Georgia Laws from July 1: July 1 is the start of the fiscal year in Georgia, and it also marks the day when most of the state’s new laws officially come into effect. From changes in taxes and education to safety and justice reforms, here are some of the most important laws that Georgians should know about.
Georgia Laws from July 1, 2025
Income Tax Cut, HB 111
Georgia’s income tax rate has gone down a little. It now stands at 5.19% instead of around 5.39%. This cut is part of a bigger plan to reduce it further to 4.99% by January 2026. People earning in the state will see a slight relief in how much they pay in taxes.
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Expanded Child Tax Credit, HB 136
Families with young kids will get extra help now. The child and dependent care tax credit is higher, and there is a brand-new credit of $250 for each child under 6 years old.
End of Subminimum Wages for Disabled Workers, SB 55
This new law says workers with disabilities must be paid at least the minimum wage. Employers can no longer pay them less just because of their disability. It supports equal pay and dignity for all workers.
Legal Changes
Fentanyl Sentencing Becomes Tougher, SB 79
To fight the fentanyl crisis, Georgia has raised penalties for those caught trafficking small amounts of the drug. The state hopes stronger punishments will help control the deadly drug problem.
Compensation for the Wrongfully Convicted, SB 244
People who were put in jail for crimes they didn’t commit can now ask for money as compensation. And if a prosecutor did something wrong, the wrongly accused can ask to get their legal fees back.
Survivor Justice for Domestic Violence Victims, HB 582
If someone was forced into a crime because of abuse or human trafficking, they now have the chance to get a lighter sentence or reduce the one they already got. This helps survivors get fairer treatment.
Simpler Self-Storage Auctions, HB 131
If someone doesn’t pay for their storage unit and the company wants to auction off the contents, they now only need to post one legal notice in the newspaper, not two.
Pay Raises for Judges, HB 85
Superior court judges in Georgia will now get a salary increase, giving a boost to the justice system workforce.
School Rule Changes
No More Expulsion Just for Absences, SB 123
Students can’t be kicked out of school anymore just because they were absent a lot. Schools now need to find better ways to help them instead of expelling them.
Safer Schools with Panic Alert Systems, SB 17
All public schools in Georgia must now install mobile panic alert systems. These connect directly to emergency services. Schools also need to use digital maps to help first responders find people quickly in an emergency.
New Rules for Early Childhood Workers, HB 175
Workers in daycares and Head Start programs will now go through stricter background checks. This includes fingerprinting and checks against child abuse and sex offender lists.
More Money for Schools, HB 371
Lawmakers have raised education funding under the Quality Basic Education Act. The budget goes from $300 million to $375 million, which will help improve public education quality.
Students Who Learn at Home Get Exam Access, SB 63
Home study students can now take certain exams at local schools. This gives them more chances to compete equally with school-going students
Veteran Support
More License Plates for Veterans, HB 208
Disabled veterans can now apply for two extra free license plates. Other Georgians can now also get new specialty plates honoring several institutions and causes like the Shepherd Center, state parks, and even Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Military Tax Relief, HB 266
Veterans in Georgia won’t need to pay income tax on their retirement money anymore. This law helps make life more affordable for former service members.
Others
Funeral Law Changes, SB 241
Georgia now allows organic human reduction, a process where human remains turn into soil naturally. This adds a new way for families to say goodbye to loved ones.
New Law Supports IVF, HB 428
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is now legally protected in Georgia. The law makes clear that people have the right to access this kind of fertility treatment.
Protecting Homemade Foods, HB 398
People who sell food, drugs, or cosmetics made at home now have more legal protection. Local governments can’t easily stop them from doing so.
Truck Weight Limits Increased, HB 164
Trucks in Georgia can now carry more weight on local roads, up to 84,000 pounds. This change could help move goods faster, though it may also bring road safety concerns.
Digital Driver’s Licenses are Valid, HB 296
Drivers in Georgia can now use their phone to show a digital driver’s license. But they still need to carry the physical one just in case.
New Rules for Landlords, HB 399
If your landlord lives outside Georgia, they now must have someone local to handle emergencies. This will help renters reach someone quickly if there’s a problem.
Extra Legal Protection After Natural Disasters, SB 201
Homeowners now have stronger legal safeguards when dealing with contractors and insurance after disasters. This law helps stop people from taking advantage during hard times.
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