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
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
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
How These Laws May Affect You
- If you or a loved one was wrongfully convicted: SB 244 offers a new path to compensation and financial recovery.
- 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.
Voices from the Community
“Any seconds or minutes that you can shave off... it’s just more lives you save.”
— Stacey Meeks, Public Safety Director
“It’s a huge step forward. Our clients shouldn’t have to beg the legislature for basic dignity after they’ve lost years behind bars.”
— Christina Cribbs, Georgia Innocence Project
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:
Conclusion
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.