Lawmakers in the Georgia General Assembly moved forward with a series of significant legislative measures on Thursday, tackling state income tax cuts, school safety enhancements, and a boost to medical marijuana potency as part of a pivotal “Crossover Day” in the 2025 session. The day, a crucial deadline for bills to pass at least one chamber to stay alive, also saw bans on roadside pet sales and hemp-infused drinks advance, while efforts to legalize sports betting hit yet another roadblock.
Tax Reform and Tort Law Overhaul Take Center Stage
Georgia legislators took decisive action on tax reform, passing House Bill 111, which would cut state income tax collections by an estimated $869 million next year. Another measure, House Bill 112, proposes a $250 rebate for taxpayers, offering direct financial relief. Both bills cleared the House and are now awaiting a vote in the Senate.
Simultaneously, the legislature is gearing up for a major overhaul of the state’s legal system, an initiative central to Gov. Brian Kemp’s agenda. Senate Bill 68 and Senate Bill 69 aim to limit excessive jury awards and tighten business liabilities. The proposals would also allow juries to consider whether a driver involved in a crash was wearing a seat belt—a significant shift in evidentiary rules. Final votes in the House will determine the fate of these legal reforms in the coming weeks.
Sports Betting Falters Again Despite Late Push
Optimism among sports betting advocates faded late Thursday as lawmakers once again declined to advance a legalization measure. House Bill 686, which proposed regulating sports wagers under the Georgia Lottery Corporation and imposing a 20% tax on sportsbooks, was initially placed on the House agenda. But just before 11 p.m., Speaker Jon Burns abruptly adjourned the session without bringing the bill to a vote.
The decision frustrated supporters who argue that Georgia is losing millions in potential revenue to illegal gambling operations. “We need to find the sweet spot between generating income and getting people off the illegal market,” said Rep. Marcus Wiedower, the bill’s sponsor.
Opponents remain firm in their stance, citing the dangers of gambling addiction and economic hardships it could impose on vulnerable communities. “This is not something good for Georgia families,” said Mack Parnell of the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition.
With 39 states already allowing sports betting, proponents vowed to continue pushing the measure in future legislative sessions.
School Safety Bills Gain Momentum
In response to a tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School last September, lawmakers advanced several measures aimed at strengthening school safety protocols. Senate Bill 17, requiring the installation of panic buttons in schools for rapid emergency response, passed with bipartisan support.
Additional measures passed include House Bill 268, which establishes a statewide student threat database, and Senate Bill 179, mandating that schools receive disciplinary records of transfer students within five days.
While safety measures saw progress, a controversial proposal to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in Georgia schools was unexpectedly pulled from consideration without a vote.
Medical Marijuana Gets a Boost, While Hemp Crackdown Advances
Senate Bill 220, which increases the allowable concentration of THC in medical marijuana by tenfold for the state’s 26,000 registered patients, advanced in the Senate. The measure represents a significant expansion of the state’s limited medical cannabis program, offering stronger relief for those with qualifying conditions.
Conversely, lawmakers took steps to restrict the sale of hemp-infused beverages, citing concerns over public safety. Senate Bill 254 would ban the sale of such drinks and lower THC limits in hemp-derived oils and gummies.
Meanwhile, legislation aimed at regulating clinics that offer mental health treatments using ketamine stalled earlier this week in a House committee.
Bans on Roadside Pet Sales and Fireworks Near Stables Move Forward
Animal welfare received attention on Crossover Day, with House Bill 331 passing the House to prohibit the roadside sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Beth Camp, seeks to curtail unregulated pet sales, which often lead to health and safety concerns.
Horse owners also gained protections under House Bill 614, which bans the discharge of fireworks within 100 yards of commercial horse stables. The bill aims to reduce stress and injury risks for horses startled by loud explosions.
Additionally, veterinarians could soon be authorized to conduct virtual consultations under Senate Bill 105, allowing pet owners to seek medical advice for their animals via telehealth appointments.
The Road Ahead
With the Crossover Day deadline now behind them, Georgia lawmakers will focus on finalizing the state budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which begins July 1. A separate $40.5 billion budget was already signed by Gov. Kemp earlier this week. Meanwhile, high-profile issues such as tax cuts, tort reform, and medical marijuana regulations will see further debate before the legislative session ends on April 4.
The fate of sports betting, however, remains uncertain. Despite growing public support and repeated legislative efforts, the measure has once again stalled—leaving Georgia as one of the few remaining states without legal sports wagering.
