As of July 1, 2025, Georgia has implemented over 100 new laws across a wide range of sectors—from education to criminal justice, tax policy to digital rights. At Hampton & Hampton LLP, an Alpharetta and Atlanta personal injury and estate planning law firm, that services clients in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Marietta, Cumming, and the Atlanta surrounding suburbs, we believe it’s essential for our clients and community to stay informed about these changes. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the most notable laws now in effect across the Peach State.
1. Tax & Finance Updates
- Flat Income Tax Cut: Georgia’s income tax rate drops from ~5.39% to 5.19%, with a path to 4.99% next year.
- Expanded Child Tax Credit: Enhanced dependent care credits, including $250 per child under age 6.
- Minimum Wage for Disabled Workers: Bans sub-minimum wages, ensuring workers with disabilities receive at least federal minimum wage.
2. Criminal Justice & Public Safety
- Fentanyl Mandatory Minimums: Introduces a 5‑year minimum sentence for trafficking fentanyl.
- Wrongful Conviction Compensation: Wrongfully incarcerated individuals can now seek up to $75,000 per year served.
- Survivor Justice Act: Permits sentence reductions for domestic violence or trafficking survivors who acted under duress.
3. Education & School Policy
- Smartphone Ban for K–8 Students: Starting now, students must stow smartphones during school hours, with full policy implementation expected by winter 2026.
- “Ricky & Alyssa’s Law” – Panic Buttons: Requires panic-alert systems in all K–12 classrooms linked to first responders.
- Riley Gaines Act: Prohibits individuals assigned male at birth from participating in female-designated sports teams and restricts access to gender-designated restrooms and locker rooms.
4. Health & Reproductive Rights
- IVF Protections: Law now explicitly protects in vitro fertilization procedures following concerns related to embryo rights.
- Maternal Mortality Oversight: Establishes Maternal Mortality Review Committees to analyze and reduce maternal deaths.
5. Technology & Digital Identity
- Digital Driver’s Licenses: Mobile IDs are now legal and can be scanned by law enforcement—phones remain off-limits.
- Parental Consent for Social Media: Platforms must verify age and require parental approval for users under 16. Already challenged in federal court.
- Adult-Site Age Verification: Websites with adult content must verify users’ ages.
6. Environmental & Consumer Updates
- Human Composting Legalized: A novel eco-friendly burial option is now lawful.
- Fluorescent Pink Hunting Gear: Hunters may wear fluorescent pink during hunts, expanding visibility options beyond orange.
7. Business & Litigation Reform
- Limits on Lawsuits: Business liability and trial award caps aimed at reducing insurance costs and frivolous claims.
- New Business Court Structure: Streamlined litigation for high-value business disputes continues via Georgia’s state-wide business court.
Why These 2025 Georgia Law Changes Matter
Understanding these new Georgia laws is critical for individuals, families, and business owners. Whether you’re concerned about tax savings, school policies, criminal justice reform, or property rights, the legal team at Hampton & Hampton LLP can help you navigate these changes.
Need Legal Guidance on Georgia’s New Laws? How Hampton & Hampton LLP Can Help
If you have questions about how these new Georgia laws may affect your estate plan, business, family, or employment situation, contact Hampton & Hampton LLP today. Our experienced Georgia attorneys serve Alpharetta, Atlanta, Decatur, Duluth, Smyrna, Woodstock, and beyond, providing trusted legal advice tailored to your needs.
Stay Ahead with Expert Legal Insight
As Georgia adapts to these sweeping reforms, Hampton & Hampton LLP is committed to helping you understand how these new laws may affect your rights, your business, and your family. If you have questions or need legal guidance regarding any of these changes, please contact our office for a consultation. www.hamptonandhamtponlaw.com or (470)-567-1LAW.