Week 1 Legislative Session Update – Getting Started

The 158th Georgia General Assembly commenced the 2025 Regu lar Session on Monday, January 13, marking the start of our biennial legislative cycle. I am deeply grateful for the trust the citizens of the 156th House district have placed in me, allowing me to continue serving as your representative under the Gold Dome. Initial House Business

As per tradition, the session began with the reading of all members’ names into the record, followed by the oath of office, administered by Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Boggs. I am particularly thankful to my older son, who held the Bible as I took my oath. He and the rest of my family have shown unwavering support throughout my work in Atlanta, and I am incredibly grateful for them.

Subsequently, we conducted leadership elections, where Representative Jon Burns (RNewington) was reelected as Speaker of the House and Representative Jan Jones (R-Milton) was reelected as Speaker Pro Tempore for the 20252026 term. We also reaffirmed familiar faces in key roles: Bill Reilly as Clerk of the House, Corey Mulkey as Doorkeeper, and Betsy Theroux as House Messenger.

In alignment with the State Constitution, the Georgia General Assembly must meet for 40 nonconsecutive legislative days. This year’s schedule, outlined in Senate Resolution 6, sets the final day of session for Friday, April 4. With the calendar established, the House is prepared to tackle the pressing issues facing Georgians.

Our opening session featured a poignant moment as House members sang “Georgia on My Mind” and observed a moment of silence for the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 last month. Regardless of party affiliation, his lifelong dedication to our state and nation remains a source of inspiration for us all. Legislative Priorities and Key Areas In his welcome address, Speaker Burns emphasized our clear mission: to work diligently on the people’s business within the 40 legislative days. This session will focus on healthcare, education, public safety, and job creation. Additionally, efforts will continue on tax relief, highlighted by Governor Kemp’s announcement of a $1 billion income tax rebate.

One of our top priorities is enhancing school safety, particularly following the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. Governor Kemp has proposed an additional $50 million for school security, raising the total funding to nearly $69,000 per school for fiscal year 2025.

While litigation reform legislation is still being developed, it may include caps on damages and new rules to help business and property owners manage claims more efficiently. Governor Kemp also discussed potential uses for Georgia’s $11 billion surplus, such as infrastructure projects and improving educational pathways from high school to college or career training.

Another priority aims to regulate girls’ and women’s sports further by requiring transgender athletes to compete according to the sex listed on their original birth certificate, an issue likely to generate significant discussion.

Supporting Hurricane Helene’s victims remains a priority, with anticipated legislation to assist affected communities. Governor’s State of the State Address On Thursday, the General Assembly and judiciary gathered in the House Chamber for Governor Brian Kemp’s annual State of the State Address. This event allowed the governor to assess Georgia’s current condition and outline his legislative priorities, including increased school safety funding, tort reform, expanded rural healthcare, and support for the Department of Corrections.

Governor Kemp began by addressing Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, the worst storm in Georgia’s history, which claimed 34 lives. He highlighted the heroic efforts of first responders and neighbors during the crisis and redirected $100 million to support farming and timber industries through the Georgia Development Authority. The governor emphasized ongoing efforts to support the hardest-hit areas.

Addressing broader concerns, Kemp acknowledged the economic challenges Georgians face due to rising costs and inflation. Despite these struggles, he noted successes such as tax cuts, gas tax suspensions, and a homeowner tax relief grant, saving taxpayers over $7.6 billion. The governor proposed further reducing the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, expected to save Georgians $7.5 billion over the next decade.

Governor Kemp also focused on stabilizing rising insurance costs for small businesses, highlighting last session’s House Bill 1114, which allows the Insurance Commissioner to propose reforms. With some businesses facing a 100% increase in premiums, he emphasized the need for comprehensive tort reform to limit civil lawsuits and protect small businesses.

Finally, he reflected on the tragic Apalachee High School shooting, honoring the victims and heroes who responded. He reiterated his commitment to school safety, noting $294 million allocated so far and proposing an additional $159 million to enhance these efforts. The New House Rural Development Committee I am excited to share that I’ve been named Chair of the newly established House Rural Development Committee. This committee will identify policies and ideas to enhance economic opportunities across the entire state, particularly in rural areas like the 156th district.

I will also continue to serve on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Transportation, Appropriations, Industry and Labor, and Natural Resources and the Environment committees. To see rosters, assigned legislation, and archives of all committees visit the Georgia House website at www.legis. ga.gov/committees/house.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our work at the State Capitol, I am committed to supporting our community and my constituents. For ongoing updates and detailed information on each bill, please visit the Georgia General Assembly’s website or my constituent services page at LeesaHagan.com. I will keep you informed about key legislative developments throughout the session. As always, you can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0177 or via email at leesa.hagan@house.ga.gov. You may also find updates on X (@ LeesaHagan) and Facebook (LeesaHaganfor-Georgia). Thank you for trusting me to serve as your representative of the 156th House District.

By Leesa Hagan R-Vidalia (District 156, Georgia House of Representatives)