It’s out with the old and in with the new for 2025, and that includes some new laws in the state of Georgia. This year, we’ve made a handy dandy guide for 5 important laws that will be going into effect this year–and why they’re important.
If you’d like to see all the new laws, you can check out the Georgia General Assembly’s website, here!
1. SB 212 – Probate Judges
According to BillTrack50,
This bill amends Georgia laws to end the involvement of probate court judges in elections and establish county boards of elections and registration in counties where the probate court judge currently serves as the election superintendent. The bill outlines the composition, powers, and duties of these new county boards, including administering elections, voter registration, and absentee balloting. It also removes the ability of probate judges to serve as election superintendents and makes corresponding changes to related election laws.
Basically… it takes probate judges (a legal professional who oversees the estate administration of deceased individual) out of any formal role in elections.
Read all the details about this new law here.
2. HB 451 – “Ashley Wilson Act”
According to ACCG,
The Ashley Wilson Act (the Act or HB451) requires all public entities in Georgia to offer a supplemental benefit program for first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from exposure to line of duty traumatic events. It creates a once-per-lifetime financial safety net to assist with uninsured costs associated with PTSD treatment and recovery. A first responder may access the benefits quickly and confidentially without worry over stigma or job loss.
Basically… any first responders diagnosed with PTSD on the job are entitled to two distinct benefits.
What are these benefits?
- $3,000 lump-sum benefit paid following diagnosis of occupational PTSD by a qualified diagnostician
- a long-term disability benefit if the eligible first responder is no longer able to perform their duties as a first responder
3. HB 158 – DeKalb Judicial Circuit
According to Legiscan.com,
[this law is] relating to general provisions regarding superior courts, so as to change the name of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit to the DeKalb Judicial Circuit; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Basically… it’s a name change law. Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit is now officially the DeKalb Judicial Circuit. 11Alive News says, “if you’ve ever referred to the “DeKalb County District Attorney,” you were already informally making this change yourself.”
Learn more about this law here!4. HB 181 – Kratom Possession
According to BillTrack50,
[the law] relating to kratom, so as to revise definitions; to prohibit the sale or transfer of possession of kratom to an individual under 21 years of age; to prohibit an individual under 21 years of age from purchasing or possessing kratom; to prohibit the ingestion of kratom through a heating element or vaporizing mechanism or the selling of such mechanisms; to provide for penalties; to provide requirements and limitations relating to the sale of kratom products in this state; to prohibit the sale of kratom unless behind a counter or in a secured display; to revise packaging requirements; to require manufacturers and others to maintain a registered agent in this state; to provide for violations of such requirements; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Basically… individuals under the age of 21 cannot purchase of possess kratom. Kratom will also have new requirements for specific labeling and concentration. This new law also prohibits the ingestion of kratom though vaping or similar devices.
Wait… what is kratom?
According to drugs.com,
Read all about this law here!Kratom is a herbal substance that has a stimulant and opioid-like effect. Kratom stimulant effects include alertness, rapid heart rate, and increased energy. Kratom can also cause effects such as relaxation, confusion, and pain relief similar to opioids and sedatives effect.
5. HB 1072 – Tax Exemptions
According to 11Alive News,
Most of this law took effect last year, but January 1 will be the effective date for tax exemptions included in the bill which relate to donating drugs to a state drug repository program.
Basically… this law details tax exemptions for donating drugs to a state drug repository program.
You can learn more about the donated drug repository program on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website, here!