New Georgia Laws Taking Effect July 1, 2025
Why July 1 Matters in Georgia
Every year, many of Georgia’s new laws go into effect on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. This year’s changes include updates that could significantly impact school safety procedures, the rights of those wrongfully convicted, and background check requirements for childcare workers. Tort reform legislation has also begun rolling out earlier this year. We created this guide to help you better understand what's changing and why it matters.
Key Laws Taking Effect
Wrongful Conviction Compensation – SB 244
Effective July 1, 2025
Georgia is now offering standardized compensation for people who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated. This law marks a significant step forward in how the state addresses justice and accountability.
Key provisions:
- $75,000 per year of wrongful incarceration
- $25,000 per year for time spent on death row
- Reimbursement for legal fees, court costs, restitution, and fines
- A formal claims process handled through the Office of State Administrative Hearings
- Recovery of attorney’s fees if a prosecutor is removed for misconduct and the case is dismissed
Christina Cribbs of the Georgia Innocence Project said,
“When someone’s exonerated, they’re left trying to figure out how to put food on the table, how to pay the power bill... What are they going to do for work?”
School Safety – SB 17 ("Ricky and Alyssa’s Law")
Effective July 1, 2025
This law requires public and private K–12 schools across Georgia to implement new tools to improve emergency response.
- Schools must install mobile panic alert systems that connect directly to 911
- Digital maps of school buildings must be provided to first responders
- These updates will integrate with Next Generation 911 systems for faster and more precise emergency response
Senator Jason Anavitarte, who sponsored the bill, shared,
“As the husband of a teacher and father to three school-aged daughters, I feel an obligation to ensure the protection of families across our state.”
Early-Care Background Checks – HB 175
Effective July 1, 2025
To better protect children in early education environments, Georgia now requires more comprehensive background checks for child care workers.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks
- Registry checks including the child abuse and sex offender registries
- Applies to all early care and Head Start staff across the state
Self-Storage Lien Notices – HB 131
Effective July 1, 2025
This law reduces the requirement for public notices when storage facilities auction off the contents of unpaid units.
- Only one legal notice is now required (down from two)
- Aims to simplify the process and reduce costs for small businesses
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About our team
At Meeks Impact Law, our team shares one purpose: helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We take pride in the small firm difference, where every client matters, every case receives personal attention, and our team works closely together to make sure no one feels lost in the process.
Learn More About Georgia’s Tort Reform — SB 68
Georgia’s major tort reform law has already begun to reshape how personal injury and premises liability cases are handled statewide. To learn what’s changing and how it could affect your case, read our full breakdown here: The Truth About Georgia’s Tort Reform
How These Laws May Affect You
- If you’re a parent or educator: The required upgrades in school safety systems are intended to make crisis response faster and more effective.
- If you run or work in a childcare center: You may need to update your employee screening practices to meet the new standards.
- If you manage or own a storage facility: The lien notice update reduces paperwork and streamlines auctions.
- If you’re navigating a personal injury case: Learn how Georgia’s new tort reform may affect your ability to seek full compensation by reading our tort reform update overview.
- If you or a loved one was wrongfully convicted: SB 244 offers a new path to compensation and financial recovery.
Clarification on Other Reports
Some early headlines mentioned new laws around social media age verification and Medicaid expansion. Those topics were discussed during the legislative session but are not included in the laws taking effect on July 1, 2025. We will continue to monitor those developments and share news when it comes in.
Learn More:
- Georgia General Assembly – Full Bill Listings
- Georgia Innocence Project
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
- Office of State Administrative Hearings
At Meeks Impact Law, we believe that an informed community is a stronger community. As these new laws take effect across Georgia, we remain committed to keeping you updated on the changes that may affect you, your loved ones, and your rights.
We are here to help, to answer your questions, and to serve as a trusted resource. Together, by staying informed and engaged, we can build a safer, more just Georgia for everyone.
FAQs
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to appear. If possible, gather photos, witness names, and insurance details. Then, contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and preserve valuable evidence.
The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the type of accident and injury. For example, car wrecks, wrongful death cases, and injuries on unsafe property may all have different filing deadlines.
Because important evidence can disappear quickly, it is always best to contact our office as soon as possible after an accident. From the start, we work to preserve key evidence, ensure you are receiving the comprehensive medical care you need, and handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we focus on protecting your case.
In many Georgia personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, but certain circumstances can shorten or extend that timeline. Talk to our team to determine the statute of limitations related to your circumstances and how we can step in to help, today.
Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others take longer depending on the extent of your injuries, medical treatment, and negotiations with the insurance company. Our goal is always to move your case forward efficiently while protecting the full value of your claim.
The timeline can also be affected by external factors such as court scheduling, insurance companies delaying responses, or bad actors trying to avoid accountability. Even when the process takes time, our team stays proactive so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Throughout the process, we make communication simple and consistent. You’ll receive regular updates on your case and have easy access to our team through a secure app right on your phone. It includes texting-style messaging and case updates at the touch of a button, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. Of course, we’re always happy to talk with you directly by phone whenever you prefer.
It’s common for insurance companies, or even the at-fault party, to offer quick compensation after an accident. These early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, or long-term needs are known. Accepting too soon can prevent you from recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.
Even if someone offers you money at the scene of the accident, that does not necessarily mean you don’t have a case. In many situations, those offers are an attempt to limit future liability. Our team can review the facts, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim may truly be worth before you make any decisions.
All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started. We only collect a fee if we secure an offer off recovery for you. This approach keeps our interests aligned with yours and ensures that we only succeed when you do. Every fee agreement is explained in writing before representation begins so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Getting started is simple. Reach out for a free consultation so our team can review your situation and help you understand your options. We will guide you through each step with clarity and care, answer your questions, and explain how we can begin building your case right away.
You can call (678)-341-5212, email Intake@meeksimpactlaw.com, or submit a message through our contact form to get started today.