As we welcome a new year, I want to share an update on a few new laws taking effect on January 1 that reflect the steady, common-sense work Georgia Republicans continue to deliver. Our focus remains on practical solutions that strengthen families, support businesses, and give Georgians more stability and opportunity in their daily lives.
This year brings important changes across professional licensing, healthcare access, insurance protections, and consumer rights. These reforms were shaped by input from Georgia residents and industry leaders, and each one reflects a thoughtful, problem-solving approach rather than sweeping or disruptive mandates.
Modernizing CPA Licensure
HB 148 streamlines the pathway for Georgians pursuing careers in accounting, helping us keep pace with workforce needs while maintaining high professional standards. Beginning this year, a person may become a certified public accountant (CPA) after earning a master’s degree with a concentration in accounting or taxation and completing one year of relevant experience. The bill also offers an alternative path: a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting paired with two years of work experience. These updates open doors for more qualified professionals, reduce unnecessary barriers, and align Georgia with other states working to strengthen their financial services workforce.
Allowing Teledentistry in Georgia
For many families, especially in rural communities, visiting a dentist can be difficult due to distance, work schedules, or limited provider availability. HB 567 authorizes licensed dentists to use teledentistry and sets clear standards to protect patients. Dental benefit plans may now include teledentistry services, improving access to consultations, screenings, and follow-up care. This is a practical step toward expanding healthcare access without raising costs or creating burdensome mandates.
More Time for Property Insurance Notices
Property owners will now have greater protection and peace of mind under SB 35. This bill doubles the required notice period for nonrenewal of certain property insurance policies from 30 days to 60 days. Homeowners and businesses will have more time to make decisions, compare policies, and avoid gaps in coverage. It is a simple, responsible improvement that supports Georgia families and property owners during uncertain times.
Allowing HVAC Warranties to Transfer with the Home
SB 112 provides a win for homeowners and buyers by allowing an HVAC manufacturer’s warranty to transfer when a residential property is sold. This ensures that families are not left repairing costly systems without protection, and it encourages transparency during home sales. It is one more example of Republicans listening to homeowners and addressing everyday concerns with straightforward solutions.
Other Important Legislation Already in Effect
Several major bills that became law in 2025 continue to deliver meaningful benefits. Here are just a few:
Tort Reform
Georgia took a major step toward improving our legal climate and strengthening our economy with SB 69. This tort reform legislation brings more balance and fairness to civil litigation, protects businesses from abusive lawsuits, and helps stabilize insurance markets. These reforms support job growth and make Georgia a more competitive place to build and expand a business.
Tax Reductions and Property Tax Relief
Republicans in the General Assembly delivered responsible tax relief over the past couple of years, including reductions in the state income tax rate from 5.99% down to 5.19%. This session, I expect we will further reduce the state income tax rate to 4.99% as planned. We have passed additional tools for local governments to ease property tax burdens. Although many localities and school systems made the decision to opt-out of these opportunities, the Georgia House will continue to push for the property tax relief Georgians want and need. At a time when families are feeling the strain of inflation and rising costs, these measures help keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Georgians.
School Safety Measures
Over the past two sessions, Georgia has strengthened school safety through new investments and updated requirements. These include expanded funding for school security upgrades, additional resources for school-based mental health services, and greater support for local districts developing threat-assessment protocols. The state also increased training opportunities for school resource officers to improve coordination with educators and law enforcement. These steps reflect our commitment to protecting students and supporting a safe learning environment.
The Riley Gaines Act
Last session, the General Assembly passed the Riley Gaines Act to ensure fairness and safety in girls’ and women’s sports. The law requires athletes at public schools and universities to compete based on biological sex not personal gender identity. This protects competitive integrity and preserves the opportunities Title IX was created to provide. It also gives schools a clear statewide standard when addressing athletic eligibility questions.
Most of these are not flashy or headline-grabbing policies, but they are the kind of steady, logical steps that keep Georgia moving in the right direction.
A Note of Interest
I was happy to join Lyons Mayor Willis NeSmith, Lyons City Manager Jason Hall, and my husband Mike in Atlanta earlier this week for a tour of the Speaker’s office and the beautifully renovated House chamber. Speaker Burns’ wife Dayle organized House members’ spouses for a fantastic project that brings part of southeast Georgia to the state Capitol. Spouses in 25 southeast counties chose a symbolic location to be photographed. The final products are displayed within the Speaker’s office for all visitors to see.
Mike chose the Toombs County Government Building in Lyons for the photo. Mayor NeSmith and the city funded the photo and framing, therefore the finished product officially belongs to Lyons. It will one day be returned to Lyons and be displayed in city hall.
As always, Georgia Republicans remain focused on policies that are practical, fiscally responsible, and rooted in the needs of Georgia families and businesses. I look forward to continuing this work in the year ahead.
Thank you for trusting me to serve as your representative in the State House. Merry Christmas and Happy 2026 to you and your family.
Regards,
