New Georgia laws to impact health, education, finance and daily life starting July 1

(WGXA) — Many bills passed by Georgia lawmakers under the gold dome during this year’s legislative session have become law and are set to go into effect on Tuesday.

These new laws, created or updated by state Senators and House Representatives, impact everything from education, public health, finance, crime and everyday living.

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Check out the list below to learn more about some of the laws going into effect on July 1.

PUBLIC HEALTH

HB 89 – Public Health: Maternal Mortality Review Committees

• Requires healthcare providers’ facilities and pharmacies to provide a Maternal Mortality Review Committee with clinical and psychiatric records to combat oversights, collect data and prevent the deaths of pregnant women. It also establishes a Regional Perinatal Center Advisory Committee.

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EDUCATION

HB 268 – “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law”

• Establishes an Office of Safe Schools within the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to develop policies and procedures for threat management teams aimed at boosting the safety and well-being of students and school communities.

SB One – “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunity Act”

• Will ban male students from participating in female sports competitions and female students from participating in male sports competitions in public school systems, participating private schools and college institutions. It also establishes sex restrictions on locker rooms, restrooms, and sleeping quarters.

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HB 340 – “Distraction-Free Education Act”

SB 123 – Compulsory school attendance revision

• Establishes that no student can be expelled from a public school “solely” due to chronic absenteeism. Local boards of education will be required to create committees to address absenteeism through review and intervention plans.

FINANCE

HB 111 and HB 112 – Tax Relief

• HB 111 will reduce the tax burden on Georgians and save them $880 million on tax returns next year, while HB 112 authorizes the distribution and delivery of $1 billion in a one-time surplus tax refund of up to $500 per taxpayer household, according to the Department of Revenue.

SB 55 – “Dignity and Pay Act”

• Phases out subminimum wages and ensures the federal minimum wage for all persons with disabilities.

HB 266 – Veteran income tax exemption

• Veterans’ retirement benefits are now exempt from state income taxes.

LAW AND CRIME

SB 79 – “Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act”

• The law will establish a mandatory minimum sentence and increased penalties for defendants convicted of possessing, selling, distributing and manufacturing fentanyl and other related drugs.

HB 582 – “Georgia Survivor Justice Act”

• Will allow defendants, who may be survivors of domestic violence, to submit evidence of family violence, dating violence, or child abuse committed by the alleged victims in a case.

SB 244 – Wrongfully convicted defendants’ relief

• Defendants who are wrongfully convicted can be awarded, essentially refunded, defense attorney fees and costs accumulated during a criminal case that was later acquitted.

HB 177 – Domestic violence protections for household pets

• Household pets in both family and dating violence situations have protections in family separation cases.

HOMEOWNERSHIP AND RENTING

SB 201 – Homeowner protection from contractors

• Increases consumer protection for homeowners entering contracts with contractors after natural disasters by outlining certain contractual requirements and identifying unfair methods of competition and deceptive practices.

HB 240 – Mortgage privacy boost for consumers

• Prohibits unfair and deceptive practices within transactions related to mortgage trigger leads, a practice in which credit reporting agencies sell consumer information to mortgage lenders.

HB 399 – Tenant to landlord communication

• Requires certain residential landlords to have in-state staff to handle communications with tenants for matters concerning properties.

LIFESTYLE

HB 136 – Contributions to foster child support organizations

• Expands the tax credit for foster child support organizations for mentorship services for youth who have been in trouble with law enforcement.

HB 296 – Digital Driver’s License

• Law enforcement will now accept valid electronic Driver’s Licenses stored on a driver’s phone.

HB 331 – Prohibits the sale of animals in public spaces

The law bans the sale of domestic animals in public spaces, such as roadways, sidewalks, parks, flea markets, etc.

HB 233 – Official state stew

• Designates Brunswick Stew as the official stew for the state of Georgia.

HB 167 – Hunting attire colors

• Authorizes fluorescent pink hunting outer garments while hunting and other restrictions.

SB 241 – Human composting

• Provides organic human reduction as a means of disposing of deceased human bodies relating to funeral directors, embalmers and crematories.

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For the full list of laws signed by Governor Brian Kemp, head to the Georgia General Assembly website.

Stick with WGXA as we learn more and keep you ready for what’s next.