Breaking Down Georgia’s New Laws Effective July 2025
As of today, July 1, 2025, a host of new laws are officially in effect across Georgia, marking the start of the fiscal year. These laws, passed during the recent legislative session, cover a wide range of topics, from tax cuts to education reforms. Here’s a summary of some of the most notable changes:
Money & Finances
- Income Tax Cut (HB 111): Georgia’s flat income tax rate has been reduced from 5.39% to 5.19%, with plans to lower it further to 4.99% in the future.
- Child Tax Credit Expansion (HB 136): Families can now claim a $250 tax credit for each child under six, along with increased dependent care credits.
- Fair Pay for Workers with Disabilities (SB 55): Subminimum wages for workers with disabilities have been eliminated.
Law & Crime
- Tougher Fentanyl Penalties (SB 79): Stricter sentences for fentanyl trafficking aim to combat the opioid crisis.
- Wrongful Conviction Relief (SB 244): Wrongfully convicted individuals can now seek compensation and reclaim attorney fees if prosecutorial misconduct is proven.
- Survivor Justice Act (HB 582): Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking who committed crimes under duress can request reduced sentences.
Education & Child Safety
- Fairness in Sports (SB 1): School sports teams must now be designated by sex, limiting participation accordingly.
- Ban on Cellphones in K–8 (HB 340): Elementary and middle school students must keep personal devices stowed during school hours.
- Increased Education Funding (HB 371): Funding for education has been raised from $300 million to $375 million.
Family & Health
- Fentanyl Test Strips Legalized (SB 6): Tools to test drugs for fentanyl are now legal, promoting harm reduction.
- Adoptees’ Rights (SB 100): Adult adoptees can request their original birth certificates without a court order.
- Gestational Diabetes Care (HB 352): Health insurers must provide better coverage for diabetes treatment during pregnancy.
Consumer Protection
- Property Insurance Notifications (SB 35): Insurers must notify homeowners before canceling policies.
- Mortgage Privacy (HB 240): Mortgage brokers are now restricted from making unsolicited calls after credit checks.
Military & Veterans
- Military Tax Exemption (HB 266): Military veterans are now exempt from paying income tax on retirement income.
Infrastructure & Transportation
- Digital Driver’s Licenses (HB 296): Mobile driver’s licenses are now legally valid, though physical copies are still required.
Animal Protection
- Roadside Pet Sales Ban (HB 331): Selling pets from cars or gas stations is now prohibited, ensuring only licensed sellers can operate.
Symbolic Changes
- State Stew Designation (HB 233): Brunswick stew has been named Georgia’s official state stew.
- Fluorescent Pink Hunting Gear (HB 167): Hunters can now wear blaze pink as an alternative to orange for safety.
These laws reflect Georgia’s efforts to address a variety of issues, from public safety and education to consumer rights and family health. For a full list of the new laws, visit the Georgia State Legislature’s website.
