As the 2025 General Assembly draws to a close, seasoned observers understand that the final days are often the busiest. With the legislative session set to conclude on April 4, 2025, Republican leaders in Georgia have successfully advanced key legislation that upholds conservative principles—strengthening families, safeguarding children, reducing government overreach, and promoting fiscal responsibility.
West Cobb State Representative Devan Seabaugh has reported that several important bills have passed both chambers and are now headed to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk for signature.
Key Conservative Legislative Wins:
SB 123 – Chronic Absenteeism in Schools
Defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school year and implements intervention strategies. Schools with high absenteeism rates must establish review teams to address attendance issues, ensuring students remain in the classroom and receive the education they deserve.
SB 85 – Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act
Provides up to $30,000 in grants for current and former foster youth under age 26 to pursue postsecondary education, helping them achieve independence and long-term success.
SB 72 – Rare Disease Patient Access
Expands in-state care options by creating legal protections for physicians to prescribe individualized treatments for rare diseases, ensuring Georgia families can access cutting-edge medical care without unnecessary bureaucratic interference.
SB 42 – Tougher Penalties for Exploitation of Minors
Closes a legal loophole by aligning penalties for pimping and pandering minors with human trafficking laws, further protecting Georgia’s children from exploitation and abuse.
SB 79 – Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act
Strengthens penalties for fentanyl trafficking, establishing mandatory minimum sentences starting at eight years and imposing a $75,000 fine for possession of four grams or more. This is a critical step in combatting the fentanyl crisis and keeping our communities safe.
SB 245 – Grandparent Visitation Rights
Allows grandparents to petition the court every two years to modify visitation rights when a parent is deceased, incarcerated, or incapacitated, reinforcing the importance of family bonds.
HB 340 – Device-Free Classrooms
Directs public schools to restrict personal device use during school hours to enhance student focus and improve academic outcomes, reinforcing discipline in the classroom.
HB 111 & HB 112 – Tax Relief for Georgians
Reduces the state income tax rate to 5.19% and authorizes one-time income tax refunds for 2023 and 2024 filers, ensuring hardworking Georgians keep more of their earnings.
HB 428 – Protecting IVF
Codifies protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Georgia law, ensuring families have access to reproductive technology without government interference.
Additional Conservative Measures Passed:
SB 9 – Criminalizes AI-generated deceptive media used to interfere with elections, protecting election integrity.
SB 40 – Limits cash payments for scrap metal to deter theft, curbing crime.
SB 44 – Updates school funding formulas related to millage rates, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
SB 56 – Provides indemnity claims for public safety officers who died from COVID-19.
SB 63 – Ensures homeschool students can access standardized tests, supporting parental choice in education.
SB 69 – Regulates third-party litigation financing to protect consumers from predatory lawsuits.
SB 105 – Expands veterinary telemedicine and licensing for foreign-trained veterinarians, bolstering Georgia’s rural communities.
SB 110 – Clarifies child neglect laws to protect reasonable independent activities by minors, affirming parental rights.
SB 112 – Allows HVAC warranties to transfer to new homeowners, reducing regulatory red tape.
SB 119 – Clarifies property rules for manufactured homes, protecting homeowners.
SB 147 – Helps inmates transition by providing IDs and education records, reducing recidivism.
SB 149 – Updates eligibility for tuition equalization grants, increasing education accessibility.
SB 180 – Streamlines apprenticeship program oversight, promoting workforce development.
SB 193 – Creates adult workforce high school diploma programs, strengthening the labor force.
SB 233 – Expands Georgia’s Behavioral Health Reform Commission, improving mental health services.
HR 273 – Declares Incheon, South Korea, as a sister city-state to Georgia, fostering international partnerships.
