A wide-ranging slate of new Georgia laws went into effect Thursday, bringing changes that affect everything from court proceedings and elections to insurance coverage, consumer protections, and professional licensing.
Among the most significant changes is the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, which places new regulations on litigation financing. Litigation financing involves third-party companies paying legal costs in exchange for a portion of a settlement or judgment. The new law establishes requirements aimed at increasing transparency and consumer protections within that industry.
Homeowners are also affected by Georgia Act 285, which changes how manufacturer warranties for HVAC systems are handled. Under the new law, warranties will automatically transfer to a new homeowner when a house is sold. The warranty period begins on the day the system is installed by a contractor, and manufacturers are prohibited from requiring consumers to register their products for the warranty to remain valid. These provisions apply to HVAC systems sold on or after January 2, 2026.
Environmental and land-use regulations were updated under Georgia Act 259, which removes the definition of “special solid waste” and eliminates outdated terminology from state law. The act also removes the Board of Natural Resources’ authority to set rules for tracking or handling special solid waste. Developers seeking to build or modify waste facilities, such as landfills, must now provide proof that projects comply with local zoning and land-use regulations.
Changes are also coming to Georgia courtrooms. Georgia Act 23 allows certain court hearings to be digitally recorded rather than recorded exclusively by a court reporter, a move supporters say could improve efficiency and access to court records.
Election laws were revised under Georgia Act 293, which includes several changes affecting candidates, political committees, and the State Ethics Commission. Under the new law, the Ethics Commission is barred from initiating investigations into candidates within 60 days of an election. Local officials must now submit campaign finance reports directly to the State Ethics Commission, and candidates for county offices or school boards are required to show proof they have completed all mandatory training before qualifying to run.
The law also tightens requirements for political action committees, requiring PACs to formally register, maintain a bank account, and submit more detailed financial disclosures. Additionally, the Ethics Commission must remove home addresses from documents released to the public.
Mental health and substance abuse services are addressed in Georgia Act 44, which transfers oversight of drug treatment and mental health programs from the Department of Community Health to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Insurance-related changes include Georgia Act 277, which increases the amount of notice homeowners must receive before a policy is not renewed. Insurers are now required to provide 60 days’ notice, up from the previous 30 days.
Healthcare providers and patients are affected by Georgia Act 303, which requires insurance companies to implement a callback system or online scheduling tool so doctors can request calls instead of waiting on hold. The law also mandates that health insurers create programs to evaluate provider performance and reduce certain prior authorization requirements.
Motor vehicle regulations were updated under Georgia Act 272. The law changes how temporary license plates are issued by allowing approved third-party companies to create and issue the tags. It also requires anyone who boots a vehicle to obtain a permit and bans registering vehicles under shell companies as a way to avoid paying taxes.
The Georgia Public Accountancy Act of 2025 establishes new pathways for individuals seeking to become certified public accountants, expanding options for entering the profession.
Telehealth services were expanded under Georgia Act 79, which allows dentists to practice teledentistry under specific conditions outlined in the law.
Finally, Georgia Act 124 revises how film and media productions apply for and receive state tax credits. The law allows the Georgia Department of Economic Development to oversee the tax credit application process and charge fees for handling applications. It also requires production companies to pay all court costs if they appeal a denial of certification and lose.
Lawmakers say the new laws are intended to modernize state regulations, increase transparency, and provide additional consumer protections across multiple sectors.