GeorgiaSB 962025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Official Code of Georgia Annotated; provisions creating certain boards, panels, authorities, centers, commissions, committees, councils, task forces, and other such bodies; update and modernize

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Lee Anderson (Republican), Timothy Bearden (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Greg Dolezal (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Frank Ginn (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Shawn Still (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Carden Summers (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican), Larry Walker (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican), Sam Watson (Republican), Rick Williams (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Code RevisionGovernment OversightGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Volunteer fire departments face compliance rules

Volunteer-only fire departments are included in Georgia’s fire department standards and certification system. Departments must document that they meet minimum standards to receive a compliance certificate. The state firefighter council can suspend or revoke certificates for failing to maintain required personnel, equipment, or insurance. It cannot do so for unmet training requirements when required training was unavailable from or through the Georgia Fire Academy.

Volunteer firefighter checks protect private records

Local fire departments use authorized agencies to check prospective volunteers for Georgia felony convictions when determining eligibility. The department receives only a form stating whether a felony conviction exists. Conviction details and related records are protected and generally not public.

Erosion training gets new state oversight

The Erosion and Sediment Control Overview Council takes over the former advisory board’s training oversight roles. It maintains programs and reviews course materials, exams, trainer qualifications, and audit results. It approves trainers and instructors and sets passing grades. The awareness seminar does not require a final exam.

Georgia assigns homeland security planning duties

When the Governor decides a new statewide security strategy is needed, Georgia’s emergency management and homeland security director must develop it. The strategy addresses domestic terrorism and other security threats and hazards. Its goals include better protection, response, recovery, and reduced loss of life and property.

Lupus council guides education and funding

The lupus education council sits within Georgia’s Department of Public Health. It includes the public health commissioner and six members appointed by the Governor, House Speaker, and Lieutenant Governor. The council studies education needs, develops government-endorsed information, and recommends how education, awareness, and research funds are distributed. The law also repeals a separate code section about donations to the council. The provided details do not explain how that repeal changes donation rules or funding.

Disability services prioritize integrated paid work

Georgia’s vocational rehabilitation board advises state leaders on making competitive integrated employment the preferred option in state-funded disability services. This means working alongside people without disabilities, with pay and benefits at least matching those for similar work. The policy covers working-age people with disabilities. The board develops provider training, raises awareness, reviews funding methods, and makes recommendations in biannual reports. The law does not guarantee a job or cash benefit.

Firefighters get transfers and broader standards

The state firefighter council takes over the volunteer council’s training and certification duties. It sets minimum employment and training standards for firefighters, safety educators, inspectors, investigators, and other covered fire-service workers. Airport firefighters are expressly covered by the standards and training system. Certified firefighters can transfer certification after leaving a job or volunteer role, but the new department must agree. A department can refuse and require basic training again. On July 1, 2025, Georgia takes over the volunteer council’s assets, liabilities, and obligations existing on June 30, 2025.

Georgia shifts control of youth grants

Only the Department of Juvenile Justice and Criminal Justice Coordinating Council can control federal Justice Department juvenile justice grants. The Governor’s Office for Children and Families loses that role. On July 1, 2025, Georgia takes over the office’s assets, liabilities, and obligations existing on June 30, 2025. These changes do not set a new grant amount or household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Matthew Gambill
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 248 • No: 18

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 51 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/21/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 162 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/20/2025