2025 Legislative Session - Week 1
2025 Session Begins
The Georgia General Assembly convened for the 2025 legislative session on Monday, January 13. The first day was largely ceremonial, with the certification of election results and legislators swearing their oath of office.
On Thursday, Governor Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address. The Governor spoke at length about the need for lawsuit reform, noting the untenable insurance market for Georgia’s families and businesses. He urged Democrats and Republicans to work together, indicating he would call a special session if needed. The Governor intends to introduce a comprehensive legal reform package in the coming weeks. As he said, “doing nothing is no longer an option.”
Governor Kemp also called on the legislature to pass a 0.2% tax cut this year, reducing the income tax for Georgia businesses and individuals to 5.19%. He emphasized his ongoing commitment to school safety, human trafficking, and those devastated by Hurricane Helene last September.
Looking ahead, several of Georgia’s Republican leaders will travel to Washington for the Inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday. Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will then hold budget hearings for the remainder of the week. The legislature will next gavel in on Monday, January 27.
Schedule Announced
The House and Senate agreed to a full legislative calendar as one of their first official acts. Aside from a few exceptions, the legislature will be in session four days each week. Crossover Day is slated for March 6 and the final day is scheduled for April 4. These dates are subject to change as circumstances dictate.
Senate Leadership
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Position |
Republicans |
Democrats |
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Lt. Governor |
Burt Jones (R – Jackson) |
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President Pro Tempore |
John Kennedy (R – Macon) |
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Leader |
Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) |
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Harold Jones (D – Augusta) |
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Whip |
Randy Robertson (R – Cataula) |
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Kim Jackson (D – Pine Lake) |
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Caucus Chair |
Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas) |
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Elena Parent (D – Atlanta) |
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Caucus Vice Chair |
Matt Brass (R – Newnan) |
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Sonya Halpern (D – Atlanta) |
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Caucus Secretary |
Larry Walker (R – Perry) |
Nan Orrock (D – Atlanta) |
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Lawmakers new to their leadership role are bolded
House Leadership
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Position |
Republicans |
Democrats |
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Speaker of the House |
Jon Burns (R – Newington) |
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Speaker Pro Tempore |
Jan Jones (R – Milton) |
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Leader |
Chuck Efstration (R – Dacula) |
Carolyn Hugley (D – Columbus) |
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Whip |
James Burchett (R – Waycross) |
Sam Park (D – Lawrenceville) |
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Caucus Chair |
Bruce Williamson (R – Monroe) |
Tanya Miller (D – Atlanta) |
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Caucus Vice Chair |
Houston Gaines (R – Athens) |
Spencer Frye (D – Athens) |
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Caucus Sec / Treasurer |
Ginny Ehrhart (R – Marietta) |
Park Cannon (D – Atlanta) Solomon Adesanya (D – Marietta) |
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Lawmakers new to their leadership role are bolded