As Georgia welcomes 2025, several new laws impacting education, elections, and tax regulations are set to come into force on January 1. While most legislation passed earlier in 2024 became effective in July, these laws were slated for implementation at the start of the new year.
Governor Brian Kemp has also outlined priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which begins January 13, focusing on hurricane relief and tort reform. Here’s a breakdown of the key laws taking effect in the state:
Expanded School Voucher Program
More Students Eligible for Education Vouchers
Senate Bill 233 introduces significant changes to Georgia’s school voucher program, expanding eligibility to students attending schools in the bottom 25% of the state’s academic performance ratings. The law provides $6,500 per student in educational funds, which can be used for private school tuition, home-schooling materials, transportation, textbooks, tutoring, therapy, or even dual enrollment courses.
The Georgia Education Savings Authority, established to oversee this program, has broadened eligibility. Any student residing in the attendance zone of a qualifying school—regardless of whether they attend that school—may apply. For instance, if a middle school is on the list, students in the corresponding elementary and high school zones can also qualify.
Budget and Impact
Funding is capped at 1% of Georgia’s public school budget, approximately $144 million, which could accommodate over 22,000 vouchers in 2025 if fully utilized. Applications are expected to open in early 2025.
Voting Registration Changes for Unhoused Individuals
New Registration Rules for Homeless Georgians
Updates to Georgia’s election laws under Senate Bill 189 include a provision mandating that unhoused individuals register using their county election office address to receive election-related mail. This change impacts the delivery of absentee ballots and eligibility notifications, potentially creating logistical challenges for some voters.
The law has sparked controversy and is being challenged by the Georgia State Conference of the NAACP and the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda. Critics argue it unfairly targets homeless individuals, as other voters may use addresses outside their primary residence for election mail.
New County Election Boards
Restructuring Local Election Oversight
Under Senate Bill 212, Georgia counties that previously relied on probate court judges as election superintendents must establish independent boards of elections by December 15, 2024. These boards will assume full responsibility for managing elections and primaries beginning January 1, 2025.
Counties such as Baldwin and Evans have already created new election boards in compliance with this law, marking a shift toward standardized election management across the state.
Tax Program Accountability
Enhanced Review of Tax Incentives
Senate Bill 366, championed by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, aims to improve oversight of Georgia’s tax incentive programs. The law requires the Georgia General Assembly to conduct at least 12 economic analyses annually, assessing the effectiveness and economic impact of these measures.
The Department of Audits and Accounting will publish the analyses on its website and collaborate with independent auditors to ensure transparency and accountability.
These legislative updates underscore Georgia’s evolving priorities, spanning education reform, election integrity, and fiscal responsibility. As these laws take effect, they will shape the state’s policies in 2025 and beyond.
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