Week 12 Final Session Update

A s the 2025 legislative session ended under the Gold Dome, I was honored once again to represent our values, our families, and our rural communities. We worked long hours in the final week — often well past sunset — debating, amending, and voting on legislation that impacts every corner of Georgia. This final session report gives you a clear picture of the bills that made it through both chambers and await Governor Kemp’s decision. I’ll also share about one important bill that unfortunately didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. Let’s dive into the highlights, especially the policies that touch our schools, small towns, and local hospitals. If you’d like to read about some of the other bills that passed this session, visit LeesaHagan. com. Strengthening School Safety As a former teacher, I know firsthand how important it is to protect our students and educators. That’s why I was proud to support House Bill 268, a sweeping school safety measure that received final passage during the last week of session.

This bill includes several key provisions: • Enacts Ricky and Alyssa’s Law, requiring school systems to install mobile panic alert systems that connect directly with emergency responders.

• Mandates schools to obtain detailed building mapping by July 1, 2026, to be shared with local and state agencies during emergencies.

• Requires quick trans fer of students’ educational and behavioral records, ensuring new schools have a full picture of a student’s needs.

• Requires schools to build behavioral threat assessment plans and include them in their safety procedures by 2027.

By taking a proactive approach, HB 268 helps our educators identify threats before they happen while giving our students the support they need. If signed into law by Governor Kemp, this will be a powerful step forward for school safety support across Georgia.

Preparing Rural Hospitals for Emergencies Living in a rural area shouldn’t mean you’re left in the dark — especially when storms hit. That’s why I supported Senate Bill 170, a bill that sets up a new grant program to help rural hospitals install backup generators.

Here’s how it works: Hospitals with fewer than 100 beds in rural counties are eligible.

Grants will help them buy and install generators, especially in areas hit by a state of emergency after July 1, 2024.

The Department of Community Health and GEMA will coordinate the program, focusing first on hospitals with no backup power.

After what we experienced with Hurricane Helene and other storms, I know how important it is that our rural hospitals stay up and running. SB 170 is a commonsense solution to make sure our loved ones can still get care when disaster strikes.

Expanding Small Business Opportunities

For two years, I’ve worked on a bill that will expand opportunities for licensed cottage food operators. House Bill 398 received final passage in the Senate and has been sent to the governor’s desk. Currently, cottage food operators must sell their products directly to their customers. This bill allows them to also sell via a third party such as a grocery store or restaurant. One of my main priorities is supporting small businesses, and this bill will allow these entrepreneurs to reach more potential customers. Final Passage on Key Healthcare and Literacy Bills Several other important bills received final passage on Sine Die — the final day of session — and I’d like to share just a few highlights in this final session report: Senate Bill 101: Ensures health insurance plans include coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices when medically necessary. These devices are often essential for people to work, move freely, and live independently.

House Bill 307: Expands the Georgia Early Literacy Act to include dyslexia. It’s now called the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act. It also bans the “three-cueing” method and aligns teacher training with science-based reading practices. I know our teachers will appreciate this added clarity and support!

Senate Bill 93: Requires state-approved teacher training programs to match the science of reading standards. This helps ensure our future educators are prepared to teach every student how to read — especially those who struggle the most. Supporting Our Veterans and Military Families Veterans deserve more than a thank you — they deserve real support. House Bill 266 increases the income tax exclusion on military retirement benefits to $65,000 for retirees under 65. This bill is now awaiting the governor’s decision, and if signed, it will be a big win for many military families right here in southeast Georgia. A Missed Opportunity to Address School Zone Cameras Over the past few years, I have heard from many of you regarding speeding tickets you have received in the mail from school zone cameras. The amount of frustration these cameras have generated around the state is extraordinary. House Bill 651 would establish significant guardrails around the use of these cameras, ensuring they would only be used as a true school safety measure. Although the House passed this bill, the Senate was not in their chamber to agree to it. Just after 9:00 p.m. on the last day of session as the House debated this bill, the Senate abruptly adjourned. Instead of going back to the Senate for a simple agree vote and then heading to the governor’s desk for a signature, it will now have to wait until next January.

What Happens Next

The legislative session may be over, but the work continues. Governor Kemp now has 40 days from the end of session to sign or veto bills that received final passage. If a bill isn’t signed or vetoed during that period, it automatically becomes law.

Meanwhile, we’ll begin the study committee process during the interim. That includes meetings of standing committees like Rural Development, where we’ll explore the issues that impact our communities most — whether that’s agriculture, healthcare access, or economic development. Visitors to the Capitol

I was so proud that two brothers from Wheeler County served as Pages in the Senate. Camden and Clayton Dixon and their parents, Janie and Ryan, spent legislative day 39 with us.

On Sine Die, Landon Sinyard of Fitzgerald served as a House Page. He stayed until the very end, and I appreciate his help and dedication.

Trish Poole and Joyce Kinney of Toombs County also visited on Sine Die.

Let’s Stay in Touch

While we take a break from the House floor, I’ll be back in the district, attending meetings, listening to your concerns, and preparing for next year’s session. If there’s an issue that affects you, your family, or your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I want to hear from you. Email me at Leesa.Hagan@house. ga.gov or visit LeesaHagan. com for updates.

Thank you again for the honor of serving you. I’m proud to be your voice in Atlanta — and I’ll keep working hard to make sure our district has what it needs to grow and thrive.

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