These 16 new GA laws are now in effect. Here’s what you need to know
Starting July 1, dozens of new Georgia laws will go into effect, changing the rules on everything from your paycheck to your kid’s school to what you can carry in your pocket.
This year’s legislative updates touch nearly every corner of daily life, from lower income tax rates, stricter drug penalties, new education mandates, expanded tenant rights, and beyond.
Whether you’re a parent, a driver, a worker, or just someone trying to keep up, there’s a good chance something here affects you.
Here’s a breakdown of the key laws and what they mean for Georgia residents.
Money and Taxes
Lower state income tax rate: The flat income tax rate drops from 5.39% to 5.19%, with future plans to reduce it further to 4.99%.
Boosted child tax credit: The child and dependent care tax credit increases, providing a new $250 credit for eAlthough most of the laws reflect a focus on public safety, education and financial relief, you still should educate yourself on any changes or updates because “ignorance of the law excuses no one.”ach child under age 6.
End to subminimum wages for disabled workers: Paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities is now prohibited, promoting equal pay.
Law and crime
Stricter penalties for fentanyl trafficking: Harsher sentences and fines for trafficking fentanyl, even in small amounts, to combat the opioid crisis.
Compensation for wrongful convictions: Individuals wrongfully convicted can seek compensation. If prosecutor misconduct is proven, defendants can recover attorney fees.
Survivor Justice Act: Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking who committed crimes under duress can petition for reduced sentences.
Harm-reduction measures: It is no longer illegal to carry tools that test drugs for fentanyl, helping prevent overdoses.
Education and child safety
Mobile device restrictions in schools: K–8 students must store mobile phones and electronic devices away during school hours.
Panic alert systems: All public K–12 schools must install mobile panic alert systems that connect directly to emergency services (“Ricky and Alyssa’s Law”).
Sports team designation: School sports teams must be categorized by sex assigned at birth, not preferred identity (“Riley Gaines Act”).
Standardized testing for home-study students: Home-study students are guaranteed access to standardized testing at local schools.
Chronic absenteeism intervention: Schools cannot expel students solely for chronic absenteeism; instead, they must provide supportive interventions.
Transparency for foreign funding: Public colleges must disclose any funding from sources linked to China.
Stricter background checks for childcare: Daycare and Head Start staff face stricter fingerprinting and registry checks.
Other notable laws
Specialty license plates: New specialty license plates are available, including for state parks, black bass conservation and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation. Disabled veterans can now apply for two additional free license plates.
Electronic driver’s licenses: Provisions allow for driver’s licenses to be presented in electronic format.
Safety for the severely ill: Improved access to medical treatments for severely ill individuals and updates to health insurance provisions.
Legislative updates to current laws
Eviction and rental laws: New provisions for eviction services and requirements for landlords to have in-state staff for tenant communications.
Insurance and consumer protections: Updates to insurance requirements, including increased notice for homeowners’ insurance nonrenewal and new warranty protections for HVAC systems.
Local tax exemptions: Numerous local homestead and school district tax exemptions are expanded or revised across various counties and municipalities.
Are you ready for the new laws coming July 1? How are you feeling about implementing them? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published June 27, 2025 at 2:35 PM with the headline "These 16 new GA laws are now in effect. Here’s what you need to know."
