Crossover Day—the deadline for payments to go out of their unique chamber and keep in consideration for this session—is shortly approaching, with committee hearings and legislative debates in full swing.
This week, we handed HB 67, the Senate’s model of the 2025 amended fiscal yr price range. With these appropriations, we’re returning hard-earned cash to state taxpayers—offering $250 refunds for single filers, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married joint filers—all made potential by Georgia’s robust conservative monetary stewardship. Investments in training and workforce improvement embody $50 million in class safety grants, wage will increase for Pre-Ok academics and funding for school profession academies. This price range is a dedication to Georgia’s working households, rural communities and conservative ideas—returning cash to taxpayers whereas making focused investments to maintain our state robust and affluent for future generations.
Most significantly, this price range prioritizes assist for these nonetheless recovering from Hurricane Helene, a storm that tore via Georgia over 100 days in the past. Lots of our rural communities—farmers, small companies and households—are nonetheless ready for reduction to restore the injury from this generational storm. The Senate’s price range consists of important funding to assist these Georgians get again on their toes by including $50 million to the Governor’s Emergency Fund to assist restoration efforts. These funds will assist households, farmers and companies rebuild, masking particles elimination, housing bills and hazard mitigation efforts. An extra $50 million will assist Georgia farmers and timber producers via the Georgia Improvement Authority, bringing the full funding in agriculture restoration to $300 million. We additionally included $15 million to assist nonprofit organizations aiding storm victims and $15.6 million to assist stabilize rural hospitals in disaster-affected areas. We should proceed to make sure that when catastrophe strikes, our residents aren’t left ready for reduction whereas bureaucratic crimson tape slows down restoration, and this rigorously crafted amended price range is a testomony to these efforts.
We additionally efficiently handed Senate Invoice 28, the “Crimson Tape Rollback Act of 2025.” This laws takes a tough take a look at the laws which have piled up over time and ensures they nonetheless serve their supposed function. For too lengthy, authorities overreach has positioned an unfair burden on small companies, farmers, and job creators—the spine of our financial system. SB 28 requires a small enterprise affect evaluation for future laws and financial affect evaluations for any new guidelines costing the state greater than $1 million over 5 years. Merely put, this invoice ensures that Georgia stays a low-tax, business-friendly state the place individuals can present for his or her households—with out being strangled by authorities forms.
On Wednesday, the Senate handed Senate Invoice 79, the “Fentanyl Eradication and Discount (FEAR) Act.” This invoice strengthens penalties for individuals who possess, distribute, or manufacture fentanyl, a drug that’s devastating communities throughout Georgia.
Fentanyl isn’t just one other unlawful drug—it’s a deadly poison that’s killing our family members at an alarming price. Final yr, Austin’s Regulation elevated penalties for fentanyl distribution, and SB 79 builds on that by tightening restrictions and cracking down on traffickers. We should do every thing in our energy to maintain these harmful substances out of our communities and shield our youngsters from those that would do them hurt.
This week, two sponsored two key payments I’ve authored handed via the Senate Committee on Judiciary. SB 132 ensures that people accused of against the law obtain a listening to earlier than present process a psychological competency analysis, defending their rights and stopping pointless delays. SB 207 establishes clear licensing requirements for people with legal data looking for occupational licenses. With one in six jobs in Georgia requiring a license, inconsistent guidelines make it troublesome for a lot of to reenter the workforce. SB 207 helps take away these limitations, offering a path to reintegration and financial independence. Each payments replicate my dedication to restricted authorities, private duty, and insurance policies that strengthen our communities.
I used to be honored to welcome the Council of Superior Court docket Judges to the Capitol on Thursday. This group offers our courts with crucial administrative, analysis, and communication assist, guaranteeing Georgia’s judicial system runs effectively. Recognizing the hardworking Georgians who make our state nice is at all times a privilege.
As we transfer into the second half of the legislative session, I encourage you to succeed in out with any questions or considerations. Thanks on your continued assist, and I look ahead to updating you on our progress within the weeks forward.
Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He represents the forty second Senate District, which incorporates Morgan County and parts of Henry, Newton and Walton counties. He could also be reached at (404) 463-6598 or by e-mail at Brian.Strickland@senate.ga.gov.
