North Gwinnett News

Lawmakers gathered for legislative days 10 through 13 this week, with over 800 bills filed and committee activities intensifying. The House passed the amended fiscal year 2025 budget on Thursday. House Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett presented HB 67, which outlines significant changes in the state's budget to fund the government until June 30, 2025. Recommendations for the AFY25 budget are based on $40.5 billion in anticipated state funds and a $2.7 billion surplus.

The proposed allocations include $750 million to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for water and wastewater infrastructure, $530 million in new funds to the Georgia Department of Transportation for freight infrastructure projects along interstate corridors, and $225 million to the Department of Administrative Services to reduce outstanding obligations to the state's liability insurance program.

Other key allocations are $114 million to fully fund K-12 enrollment growth, $50 million for additional school security grants at a rate of $68,759 per school, and $333 million in new funds for the Department of Corrections aimed at strengthening staffing, facilities, and safety. Additionally, there is a provision of $197 million earmarked for Hurricane Helene relief and recovery efforts.

Several bills have been highlighted as noteworthy:

- HB 76 requires public hearings for local transportation projects with significant impact.

- HB 92 proposes postponing the date by which local governing authorities can opt out of base year homestead exemption.

- HB 111 aims to reduce income tax rates.

- HB 112 provides a one-time tax credit for taxpayers who filed returns for both taxable years 2023 and 2024.

- HB 113 seeks to prohibit state agencies from purchasing goods from certain foreign countries or related entities.

- HB 137 increases the dollar value of certain public works contracts exempt from provisions relating to retention of contractual payments.

- HB 147 mandates an annual inventory of artificial intelligence usage by state agencies through the Georgia Technology Authority.

- HB 168 requires enactment of a local Act for reimposition of SPLOST sales and use tax.

In addition to these House Bills (HB), several Senate Bills (SB) are also under consideration:

- SB 28 enacts "Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025."

- SB 34 prohibits costs incurred by electric utilities due to providing services to commercial data centers from being included in any rates set by Public Service Commission.

- SB 37 enacts "AI Accountability Act."

- SB 68 provides substantive revisions regarding civil practice, evidentiary matters, damages, and liability in tort actions.

- SB69 enacts "Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act."

Furthermore:

- SB79 enacts "Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act."

Income tax-related bills include:

- SB89 increases tax credits based on federal child care expenses credits,

- SB111 enacts "Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act."

Lastly,

SR131 authorizes operation and regulation of sports betting and casino gambling activities by Georgia General Assembly – CA.