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GeorgiaSB 4852025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Professional Counselors; applicants for a license in social work enrolled in a master's degree program to take the master's social work licensing examination in their final semester of the program; authorize

Sponsored By: Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Bill Cowsert (Republican), Frank Ginn (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Ed Setzler (Republican), Carden Summers (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Regulated IndustriesRegulated Industries and UtilitiesGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Social work students can test earlier

Georgia social work license applicants can take the master's licensing exam during their program's final semester. Their master's social work program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. This allows testing before graduation; it does not waive other licensing requirements.

New ID rules for nail technicians

Beginning July 1, 2028, Georgia nail technician applicants must submit a copy of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID. Certificate renewals require the same document. Registered nail technicians must clearly display a copy of their ID photo beside their certificate at work. The photo must be at least 2 inches by 2 inches.

Salon owners must check apprentice IDs

Beginning July 1, 2028, Georgia shop and salon owners registering nail technician apprentices must submit copies of their IDs. Each apprentice's driver's license or state ID must meet federal REAL ID standards. Owners must also clearly display a copy of the ID photo in the shop or salon. The photo must be at least 2 inches by 2 inches.

Behavior analysis certifiers must be nonprofits

Organizations certifying behavior analysis professionals in Georgia must be nonprofits with federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3). They must also be accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute. These rules limit which organizations can provide certification.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Jason Anavitarte

    Republican • Senate

  • Max Burns

    Republican • Senate

  • Bill Cowsert

    Republican • Senate

  • Frank Ginn

    Republican • Senate

  • Bo Hatchett

    Republican • Senate

  • Billy Hickman

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Hodges

    Republican • Senate

  • Chuck Hufstetler

    Republican • Senate

  • Kay Kirkpatrick

    Republican • Senate

  • Chuck Payne

    Republican • Senate

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

  • Ed Setzler

    Republican • Senate

  • Carden Summers

    Republican • Senate

  • Ben Watson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alan Powell

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 215 • No: 46

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/23/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 121 • No: 46 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026Senate

  3. Act 514

    5/11/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    3/27/2026Senate

  6. House Third Readers

    3/23/2026House

  7. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/23/2026House

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/18/2026House

  9. House Second Readers

    3/10/2026House

  10. House First Readers

    3/9/2026House

  11. Senate Tabled

    3/6/2026Senate

  12. Senate Taken from Table

    3/6/2026Senate

  13. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2026Senate

  14. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/6/2026Senate

  15. Senate Read Second Time

    2/19/2026Senate

  16. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    2/18/2026Senate

  17. Senate Read and Referred

    2/11/2026Senate

  18. Senate Hopper

    2/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 485/AP* (v7)

    PDF

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