House Speaker Jon Burns of Newington, Georgia, has highlighted several legislative priorities that will take effect on July 1, 2025. These measures coincide with the start of the fiscal year 2026 in Georgia.
“This year, the Georgia House had an incredibly successful legislative session where we passed strong, conservative legislation that puts Georgians and their families first,” said Speaker Burns. He emphasized accomplishments such as tax reductions, school safety enhancements, educational resource improvements, public safety policy strengthening, and increased healthcare access for families.
Among the key legislations taking effect is HB 111, which reduces the state personal and corporate income tax rate from 5.39 percent to 5.19 percent. The “Riley Gaines Act” aims to protect women’s sports by banning biological males from participating or receiving athletic scholarships designated for women.
HB 268 mandates improved physical security in schools and increases access to mental health resources while strengthening penalties for terroristic threats. HB 340 seeks a distraction-free learning environment by banning cellphones in K-8 classrooms. HB 428 codifies access to in vitro fertilization for families facing infertility challenges.
The “Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act” focuses on increasing penalties related to fentanyl distribution.
The fiscal year 2026 budget includes allocations such as $22.7 million for literacy improvement recommendations by the Georgia Council on Literacy and $19.6 million for mental health resources through “Student Support Service Grants.” Public schools will receive $108.9 million collectively for security upgrades.
Additionally, $14 million in lottery funds is set aside to enhance Pre-K education programs; $8.8 million aims to expand maternal healthcare access statewide; $7.4 million supports graduate medical education programs; and $9.4 million funds a new behavioral health crisis center in North Fulton.
For further details on these legislative actions effective July 1, visit: [link].
