The year’s Georgia General Assembly has introduced several bills and resolutions aimed at shaping the state’s future in areas such as education, business, firearm regulations, health and the environment. This page tracks some of the legislation authored or co-sponsored by Savannah’s state lawmakers. It will be updated as these bills and resolutions move through the legislative process. – Eric Curl
(Last updated on Feb. 11, 2025)
House Bill 305: Protect the Dream Act”
Introduced in the Georgia House, the “Protect the Dreamt ACT” bill aims to prohibit certain entities from acquiring interests in single-family dwellings. Co-sponsored by Rep. Anne Westbrook (D-Savannah), the legislation would prohibit businesses such as a partnership, corporation, or real estate investment trust that manages funds pooled from investors, is a fiduciary to such investors, has a net value or assets under management on any day during a taxable year, and holds a total net value in all assets of $6.25 million or holds interests in at least 25 single-family dwellings in a single county.
House Resolution 67: Clean Energy Transition
Climate change will threaten Georgia and the Southeast with increased temperatures, drought, and extreme weather, threatening the state’s coast with flooding, sea-level rise, and stronger and more frequent hurricanes, according to a resolution co-sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah). House Resolution 67 expresses Georgia’s commitment to achieving 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050. The resolution underscores the economic benefits of such a transition, while calling for state policies that encourage sustainability and the creation of green jobs.
The resolution states that pollution from fossil fuels disproportionately affects communities of color and causes serious health problems. Transitioning to “to clean energy represents an unprecedented opportunity to address environmental justice issues ” and ” and boost economic growth in coming years,” the resolution states.
The resolution offers support for transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, while touting the growth of solar energy in Georgia during the past ten years. It notes the efforts of Savannah, along with other cities, to transition to renewable energy by 2050.
Meanwhile, Georgia Power is going back on its promise to close coal plants across the state in the face of rising demand for energy, especially from large projects like data centers, as recently reported at The Current by Emily Jones/WABE, Grist.
Speaking of transitions … legislation authored by Sen. Ben Watson (R-1st) seeks to prohibit the prescribing of hormone therapies and puberty-blocking medications to minors for gender transition purposes. Senate Bill 30 includes limited exceptions for medically necessary treatments, including, including individuals born with ambiguous genitalia or chromosomal abnormalities resulting in ambiguity regarding the individual’s biological sex.
House Bill 158: Business Registration Update
Aiming to streamline business operations, House Bill 158 proposes shifting trade name registration responsibilities from county superior courts to the Secretary of State’s office. Co-sponsored by Representatives Anne Westbrook (D-Savannah) and Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), the bill seeks to reduce administrative burdens and centralize business filings to improve efficiency for entrepreneurs and business owners in Georgia.
The legislation fails, however, to adequately improve transparency – one of the primary goals of Savannah Agenda. The amended language does not require that the person or people behind the corporation be identified – something that allows limited liability corporations to remain anonymous, aside from the registered agent or lawyer representative.
For instance, a former church and school building on East 55th Street and Waters Avenue was recently purchased by an LLC for $1.4 million on Dec. 12, according to sales records. The buyer, 728 East 55th Street LLC, lists a Savannah PO Box as the corporation’s address and the agent did not respond to a request for more details about who the buyer actually is or what is planned for the site. The church and community center at 55th Street and Waters Avenue previously housed the Oasis of Hope, a ministry of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church.
The Right to Destroy Arms and Be Held Accountable for Improper Storage
The city of Savannah has been making failed attempts for years to get legislation passed that would allow the police to destroy confiscated weapons. This year, Rep. Anne Westbrook again introduced legislation to do just that. House Bill 80 grants law enforcement agencies greater control over unclaimed or confiscated firearms. Under the proposed law, agencies could destroy, transfer, or auction weapons based on safety considerations.
Savannah’s new law prohibiting the storage of weapons in unlocked vehicles could also be getting state support. House Bill 63 proposes legal consequences for firearm owners who fail to secure their weapons properly. If an unsecured firearm is used in a violent incident or crime, the owner could face penalties such as a $500 fine, as proposed. In addition, House Bill 207 establishes strict storage requirements for firearms in motor vehicles and vessels.
Senate Bill 65: Mandatory Kindergarten in Georgia
Early education is on the mind of Sen. Derek Mallow (D-2nd). With Senate Bill 65 Mallow is proposing mandatory kindergarten enrollment before first grade. Additionally, the legislation would lower the compulsory school attendance age from six to five years old.
As executive director of East Savannah United, Mallow is also working with the city and Chatham County in an effort to overcome educational and economic disparities in East Savannah. The organization is one of the partners involved in an initiative to develop an early childhood learning center just east of the downtown Historic District. The 23,000-square-foot learning center is expected to include classrooms for preschoolers, infants and toddlers with administrative areas, a catering kitchen, a library and outdoor play areas, as previously reported.
House Bill 206: Repealing the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act
Former Mayor and current State Rep. Edna Jackson (D-Savannah) has joined Westbrook in co-sponsoring House Bill 206, which seeks to remove penalties for students convicted of drug offenses regarding financial aid eligibility. By repealing portions of the Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990, the bill aims to expand access to scholarships and grants for students regardless of past convictions.
RELATED:
Chatham, Savannah adopt priorities
The Savannah City Council approved its 2025 legislative agenda on Dec. 19. The agenda focuses on infrastructure investments, improvements in court fee processes, and support for affordable housing initiatives. Specific priorities include advocating for local infrastructure funding, enhancing court efficiency, and expanding the use of SPLOST funds for affordable housing development. Policy positions emphasize support for homelessness assistance, preservation of home rule authority, and sustainability initiatives aligned with Savannah’s Clean Energy Resolution.
Chatham County’s list of legislative priorities featured multiple items that are responses to the region’s heavy storm season this year, as reported by the Savannah Morning News.
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