New Georgia Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2025

Hey Forsyth friends!

Starting July 1, 2025, Georgia will roll out a wave of new laws that may affect everything from your morning commute to your child’s school day. We’ve rounded up the key changes in a simple, friendly format to help you stay informed. Here’s what you need to know:

🏫 Education & Schools

No More Expulsions for Absences (SB 123): Students can’t be expelled solely for excessive absences. Schools will now focus on helping students stay enrolled.
Cellphone Restrictions in K–8 (HB 340): Elementary and middle school students must keep personal devices put away during school hours.
Increased Education Funding (HB 371): The state’s education budget increases from $300 million to $375 million to enhance quality.
School Vouchers (SB 233): Eligible students can receive up to $6,500 to attend better-performing schools.
Parental Leave for Educators (HB 101): Public school employees are entitled to three weeks of paid parental leave.

👨‍👩‍⚕️ Health & Safety

Fentanyl Test Strips Legalized (SB 6): It’s now legal to carry test kits for fentanyl, helping reduce accidental overdoses.
Gestational Diabetes Care (HB 352): Health insurance must now cover better treatment for diabetes during pregnancy.
IVF Protections (HB 428): The right to in vitro fertilization is now legally protected in Georgia.

⚖️ Legal & Justice

Wrongful Conviction Compensation (SB 244): A new process provides payments to people who were wrongfully imprisoned.
Fentanyl Trafficking Penalties Increased (SB 79): Tougher penalties are now in place for fentanyl-related crimes.
Street Racing Penalties (HB 534): Street racing now comes with stricter consequences to help keep roads safe.

🚗 Transportation & Infrastructure

Digital Driver’s Licenses Approved (HB 296): You can now use a digital driver’s license—just keep your physical one handy for now.
Heavier Trucks Allowed on Local Roads (HB 164): Trucks are now allowed to be up to 84,000 lbs on non-interstate roads.

🏠 Consumer Protection

Homeowners Insurance Notices (SB 35): Insurers are required to notify policyholders before canceling coverage.
Catalytic Converter Sales Regulation (SB 40): Sellers of used catalytic converters must be registered and keep detailed records.
Mortgage Privacy Enhancements (HB 240): Mortgage brokers can’t cold-call you after you check your credit, helping protect your privacy.

🎖️ Veterans & Military

Additional License Plates for Disabled Veterans (HB 208): Veterans with disabilities can now get two extra free plates.
Military Retirement Tax Exemption (HB 266): Veterans don’t have to pay state income tax on their military retirement income.

👶 Family & Children

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (HB 586): Bigger tax credits are now available, plus a $250 credit for kids under age 6.
Ending Subminimum Wages for Disabled Workers (HB 112): It’s now illegal to pay disabled workers less than the minimum wage.

🌐 Digital & Online Safety

Age Verification for Online Content (SB 351): Websites with adult content must verify the user’s age.
Social Media Age Verification (HB 338): Social platforms must take reasonable steps to confirm users’ ages.

These new laws aim impact education, safety, justice, online protection, and support for families and veterans across Georgia. Whether you’re a parent, a commuter, a small business owner, or a student, there’s something in this update that might affect you. Stay informed, share the news with your neighbors, and visit LivinginForsyth.com often for more updates that matter to our community!

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