The article highlights significant legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2024 that will take effect on New Year’s Day. Key provisions include:
- Senate Bill 189: This election reform bill includes provisions that will impact homeless voters, local elections in rural counties, and absentee ballot security. The requirement for homeless individuals to use county registrar offices as their mailing addresses has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could disenfranchise vulnerable voters. Other provisions involve allowing paper ballots in rural counties and enhancing absentee ballot security.
- Tax Measures: Voters ratified a constitutional amendment to limit property tax assessment increases for homeowners, while the Tax Expenditures Transparency Act will increase accountability for state tax incentives, requiring annual analyses of tax credits and exemptions.
- Health Care: House Bill 1339, which will raise the cap on rural hospital tax credits, is aimed at supporting struggling rural hospitals. Additionally, House Bill 880 will facilitate easier licensing for military spouses, potentially alleviating the state’s nursing shortage, and House Bill 451 will mandate mental health coverage for first responders suffering from PTSD.
These new laws reflect efforts to address issues in elections, taxation, and healthcare, particularly in rural areas and for vulnerable populations.