduate. The computer science course will be in-person, virtual, or through remote instruction.

Section 2 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-319.1, to increase the payment by local school systems to Georgia Virtual School from $250 per student per semester course to $350 per student per semester course.

Section 3 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-690, to require private online virtual schools to report enrollment of students to the student's home school district.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Clint Dixon (45th) Education
Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 04-01-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 204

Criminal Procedure; offenses that are not serious violent felonies, sexual felonies, or other certain offenses to be charged by accusation of the district attorney; allow
Bill Summary: SB 204 prohibits counties and municipalities from regulating the storage of firearms. Lawful weapons carriers who have been aggrieved by a rule in violation of this preemption are provided the right to bring an action for an injunction or a civil cause of action. A plaintiff in a civil case is provided the ability to sue for either: A) actual damages or $25,000, whichever is greater, and collect reasonable attorneys' fees and any other costs associated with the action, or B) liquidated damages of three times the expenses of litigation and reasonable attorneys' fees. There is a one-year statute of limitations for these actions.

The bill also allows prosecutors to accuse an individual, rather than indict that person through the grand jury process, unless the charge includes a serious violent felony, a sexual felony, the 'Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act' (RICO), criminal street gang activity, or a violation of local law involving firearm preemption (16-11-173).

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Harold Jones II (22nd) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 99 Nays: 74

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

SB 207

Professions and Businesses; a preclearance process in the licensing of individuals with criminal records who make application to or are investigated by certain licensing boards and commissions; create
Bill Summary: SB 207 allows a person who plead guilty as a first offender and successfully completed the terms to be certified and employed as a firefighter, at the council's discretion, upon meeting the requisite qualifications.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Brian Strickland (42nd) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-19-2025 Do Pass

SB 218

Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission; shall be assigned for administrative purposes only to the Administrative Office of the Courts; provide
Bill Summary: SB 218 revises how payments are made to the members who serve on the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC), when information regarding a disciplinary matter is available to the public, and who has appeal rights related to decisions made by the PAQC. This moves the PAQC to the Administrative Office of the Courts for administrative purposes.

The bill further provides that the PAQC can employ investigators who have law enforcement powers, and that the commission can issue subpoenas.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 149 Nays: 18

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 04-01-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Local Calendar
HB 896 Hall County; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: HB 896 authorizes Hall County to levy a hotel/motel tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. David Clark (100th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 112 Nays: 59

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 234

City of Dalton; independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 234 provides a homestead exemption from City of Dalton School District ad valorem taxes in the amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the base year value of the homestead.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Chuck Payne (54th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 147 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 235

Whitfield County; school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 235 provides a homestead exemption from Whitfield County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the base year value of the homestead.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Chuck Payne (54th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Today on the Floor

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 147 Nays: 2

Amendments:

SB 330

City of Atlanta; independent school district ad valorem for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 330 provides a homestead exemption from City of Atlanta School District ad valorem taxes for residents 65 years of age or older, with an aggregate cap of $487,804,878, in the amount of $50,000.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Jason Esteves (35th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 150 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

SB 332

County Board of Education of DeKalb County; board members shall only be elected by electors of the DeKalb County school district; provide
Bill Summary: SB 332 provides that DeKalb County Board of Education members will be elected only by residents of that school district.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 112 Nays: 59

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 336

Dade County; school district ad valorem taxes; homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 336 provides a homestead exemption from Dade County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the base year value of that homestead.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Colton Moore (53rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 147 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Committee Actions

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

Intragovernmental Coordination Committee

SB 260

Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority; create
Bill Summary: HB 260 creates the Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority. The powers and responsibilities of the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority are transferred to this state authority. The board will consist of six members. The governor will appoint three members, with two being residents of Baldwin County. The president of the Senate and the speaker of the House will each appoint one member. The state property officer will appoint one nonvoting member.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Rick Williams (25th) Intragovernmental Coordination

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 896 Hall County; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: HB 896 authorizes Hall County to levy a hotel/motel tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. David Clark (100th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 234

City of Dalton; independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 234 provides a homestead exemption from City of Dalton School District ad valorem taxes in the amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the base year value of the homestead.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Chuck Payne (54th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 235

Whitfield County; school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; provide a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: SB 235 provides a homestead exemption from Whitfield County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the base year value of the homestead.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Chuck Payne (54th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 332

County Board of Education of DeKalb County; board members shall only be elected by electors of the DeKalb County school district; provide
Bill Summary: SB 332 provides that DeKalb County Board of Education members will be elected only by residents of that school district.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

SB 336 Dade County; school district ad valorem taxes; homestead exemption Page 17 of 18

House of Representatives

Daily Report for April 4, 2025

Committee Actions

Bill Summary: SB 336 provides a homestead exemption from Dade County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount by which the current year assessed value exceeds the base year value of that homestead.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Colton Moore (53rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

Rules Committee

HR 885

House Study Committee on Election Procedures; create
Bill Summary: HR 885 establishes the House Study Committee on Election Procedures. This committee will examine Georgia's election laws, policies, and procedures, many of which have not been updated since 1964. The committee will recommend any necessary actions or legislation to ensure a secure and effective electoral system. It will consist of House members appointed by the Speaker, who will also designate the chairperson. The committee is set to be dissolved on December 1, 2025.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Rules

Committee Action:

04-04-2025 Do Pass

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