New Georgia Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2025: What you need to know.

As Georgia moves into the second half of 2025, residents across the state should be aware of a wave of new laws taking effect on July 1. These legislative changes impact everything from taxes and education to criminal justice, public safety, and family protection.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important Georgia laws you need to know as they go into effect.

Tax Relief and Financial Changes in Georgia

1. HB 111 – Income Tax Reduction

Georgia’s flat income tax rate drops from 5.39% to 5.19%. This is part of a multi-year plan to reduce the rate to 4.99%, providing relief to millions of Georgia taxpayers.

2. HB 136 – Child Tax Credit Expansion

Families in Georgia will benefit from expanded tax credits, including a new \$250 tax credit per child under the age of six and increases to the dependent care credit.

3. SB 55 – Fair Pay for Workers with Disabilities

Georgia becomes one of the first Southern states to eliminate subminimum wages for workers with disabilities, ensuring equal pay for equal work.

4. HB 266 – Military Retirement Exemption

Georgia veterans receiving military pensions will no longer pay state income tax on that income.

Education Policy Overhaul in Georgia Schools

5. SB 1 – Riley Gaines Act

This new law bans transgender girls (assigned male at birth) from competing in girls’ sports at Georgia K–12 and public colleges. It also mandates bathroom and locker room access by biological sex.

6. HB 340 – Distraction-Free Education Act

Cell phones and personal electronic devices are now banned in elementary and middle school classrooms to reduce distractions and improve student focus.

7. Statewide Panic Button Requirement

All Georgia K–12 schools and colleges must now install “panic button” alert systems to improve emergency response times and campus safety.

8. HB 172 – Veterinary Student Loan Relief

To combat vet shortages in rural Georgia, student loans for veterinary professionals working in underserved areas will now be forgiven under this law.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice Updates

9. SB 79 – Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act

In response to the opioid crisis, Georgia now imposes tougher penalties, including mandatory minimums, for fentanyl trafficking.

10. SB 72 – Hope for Georgia Patients Act

Terminally ill patients in Georgia now have expanded access to investigational drugs outside of clinical trials under this compassionate care law.

Environmental and Burial Options Now Expanded

11. SB 241 – Human Composting Legalized

Georgia becomes one of the few states to legalize natural organic reduction (human composting) as an eco-friendly alternative to burial or cremation.

Family & Consumer Protection

12. HB 177 – Pet Protections in Abuse Cases

Domestic violence victims in Georgia can now include pets in protective orders, offering additional safeguards for vulnerable animals.

Legal and Business Liability Reform

13. Tort Reform Package

Several new measures limit liability in negligence lawsuits, regulate third-party litigation funding, and offer stronger protections for Georgia businesses.

14. SB 144 – Manufacturer Immunity Expansion

Fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers in Georgia will have updated protections against certain liability claims.

Other Notable Georgia Laws

15. Battlefield Preservation Funding

New funding will support the preservation of historic battlefields and cultural heritage sites across Georgia.

16. HB 167 – Hunting Safety Vest Requirement

Hunters are now required to wear high-visibility pink or orange safety vests in certain hunting zones to reduce accidents.

From tax relief to education reform and safety protections, these new Georgia laws effective July 1, 2025, will touch nearly every part of life across the state. Whether you're a parent, business owner, educator, or simply a concerned citizen, staying informed on Georgia legislation is more important than ever.

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