More than 100 new Georgia laws officially took effect Wednesday, July 1, bringing changes that impact education, public safety, tax policy, workforce development, and families across the state.
Georgia Senate Republicans highlighted the new laws as part of their legislative agenda, saying the measures focus on lowering the cost of living, improving quality of life, and investing in future generations.
Among the laws aimed at reducing the cost of living is SB 447, which streamlines local permitting to reduce delays and costs for businesses and development projects. HB 328 expands scholarship tax credits to help fund student scholarships, while HB 945 strengthens protections against elder financial exploitation by allowing banks to pause suspicious transactions. HB 987 creates portable benefit plans for independent workers, and HB 1470 seeks to reduce abusive website accessibility lawsuits.
Several new laws focus on public safety and community protections. SB 591 increases penalties for disrupting religious services and funerals, HB 295 prohibits local sanctuary city policies and requires cooperation with immigration enforcement, and SB 443 strengthens penalties for unlawful violent protests. Additional measures include SB 403, which updates unclaimed property laws involving digital assets, and HB 134, which protects Georgia’s working forests and green spaces.
Education was another major focus of the legislative package. New laws include the DREAMS Scholarship under SB 556, which creates need-based scholarships for Georgia students, and SB 150, allowing retired educators to return to full-time classroom teaching. SB 148 increases personal leave flexibility for teachers, while HB 1107 requires greater transparency from teacher preparation programs.
Lawmakers also approved several measures designed to support children and families. HB 350, known as the Eliza Jane Warner Act, expands Georgia’s Safe Haven law for newborns. HB 1118 provides paid maternal leave for eligible new mothers, SB 383 strengthens child fatality review and prevention efforts, HB 1097 enhances background checks for caregivers, and SB 589 updates kindergarten and Pre-K enrollment age requirements.
State Republicans also pointed to additional legislation taking effect that includes the Distraction-Free Education Act, a crackdown on fentanyl-related crimes, and another reduction in Georgia’s state income tax.
Supporters say the legislation reflects priorities centered on economic growth, safer communities, education, and family support. Opponents of some measures have raised concerns about the potential impacts of certain policies, particularly those related to immigration enforcement and education, during the legislative process.
The new laws officially took effect statewide on July 1, although implementation timelines for some provisions may vary depending on the specific legislation and state agencies responsible for enforcement.