After completing Legislative Day 21 on Friday, Georgia lawmakers are now more than half way through the 40-day session. That means we are less than two weeks from Crossover Day, when bills must pass out of their respective chambers to survive, on March 6.
Here is a recap of what happened this week:
- The Senate advanced the first tort reform measure this session aimed at tackling lawsuit abuse. Senate Bill 68, sponsored by Sen. John F. Kennedy, R-Macon, would address several aspects of tort reform, including but not limited to reevaluating premises liability, requiring a truthful calculation of damages in personal injury cases (thereby eliminating “phantom damages”), and allowing a jury to know whether a plaintiff was wearing his or her seatbelt in an auto accident. The bill also proposes changes seeking to eliminate loopholes and amend certain procedures to ensure a fairer legal environment. It passed the Senate on Friday.
- The Senate advanced the “Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025” this week. SB 28, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, cleared the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee. The Foundation previewed regulatory reforms this week.
- On the issue of regulatory reform, the House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee held a hearing to learn more about the growth of Georgia’s regulatory code and how other states have sought to reduce regulatory burdens on citizens through both executive and legislative reform. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation testified before the committee.
- House Bill 92, sponsored by Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, passed the House. It will give local governments until March 31 to opt-out of the property tax relief voters adopted last fall.
- A hearing was held this week on Speaker Jon Burns’ comprehensive school safety legislation. HB 268 is sponsored by Rep. Holt Persinger, R-Winder. No action was taken. Education Committee Chairman Chris Erwin, R-Homer, said this was the most important issue before the committee this year.
- Tax relief for agricultural and timber communities in areas of the state impacted by Hurricane Helene advanced out of the House this week. HB 223 is sponsored by Rep. James Burchett, R-Waycross.
- Legislation known as the Distraction-Free Education Act, which would require local schools to adopt policies to prohibit the use of cell phones for all students through eighth grade, advanced in the House Education Committee Curriculum Subcommittee. HB 340, sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, now heads to the full Education Committee.
- HB 520, sponsored by Rep. Karen Mathiak, R-Griffin, which would license and regulate midwives in Georgia, was introduced this week.
- Also this week, Sen. Brian Strickland, R-McDonough, introduced SB 207, which would allow individuals with criminal records to receive a predetermination from a licensing board prior to attempting to receive an occupational license.
Lawmakers return on Monday for Legislative Day 22.
