RECAPPING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Georgia’s National Rankings

• 🏥 50th in healthcare

• 🧱 49th for workers’ rights

• 😩 50th in worker happiness

• 💵 50th in discretionary income

• 🧾 50th minimum wage: still $5.15/hour

Instead of passing legislation to address the above, what did Republicans pass?

Tort Reform: A Gift to the Powerful, Not the People

The marquee legislation this session was Governor Kemp’s long-anticipated tort reform package. While touted as a fix to Georgia’s insurance costs, it makes it harder for Georgians to hold powerful corporations accountable when harm is done. Under the guise of “economic stability,” Republicans weakened the rights of injured workers, patients, and consumers—while doing nothing to lower skyrocketing insurance costs for Georgian families.

Anti-Trans Legislation: Targeting Kids & Ignoring Real Issues

When it became clear that Republicans were steamrolling working Georgians again—passing their fifth bill targeting transgender individuals instead of passing Medicaid Expansion (which would provide healthcare for a half-million Georgians) or raising the minimum wage (which didn’t even make it out of committee)—House Democrats took a stand and walked out in protest.

Not for show. But for us. The walkout was a symbolic protest against the majority’s obsession with wedge issues over economic relief. Georgia House Democrats sent a clear message: enough is enough. Especially as Georgians suffer under:

• Trump’s tariffs – which are already devastating farmers & manufacturers

• DOGE layoffs at the CDC – which has gutted public health infrastructure

• And our own Gov. Kemp, who said backing Trump was a “business decision” even though it’s costing Georgians dearly. 

THE BIG PICTURE

Georgia Republicans ignored one of voters’ top concerns from November: fixing the economy, and instead prioritized tort reform and culture war bills. Now, President Trump’s tariffs, including the 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles and parts, have harmed Georgia’s robust automotive industry, leading to increased costs for both businesses and consumers. An analysis by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation projects that these tariffs will elevate the average U.S. tariff rate to 18.8%, the highest since 1933, effectively imposing a tax increase of over $2,100 per household. 

Rather than economic relief, Georgia Republicans responded with no action on wages, healthcare, or jobs, all while praising a con man in the White House who won’t stop ripping off hard-working Georgians and their families. If this session made one thing clear, it’s that Georgians deserve better in the legislature, the Governor’s Mansion, and The White House. 

Georgians are watching. They know who’s fighting for them and who isn’t. As we look to 2026, Democrats have a chance to flip the script. By championing healthcare, wages, and economic fairness, Democrats can offer voters a vision for a brighter Georgia.

Because we know this: Georgia is ready to flip

2026 is our moment. The numbers are on our side.
The outrage is real. But nothing changes unless we build it.

🏆 Rookie Sensation – Rep. Bryce Berry

Berry made a strong debut, introducing progressive bills such as HB 716, a grant program to help college students afford food. He also passed his first bill, HB 753, which supports cities in converting blighted properties into affordable housing.

🏆 Bring It Back Bill – SB 50 “PeachCare Plus Act” 

This bill would have expanded Medicaid by offering subsidized health insurance to low-income individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty line, a critical step toward closing the insurance gap that deserves to be reintroduced next session.

🏆 Zoomer Bill – SB 123 “Compulsory Attendance” 

Seeks to end student expulsions based solely on chronic absences. Instead, it encourages school committees to implement solutions to stop it and keep students engaged. 

🏆 Boomer Bill – HB 340 “Distraction Free Education Act”

Requires K-8 schools to regulate the usage of personal electronic devices and ban them when necessary. It also authorizes the Department of Education to provide guidance on device storage, parent-student communication, and rules enforcement.

🏆 Standing Ovation Bill – HB 582 “Georgia Survivor Justice Act”

Offers sentencing relief for individuals whose crimes were influenced by domestic violence, dating violence, or child abuse. More specifically, it allows defendants to present abuse evidence for reduced sentences and lets currently incarcerated survivors petition for resentencing.

🏆 Boo Bill  SB 69 – “Georgia Civil Practice Act” or Tort Reform

It limits liability for businesses and restricts the plaintiff’s ability to allege damages against businesses. Supporters state that this will discourage unnecessary suits that damage businesses, however, it may discourage genuine lawsuits as well. 

🏆 Least Bipartisan Bill  – SB 36 “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”

Framed as a measure to protect religious liberty, this bill restricts government interference in religious exercises unless a “compelling interest” is at stake. The danger here is that it could open the door to discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. The bill passed with overwhelming Republican support. 

🏆 Most Bipartisan Bill – HB 112 

Widely supported as a fair use of the state’s budget surplus, it offers one-time tax refunds: $250 for individuals, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for joint filers. Widely supported as a fair use of the state’s budget surplus. To be eligible, individuals must have filed Georgia state income tax returns for 2023 and 2024. 

🏆 Least Bang for Your Buck – SB 233 “Georgia Promise Scholarship Program”

Offers up to $6,500 annually to eligible families to cover private tuition or homeschooling expenses for students attending schools ranked in the bottom 25%. While aimed at expanding educational opportunities, it will divert funds from public schools and falls short of covering most private school costs, raising concerns about equity, effectiveness, and long-term impact on public education.

🏆 Most Bang for Your Buck – HB 136 

Introduces a recurring $250 child tax credit for families with children under six and provides tax incentives to employers that contribute at least $1,000 toward an employee’s childcare costs. These provisions help ease the financial burden of early childhood while encouraging more accessible and affordable childcare options for working families.

🏆 Moment of the Session – Sen. Josh McLaurin Calling Out Elon Musk

Until next time,

Fund year-round organizing.
Flip the GA State Legislature.