Feb. 7, 2025 – Issue 04

Long gone is the ice and snow but warmer weather and a flurry of legislative activity took its place as the General Assembly returned to knock another four days off the session calendar. The House finished up its version of the Amended FY 2025 budget, sending it to the Senate for consideration. In addition, both the Speaker and the Lt. Governor rolled out more of their priorities for this session.

In this issue:

• Amended budget highlights
• Childcare tax programs
• School safety initiatives
• Senate priorities
• Sports betting is back....again
• Cobb Chamber members at the Capitol
• Bills of interest
  
  

House Passes its Version of the “Little” Budget

Even though the ice and snow delayed the joint budget hearings, House appropriators kept the budget schedule on track by completing its version of the Amended FY 2025 budget and passing it to the Senate this week. Known as the “little budget” as it only runs through the remainder of the current fiscal year, June 30, 2025, the House largely stuck to the Governor’s recommendations but did add additional funds for their priorities. The amended budget is $4.4 billion over the original $36.1 billion FY 2025 budget that the Governor signed last year.

Items of note:

• $750 million to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for water and wastewater infrastructure;
• $250 million to support water and wastewater infrastructure development through low-interest loans to local communities;
• $530 million in new funds to the Georgia Department of Transportation for freight infrastructure projects;
• $225 million to the Department of Administrative Services to reduce outstanding obligations to the state's liability insurance program;
• $114 million to fully fund K-12 enrollment growth;
• $50 million for additional school safety grants and an additional $3 million to GEMA for a school threat assessment tracking system;
• $22 million to the Department of Human Services for growth in utilization and increased cost of out-of-home care;   
• $1.7 million for new special victim unit to rescue exploited foster youth;
• An additional $197 million in Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts, including more than $35 million for rural hospitals affected by the storm and an additional $150 million in aid to farmers and timber producers affected by the storm, bringing the total House recommendation for hurricane relief to $811 million;
• $333 million in new funds to the Department of Corrections to increase staff positions and staff salaries, invest in facilities, and address safety through additional body cameras, tasers, and monitoring systems; and
• $5 million for Next Generation 911.

For the full Amended FY 2025 budget, please click here.

Lt. Governor Introduces Legislative Priority

On Tues., Feb. 4, Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced legislation creating a child tax credit and expanding childcare tax programs as one of his session priorities. SB 89 is sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland.

“We must do more to ensure that Georgia’s workers have access to affordable and quality childcare,” said Lt. Governor Jones. “Childcare is critical, not only for childhood development, but also for Georgia's economy. The proposed legislation will help families who are struggling to afford the cost of childcare and will encourage more businesses to offer childcare as an employee benefit. My priorities for this session are common sense and clear – supporting Georgia’s educators, businesses who employee them, and parents who are entering or already in the workforce. In Georgia, we will continue to take a strong stand to support our parents, teachers and students.”

The legislation is a result of the 2024 Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare. The current Georgia income tax credit for qualified child and dependent care expenses, based on a percentage of the federal credit allowed under Section 21 of the federal tax code, would be increased from the current 30 percent to 40 percent. A new Georgia Child Tax Credit, allowing taxpayers a credit of $250 per child under the age of seven, would be created. Additionally, Georgia’s employer-sponsored childcare tax credit granted to an employer who sponsors or provides childcare for employees, would be increased equal to 90% of the cost of operation to the employer (up from 75% under current law).

Speaker Burns Rolls out School Safety Legislation

Speaker Jon Burns introduced school-safety legislation Mon., Feb 3 resulting the 2024 school shooting in Barrow County that killed two teachers and two students.

The comprehensive proposal calls for improvements in information sharing among schools through a new anonymous app, increases penalties for those who make terroristic threats, and provides tax incentives to encourage gun owners to purchase firearm safety storage devices.

“The Georgia House is committed to taking strong action to ensure no parent, student or teacher ever has to fear for their safety when they drop their children off at school, go to class or go to work,” Burns, R-Newington, said during a news conference at the state Capitol. “This school safety plan is a comprehensive approach to securing our school buildings, prioritizing the mental health of our children and keeping Georgia’s students safe.”

Senate Majority Caucus Priorities

The Senate Majority Caucus rolled out its priorities for the 2025 legislative session on Mon., Feb. 3. Senate President Pro-Tempore John Kennedy and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch spoke with the public and media, and outlined the following legislative priorities of the Senate Republican Caucus:

• Disaster Relief: Assisting victims of Hurricane Helene will be a point of importance for the caucus. Senate President Pro-Tempore John Kennedy commented that “The families that have been devastated by Hurricane Helene have suffered generational losses, and they need help.” We’re going to do all that we can, and we’re going to be creative.”
• Lawsuit Reform: As is the hot topic of the year, lawsuit reform is a main priority of the Senate Republican Caucus. This issue has been stated by Governor Brian Kemp as his main priority this legislative session. The Senate Republican Caucus stated it will continue to support the Governor’s initiative.
• School Safety: The Senate Republican Caucus stated that this year’s budget will include a number of “robust school safety grants.” The Senate Republican Caucus will continue to support SB 17, titled “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” from Senator Jason Anavitarte and other laws that promote safety in our schools.
• Literacy: The Senate Republican Caucus will continue its multi-year initiative to expand literacy rates within the State of Georgia.
• Women’s Sports: The Senate Republican Caucus states that it will support SB 1 by Senator Greg Dolezal which the caucus called “comprehensive legislation that bans biological males from competing in women’s sports across Georgia – middle school, high school, and college.”
  
  

Sports Betting

Another legislative term means another attempt to make sports betting legal in Georgia. Sen. Carden Summers introduced SR 131 to amend Georgia’s constitution, legalizing sports betting and casino gaming. The resolution proposes creating a gaming commission to regulate and tax these activities at 20% of gross income. The General Assembly would issue at least eight casino gaming licenses. Tax revenue would go into the Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund, with the first $2 billion distributed to county governments and at least 5% of additional proceeds allocated to addiction prevention and treatment programs. This amendment requires two-thirds approval from both the House and Senate before being put to voters.

National Guard Day at the State Capitol

HR 138 by Chairman Josh Bonner of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committe and SR 82 by Chairman Chuck Payne of the Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee established Feb. 6, 2025, as National Guard Day at the Capitol. Members and leadership from Georgia’s National Guard came to the Capitol and were honored for their continued service to the United States of America and the State of Georgia.

Cobb Chamber Representation at RBC Day at the Capitol

The Regional Business Coalition (RBC) held its annual day at the Capitol. Participants were visited by multiple state lawmakers including House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, Sen. Shawn Still, Sen. RaShaun Kemp, Rep. Scott Hilton, Rep. Kimberly New, Sen. Mike Hodges, and Brad Vaughn, Legislative Director and Counsel to Lt. Governor Burt Jones.

The RBC is a nonpartisan organization of 17 local Chambers of Commerce throughout the metro Atlanta region. The primary goal is to represent the interests of RBC Chamber members on public policy issues impacting  transportation, water and air quality and to advocate for solutions that improve metro Atlanta’s quality of life and economic vitality.

The Cobb Chamber was represented (from left to right below) by Croy Engineering CEO, Greg Teague; Cobb Chamber EVP of Advocacy and Government Relations, Amanda Seals; Cobb Chamber President and CEO, Sharon Mason; and SelectCobb Executive Director and Cobb Chamber COO, Dana Johnson.

Johnson Ferry Christian Academy at the State Capitol

Middle schoolers and staff from the Johnson Ferry Christian Academy made a visit to the State Capitol this Wednesday, accompanied by Cobb Delegation member Representative John Carson. The students had the opportunity to tour around the Capitol and even had a visit from Representative Sharon Cooper, Governor Brian Kemp, and First Lady Marty Kemp.

Cobb County Delegation Update

The Cobb County Delegation held its weekly meeting on Monday and heard from Cumberland Community Improvement District Executive Director Kim Menefee regarding the CIDs request for state funding for the Cobb Parkway Pedestrian Bridge North.

The Cobb Parkway Pedestrian Bridge North would provide access across the 11-lane Cobb Parkway and provide necessary connection between Cumberland and the City of Smyrna. The Cumberland CID, City of Smyrna, and Cobb County are currently in cooperation to complete the project and provide pedestrians with safer access in between The Battery, Truist Park, and the City of Smyrna.

Doug Stoner Elected as DOT District 6 Commissioner

Cobb County’s own Former Representative Doug Stoner was elected to the Georgia Department of Transportation Board of Commissioners District 6. We would like to congratulate Doug on this honor and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.

City of Smyrna at the State Capitol

Governor and Mrs. Brian Kemp celebrated 2025 Firefighter Recognition Day at the Capitol.  City of Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton and his wife, Laura, caught up with members from the City of Smyrna Fire Department who were in attendance.

Legislation of Interest:

SB 57 by Sen. Blake Tillery
Legislation which prohibits discrimination in the provision of essential services. Essential services mean financial services or utility services.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 58 by Sen. John Albers
Legislation which provides for the licensing and operation of emergency organ transport vehicles as ambulance services. Exempts emergency organ transport vehicles from requirements relative to the Emergency Medical Systems Communications (EMSC) Program and a medical adviser.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services

SB 68 by Sen. John F. Kennedy
The first piece of legislation which would enact lawsuit reform in Georgia. This legislation provides substantive and comprehensive revision of provisions regarding civil practice, including the following: “To provide limitations relative to pain and suffering testimony; to provide for timing of answers and discovery; to provide for dismissals of civil actions; to provide for attorney's fees, court costs, and litigation expenses; to provide for admissibility of evidence related to seat safety belts; to provide for trial procedures; to provide for a negligent security cause of action; to provide for exclusive remedies for negligent security actions; to provide for apportionment of damages in negligent security actions; and to provide for limitations relative to special damages.”
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 69 by Sen. John F. Kennedy
The second bill released relating to Governor Kemp’s lawsuit reform initiative. Specifically, SB 69 aims to regulate third-party litigation financing practices in Georgia under the “Georgia Civil Practice Act.”
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 73 by Sen. Chuck Payne
Legislation which provides certain protections for veterans and other eligible persons applying for benefits in the State of Georgia.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security

SB 79 by Sen. Russ Goodman
Known as the “Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act”, this legislation revises the threshold amounts of fentanyl and related substances necessary to constitute the offenses of possessing, selling, distributing, and manufacturing of such substances and revises mandatory minimum departure provisions for defendants convicted of trafficking of substances in violation of Code Section 16-13-31, relating to trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana, or methamphetamine and penalties.
Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 86 by Sen. Jason Anavitarte
Legislation which would authorize retail dealers of alcoholic beverages to offer discounts to consumers through premiums, coupons, or rebates on alcoholic beverages purchased for consumption off the premises.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities

SB 111 by Sen. John Albers
Known as the “Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act”, this legislation aims to protect the privacy of consumer personal data, provide processor and controller responsibilities, and provide for security practices to protect consumer personal data.
Referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism

HB 148 by Rep. John Carson
Legislation which provides two additional pathways to CPA licensure in Georgia. Additionally, the legislation establishes practice privilege requirements making it easier for out-of-state CPAs to practice in the State of Georgia.
Referred to the House Committee on Regulated Industries

HB 209 by Rep. Ruwa Romman
Legislation which designates emergency medical services, including ambulance service, as essential services in Georgia.
Referred to the House Committee on Health

HB 216 by Rep. Vance Smith
Legislation which establishes the Georgia Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Advanced Technology Commission.
Referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism

HB 268 by Rep. Holt Persinger
Part of Speaker Jon Burns’ legislative priority on school safety, this bill would create the Office of Safe Schools within the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, provides technical assistance for local school systems to develop policies and procedures for their threat management teams, and develops a state-wide behavioral threat management operational process.
Referred to the House committee on Education

HB 286 by Rep. Yasmin Neal
Legislation which creates a sub-fund of the Seed-Capital Fund to provide startup capital to certain small businesses that are majority owned by students or graduates of a small business program of study of TCSG.
Referred to the House Committee on Higher Education

Conversations in Democracy

On Fri., Jan. 31, the Cobb Chamber hosted its first Conversations in Democracy program. The panel featured former Secretary of State and current president of Georgia College and State University Cathy Cox, Ben Ginsberg, former attorney who represented four of the last six Republican presidential nominees, former Cobb District Attorney Joyette Holmes and outgoing DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. Moderated by Bert Reeves, former GOP House member and current Cobb GAC Chair, the group discussed challenges they have overcome in political environments while maintaining civility and integrity, as well as examples that can be used to move a conversation forward when it might not be the easiest task at hand. We are grateful to these panelists and attendees for being part of the conversation and look forward to hosting a second forum later this year.

Next Week at the Capitol

Mon., Feb. 10 – Legislative Day 14 – Cobb Chamber GAC Day at the Capitol
Tues., Feb. 11 – Legislative Day 15
Wed., Feb. 12 – Legislative Day 16
Thurs., Feb. 13 – Legislative Day 17
Fri., Feb. 14 – Recess Day

If you have any questions about the Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Committee, the Cobb Chamber legislative priorities or legislative advocacy in general, please reach out to Amanda Seals, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations.