Georgia Laws Going Into Effect in 2025
As a new year arrives, that also means new laws. It’s always a good idea to be aware of new laws going into effect on January 1, because these laws could impact you. You also never want to be surprised by new laws, too. So, let’s get into some new Georgia laws going into effect in 2025, so you know what to expect as we start a new chapter.
New Georgia Laws for 2025
New School Vouchers
Per SB 233, students who attend the lowest performing 25% of schools under Georgia’s academic rating system will be able to apply for $6,500 vouchers to enable what the lawmakers call “educational freedom.” The students can spend that money on a variety of things, including private school tuition, textbooks, transportation, home-schooling supplies, therapy, tutoring, early college courses for high school students and more. Applications will start being accepted in early 2025.
Voting Registration Changes
The state’s new election law SB-189 is already in effect, but the part governing where homeless people register to vote starts in January 2025. The section requires that homeless people use their county’s election office to get election-related mail, including absentee ballots. There is a lawsuit going on that deals with this law, though, by the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda. The lawsuit is because all other Georgia voters are able to get mail at their address of choice.
New Georgia County Election Boards
Starting on January 1, 2025, due to SB-212, local governments will give a board of elections the duty of serving as the election superintendents for Georgia counties that don’t have their own board of elections and registrations.
Also, following the passing of Senate Bill 366, a new law increases the Georgia General Assembly’s right to do audits and analyses of Georgia’s tax incentive programs.
So, these are some of the new laws going into effect in the new year. While you’re getting in that last bit of Christmas cheer, listening to Christmas songs and thinking of New Year’s Eve things to do, think about these new laws that will go into effect in 2025. Also, it’s worth noting that for state laws, each state has different methods for approving laws. One commonality, though, is that many states have their new laws go into effect on January 1 of a new year. Some state and federal laws also go into effect on July 1, because that makes the halfway point between the year.
