Georgia Laws Changing July 1: From Income Tax To Driver's Licenses

Newsweek

6 days ago

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As the new fiscal year starts in Georgia on July 1, a slew of new laws will be coming into force, impacting residents across the Peach State.
State Governor Brian Kemp has put his signature on hundreds of new bills, including a decrease in income tax rates, a boosted child tax credit, new rules on phones in schools, and access to new medical treatments for seriously ill Americans.
Here's everything you need to know that's changing in Georgia starting next month:
Money & Finance
Georgia's flat income tax rate drops from 5.39 percent to 5.19 percent, with a plan to reach 4.99 percent over time.
The child and dependent care tax credit is expanded, with a new $250 credit for each child under the age of 6.
Sub-minimum wages for workers with disabilities are eliminated, ensuring equal pay.
Law & Justice
Sentences for fentanyl trafficking are now tougher, even for small quantities.
Wrongfully convicted individuals can seek compensation; misconduct by prosecutors may trigger reimbursement of attorney fees.
Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking can request reduced sentences for crimes committed under duress.
Statue of former Governor and U.S. Senator Richard B. Russell on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol on December 30, 2024.
Statue of former Governor and U.S. Senator Richard B. Russell on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol on December 30, 2024.
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Education & Children
Regarding schools and families, the following changes have been made:
Cell phones and devices must remain stored during K–8 school hours.
Known as "Ricky and Alyssa's Law," there is a new law requiring all public K-12 schools to install mobile panic alert systems that connect directly to emergency services.
School sports teams must be designated by sex assigned at birth, not preferred identity.
Home-study students are guaranteed access to standardized exams from local schools.
Schools can no longer expel students for chronic absences alone; supportive interventions are required.
Public colleges must report funding from any Chinese-linked sources.
Daycare and Head Start employees face stricter fingerprinting and registry checks.
Public education funding increases from $300 million to $375 million under the Quality Basic Education Act.
Motoring
There are only a few changes for motorists starting in July. Some of these are:
A phone wallet driver's license is legally valid—just remember to keep a physical copy, too.
Heavier vehicles will be able to use local roads, with trucks permitted to be 4,000 lbs heavier (up to a limit of 84,000 lbs) on non-interstate roads.
New "America First" specialty license plates will become available.
Health
In health and family policy, Georgia has:
Legalized the use of fentanyl test strips to help prevent overdoses.
Adult adoptees will have the right to request their original birth certificates without a court order—known as Andee's Law.
Patients with serious illnesses will gain expanded access to experimental treatments.
In vitro fertilization is now explicitly protected and defined under state law.
Health insurers will be required to provide better coverage for gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Drug reimbursements under state health plans must reflect transparent pricing.
State employee health plans must include high-deductible options.
Military and Veterans
For military families and veterans:
Eligibility for burial in state veterans cemeteries has been expanded.
Military retirees are now exempt from paying state income tax on their retirement income.
Other Changes
Some other notable laws include: