Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session we reached several major milestones.
One of the most significant victories was the final passage of Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, a major step forward in tort reform, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp. After extensive debate and deliberation in both chambers, this bill now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.
SB 68 cracks down on lawsuit abuse, prevents bad actors from double-dipping on litigation expenses and shields small businesses from predatory legal tactics. With excessive verdicts and frivolous lawsuits running rampant in our state, this legislation will provide real relief for families and business owners alike.
We also took action to cut taxes and put more money back into your pockets. The Senate passed House Bill 111, which lowers the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19% beginning in 2025. The bill ensures additional tax cuts annually until the rate reaches 4.99%, delivering long-term relief for Georgia taxpayers.
Additionally, House Bill 112 provides a one-time tax credit of $250 for individuals, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. Both bills are now on their way to Governor Kemp’s desk, fulfilling yet another promise to ease the financial burden on Georgia families. Meanwhile, work continues on the state budget as Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearings move us closer to finalizing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
On the legislative front, I’m proud to report that my bill, SB 260, passed the House Committee on Intragovernmental Coordination. This brings us one step closer to developing the Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority and creating new spaces for our community to enjoyand creating more jobs in our area.
Additionally, I am carrying HB 426, which will provide for nonpartisan elections of judges to themagistrate court. With this legislation, we strive to improve our elections and ensure a fair election of judges.
I am also carrying HB 77, which revises requirements for drivers when they encounter a funeral procession on a two-lane highway. Drivers must yield the right of way and move to the right-hand edge of the road. This will honor the deceased and allow a funeral procession to proceed uninterrupted.
This week, I welcomed my grandson, Caleb, to the capitol as my page for the day. It was an incredible honor to show him the ins and outs of the Senate. I would encourage anyone with children in middle and high school to have them be a Senate page, where they get to see firsthand how our government works.
With just two weeks remaining in this legislative session, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and visit the Gold Dome to see the legislative process in action.
Sen. Rick Williams (R–Milledgeville) serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Retirement. He represents the 25thSenate District, which includes Baldwin, Butts, Jasper, Jones, and Putnam counties, as well as portions of Henry County and a small portion of Bibb County. Williams can be reached by phone at 404-656-0052 or by email at Rick.Williams@senate. ga.gov.