Dozens of new laws take effect in Georgia July 1, 2024

ATLANTA—Pay raises for teachers and law enforcement officers, increased child tax emptions, lower state income tax and basic standards for rental homes are among Georgia’s new laws to take effect today, July 1. On Common Ground News has included a link in this story to all of the new laws that you can search by county, municipality or subject.

Speaker of the House Jon Burns highlighted pieces of legislation passed in the 2024 session that he says will have a significant positive impact on Georgia.

“The House had an incredibly successful legislative session this year prioritizing policies that make our state a better place for every Georgian to live, work and raise a family,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “From historic tax cuts and significant investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare to strengthening public safety and promoting economic development in every corner of the state, the legislation taking effect today will have a significant positive impact on the everyday lives of citizens across Georgia.”

Highlights of House priority legislation going into effect on July 1, 2024 include:

• HB 974: Strengthening election security
• HB 1015: Lowering the state income tax to 5.39%
• HB 1017: Bolstering protections for Georgia’s property owners
• HB 1021: Increasing the child tax exemption to $4,000 per dependent
• HB 1339: Reforming Certificate of Need requirements and expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare
• SB 233: Providing $6,500 school choice scholarships for eligible families

Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget include:

• $2,500 pay raises for teachers
• $45,000 annually to every public school for school safety resources
• $3,000 pay raises for state law enforcement officers
• $10.7 million for prison security upgrades
  

Following is a sampling of other legislation passed: 

DeKalb County:  

SB 531 (PDF, The  chairperson and each member of the Board of Education of DeKalb County shall get an increase in pay, receiving $25,000 per year for services rendered and for attendance at all regular and special meetings of the board.

Fulton  County:

Statewide: