Click Here to Subscribe to The DeKalb Dispatch and SMS Notifications

THE 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

DeKalb’s Legislative Report

The 2025 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly concluded on Friday, April 4, 2025. The final day of session, known as Sine Die, marks the beginning of the Governor’s 40-day bill review period, which ends on May 14. During this time, Governor Brian Kemp may sign legislation into law, allow bills to become law without a signature, or issue vetoes.

This report outlines key legislative bills passed this session that are most relevant to DeKalb County, including updates to tax policy, zoning and annexation reform, judicial compensation, school safety, and public safety. Several bills directly affect how DeKalb County delivers services, raises revenue, and interacts with residents and neighboring jurisdictions. Unless otherwise noted, all legislation is currently pending action by the Governor.

Inside the Gold Dome:

The Legislative Process Explained

DeKalb County Legislative Priorities: PASSED

HB 92

Exemptions for Sales Tax and Property Tax Transparency, Effective April 1, 2025, and applicable to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Click here to read more.

What It Means:

From public funding protections to property tax transparency—Additionally, HB 92 includes the following provisions:

✔️ MARTA sales tax no longer counts toward the local cap

✔️ Clearer property tax bills

✔️ Homestead exemption clarified and extended to surviving spouses

✔️ Opt-out rules for local governments updated

✔️ More transparency in how tax rates are set

HB 513

SDS Provisions that include DeKalb County Gas Station Camera Ordinance Reinstated Through Amendment

What this means: A recent change to House Bill 513 reinstates an important public safety provision in DeKalb County. Lawmakers have reinstated the ordinance requiring gas stations to install video surveillance cameras—a measure that had previously been struck down by a last-minute legislative change in 2024.

During the 2025 session, the General Assembly approved an amendment that grandfathers in any local ordinance passed before May 6, 2024. That update means DeKalb’s camera requirement is restored. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

Click here to read more

HB 399

In State Staff Requirement for Landlords

What this means: This legislation requires landlords with 25 or more single-family or duplex rental properties in the state to have a licensed contact person. This person is responsible for managing communications with tenants concerning maintenance and related issue. It also allows code enforcement professionals to obtain the contact information of these property managers when there is probable cause for a code violation.

Click here to read more

Statewide Legislation: PASSED

HB 111/112

Income Tax Rates and Refund

What it means: The state income tax rate has been reduced to a flat 5.19%, retroactive to January 1, 2025. Additionally, income tax rebates ranging from $250 to $500 have been approved

Click HB111 and HB112 to read more.

HB 136

$250 Child Tax Credit

What it means: An existing state tax credit for child care expenses has expanded.Creates a new $250 per-child tax credit for children age 6 and under. Adds incentives for businesses to help cover employees' child care costs.

Status: Headed to the governor's desk.

Click HB136 to read more

HB 268

School Safety Measures

What it means: This bill takes a proactive and structured approach to school safety, balancing mental health support with clear threat response protocols. It also holds students and guardians more accountable, while building systems that promote positive behavior and early intervention.

Click HB268 to read more

HB 308

Authorizes Speed-Limiting Tech to Stop Super Speeders

What it means: Georgia judges can require drivers who have had their licenses suspended for serious traffic violations—like street racing or extreme speeding—to install speed-limiting technology in their vehicles. This device restricts how fast a car can go, helping prevent repeat offenses and promoting safer driving. The goal is to reduce dangerous behavior on the roads while offering an alternative to full license suspension for high-risk drivers.

Click HB308 to read more

HB 331 - Prohibition of Roadside Animal Sales

What it means: This legislation makes it unlawful for anyone to transfer ownership of an animal at any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, sidewalk, park, fair, recreation area, fair, flea market, public/commercial parking lot, or similar outdoor or transient market location regardless of whether any person or entity authorizes this activity.

Click HB331 to read more

HB 475 – Film Tax Credit Expansion

What it means: Previously, the tax credit mainly applied to productions like movies, TV shows, and commercials filmed in Georgia. Now, companies that handle editing, color correction, sound design, CGI, and visual effects after filming — even if the footage was shot elsewhere — can also qualify for the tax credit, as long as the post-production work is done in Georgia.

Click HB475 to read more

Legislation That Did NOT PASS

HB 127/SB120 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Ban:

A bill aiming to prohibit DEI programs in public schools and universities did not advance.

For more information click HB127 and SB120

HB 225/HB 651- School Zone Speed Cameras:

HB 225

This legislation would ban school cameras entirely.

For more information click HB225

HB 651

This legislation proposes new restrictions on the use of school cameras.

For more information click HB651

HB 397/SB 175 - Election Law Changes

Legislation proposing hand-counting of ballots, changes to advanced voting procedures, and Georgia’s withdrawal from a multi-state voter integrity group failed to pass.

For more information click HB397 and SB175

SB 21 - Immigration

This legislation would have removed legal protections and let individuals sue governments who don't follow Georgia laws requiring cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

For more information click SB21

HB 483/SB74 - Library Crimes

Librarians in public libraries, k-12 schools and colleges could have faced prosecution for providing sexually explicit materials to minors. This did not pass.

For more information click HB483 and SB74

HB 79 - Gun Tax Breaks

This legislation offered a four-day sales tax holiday on firearms, ammunition, safety devices, while offering income tax credits up to $300 for paying for gun safety courses. This did not pass.

For more information click HB79

2025 County Legislative Report – ACCG Preliminary Summary

Amended FY2025 State Budget Highlight

Amended FY2026 State Budget Highlight

Watch Now: Go inside Sine Die, the final day of Georgia’s legislative session.

Stay Connected on Social