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The Georgia House of Representatives returned to the State Capitol on Monday, February 3rd to begin the fourth week of the 2025 legislative session. As we settle into the rhythm of our legislative work, our attention is shifting toward the policy areas that will shape our priorities for the remainder of the session. This Update: House Action |
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House Rules:The House Rules Committee convened for the first time this year and set the first Rules calendar of the session. House Bill 67, the Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2025 budget, which outlines the state’s spending through the end of the current fiscal year, ending June 30, 2025, was added to the calendar for a full vote by the House and passed that day with bipartisan support. The House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget is set by a revised estimate of $40.5 billion, including $2.7 billion in surplus funds for a total infusion of $4.4 billion, which is an increase of 12.2 percent over the original Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. The House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget emphasizes strengthening Georgia’s economy while also prioritizing early education, healthcare, higher education and public safety. One of the most critical areas addressed in the House’s version of the amended budget is the urgent need to provide ample relief and funding for Georgians impacted by Hurricane Helene. In light of the widespread devastation caused by the storm, it is essential that we continue to direct the necessary resources toward relief and recovery efforts for those who were affected. Following the storms, rural Georgians are facing barriers to accessing quality healthcare and challenges in receiving timely medical care. To resolve this concern, the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget provides $35.6 million in one-time stabilization grants to support Georgia’s rural hospitals in their recovery efforts. Additionally, the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget includes $10 million in grant funds specifically allocated for relief from Hurricane Helene, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to aiding in the recovery of those impacted by the storm. |
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Education:My colleagues and I remain committed to school security, and the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget includes $50 million for school security grants, which would provide $21,635 per school for one-time security expenses. When combined with the $109 million in base funding, school systems would receive a total of $68,759 per school in FY 2025. Additionally, $3 million is allocated to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to establish funds for a school risk assessment system, with the objective of safeguarding our state’s young learners. Under HB 67, the House proposes $7.42 million in new lottery funds for the Department of Early Care and Learning to implement recommendations from the House Early Childhood Education Working Group.
Healthcare:In addition to prioritizing access to healthcare in Georgia’s rural communities, the House’s version of the amended budget is also focused on improving healthcare access across the entire state, ensuring that all Georgia communities have the care they need. One way the House is prioritizing this goal is by recommending a one-time $25 million investment for Mercer School of Medicine, aimed at expanding learning opportunities and training physicians to practice in rural, underserved communities where healthcare needs are most critical. Additionally, the House proposes another $25 million investment for Morehouse School of Medicine, which would support faculty recruitment and retention, modernize the medical curriculum and expand the pathway and career academy program. Furthermore, the House’s version of the AFY 2025 budget recommends $2 million be allocated to the HOPE Grant program, which would support increased usage and expanded eligibility, as well as an additional $6 million for HOPE Scholarships, bringing the total appropriation to $852 million, which would benefit more than 300,000 students across the state.
Safety, Security and Technology:The House is also dedicated to addressing the critical needs within Georgia’s corrections system, including correctional officers, staff and inmates, which remains a top priority this legislative session. As such, the House’s version of the budget recommends an infusion of $333.6 million for the Georgia Department of Corrections, including $214 million earmarked for safety, security and technology upgrades, with $35 million allocated specifically for security technology to combat contraband. Additionally, the House recommends directing $50.6 million for inmate healthcare services and $15 million for the creation of a state-owned electronic healthcare records system. Further, $10.5 million would also be allocated for new body cameras and tasers to enhance the safety of both officers and inmates, and $7.2 million would be set aside for the Over Watch Logistics Unit to provide continuous surveillance and response coordination. HB 67 now heads to the Senate for consideration, where it will undergo a similar review process. If the two chambers cannot reach an agreement on HB 67, a conference committee will be appointed to resolve any differences between the two versions. It is essential that my colleagues in both chambers work together to advance this bill, ensuring we move quickly to bring this much-needed funding to the people who need it most. Once both chambers can reach an agreement, the final version of the amended budget will be sent to the governor for signature. This same process will be followed for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget, which is what we will turn our attention to next. Beyond the amended budget, we took time to address other legislative initiatives, such as school safety. In response to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County on September 4, 2024, the Speaker of the House unveiled a new school safety plan earlier this week. The plan, proposed under House Bill 268, would include the establishment of a statewide School and Student Safety Database (S3), designed to consolidate student data in order to identify potential security risks. It would also require each school district to establish risk management teams, consisting of administrators, mental health professionals and law enforcement. To further enhance safety, the plan would mandate the use of an anonymous reporting app, allowing students and staff to report concerns confidentially. The plan would also allocate $50 million in one-time school safety grants to support these initiatives and provide additional funding for the development of the S3 database. To address mental health, the plan would create mental health coordinator positions in schools and require instruction in violence prevention and suicide awareness. The plan would also encourage responsible gun ownership through voluntary tax incentives for safe storage equipment and gun safety training courses. I will update you as this legislation makes its way through the legislative process. |
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Georgia State Representative Stan Gunter House District 8 – Blairsville |
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The Georgia House of Representatives will continue its legislative work on Monday, February 10th as we begin our fifth week of session. With Crossover Day quickly approaching, we’re gearing up for a busy period ahead, where bills and resolutions must pass out of their respective chambers. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us directly. As always, thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your voice under the Gold Dome. May God bless you and keep you, may He continue to bless the great state of Georgia. Respectfully, Stan Gunter Representative of Georgia’s 8th District |
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Georgia House of Representatives 2025 Legislative Session Day 9 |
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Georgia House of Representatives 2025 Legislative Session Day 10 |
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