Guest Column: Legislative update from Georgia Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe)

Dear Friends, 
Four weeks have passed since the legislative session ended. Governor Kemp is currently reviewing all the legislation sent to him. He has until May 14th to determine whether to sign or veto these bills. To date, the Governor has approved the following legislation.

✅ Gov. Kemp Signs Legislation Delivering More than $1 Billion in Tax Cuts and Relief to Hardworking Georgians; HB 111 accelerates the largest state income tax cut in Georgia history, lowering the income tax rate to 5.19%. HB 112 authorizes the delivery of $1 billion in one-time special tax refunds of up to $500 per Georgia taxpayer household. The General Assembly also ratified the suspension of the state gas tax following Hurricane Helene to provide some relief to Georgians suffering from the storm.

✅ Gov. Kemp Signs Historic Legislation Delivering Commonsense, Meaningful Tort Reform; SB 68 and SB 69 reform Georgia’s civil litigation framework by removing incentives for frivolous lawsuits that increase insurance expenses for both businesses and consumers. By ensuring a fairer courtroom environment, insurers can achieve stability and predictability while evaluating the risks associated with personal injury lawsuits in Georgia. This increased willingness among insurers to issue policies in the state will help stabilize costs. Additionally, this initiative limits external funding for litigation.

✅ Gov. Kemp Signs Bills Strengthening Education and School Safety; HB 268 offers resources aimed at improving the security of Georgia’s school facilities while also increasing students’ access to mental health services. The House has been, and will continue to be, dedicated to ensuring the success and safety of our students. Female athletes in Georgia can now compete without the concern of sharing fields, courts, or locker rooms with biological males. This is achieved through the Riley Gaines Act, SB 1. Governor Kemp also signed HB 81, which creates an interstate compact for school psychologists that will increase the pool of staff in our schools. Other educational initiatives have been enacted, too.

✅ Gov. Kemp Signs Bills Improving Healthcare and Supporting Coastal Communities; HB 428 codifies a person’s right to in vitro fertilization. HB 94 mandates that all health benefit plans include coverage for standard fertility preservation services when a medically necessary treatment risks causing infertility. This legislation aims to support Georgians in starting families. Other healthcare initiatives were also signed into law.

Center for Effective Lawmaking 

I am excited to share that the Center for Effective Lawmaking has unveiled its Legislative Effectiveness Scorecard, and I am honored to be included in the top ten most effective House Republicans! The center was established to promote the sharing and application of fresh insights regarding the effectiveness of individual lawmakers and their legislative bodies. You can read the report and the methodology used for the rankings here: Center for Effective Lawmaking; Highlights from the 157th Georgia General Assembly (2023-2024) Legislative Effectiveness Scores

News You Can Use 

MyMVD The Georgia Department of Revenue has introduced MyMVD, an online platform aimed at making vehicle management easier for drivers in Georgia. This service allows drivers to see all their registered vehicles at once and request services without repeatedly entering their VIN, license plate number, or driver’s license number. Thanks to these features, Georgians can avoid in-person visits or mailing in forms. Visit this site for more info: https://eservices.drives.ga.gov/_/
Real ID Starting May 7th, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, setting the standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Many of you likely possess a REAL ID without realizing it. Look at the top right corner of your driver’s license; if there’s a circular black symbol with a star inside, you have a REAL ID. For more info, click here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

Pleased to be present at the signing of the Tort Reform legislation. 

Our local delegation presented a House Resolution honoring Howard “Sonny” Turner upon his induction into the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts’ Hall of Fame at the April Walton County Chamber of Commerce meeting. 

Also at the April chamber meeting, our local delegation honored Captain Coleman Landers for his lifetime accomplishments and service to our county, state, and nation.