Georgia General Assembly Opens 2025 Session with Leadership Elections and Legislative Priorities

Staff Report

The Georgia House of Representatives convened on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, to commence the 2025 legislative session, marking the start of the 158th Georgia General Assembly. All 180 House members took the Oath of Office, administered by Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Boggs, as part of the day’s proceedings.

In its first order of business, the House re-elected Speaker Jon Burns as the 75th Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones to her respective role. Following these elections, representatives observed a moment of silence to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Dec. 29, 2024, in Plains, Ga. Carter, a native Georgian, served as the 39th President of the United States and the 76th Governor of Georgia, leaving a profound legacy on both the state and the nation.

Later in the day, the House adopted an Adjournment Resolution that established the legislative calendar for the 2025 session. The session, as mandated by the Georgia Constitution, will span 40 non-consecutive legislative days, with the final day, known as “Sine Die,” scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, legislators from both chambers convened for a joint session in the House Chamber to hear Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address. Kemp outlined his legislative priorities, which include increased funding for school safety, tort reform, expanded healthcare access in rural areas and enhanced support for the Department of Corrections. He also reflected on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene last September, the deadliest storm in Georgia’s history, and emphasized the state’s commitment to rebuilding efforts in the hardest-hit communities.

“Although Georgians are still grieving and rebuilding from Helene, the legislature remains focused on prioritizing support for the hardest-hit regions and communities of our resilient state,” said House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley.

The House Committee on Assignments also announced committee memberships, enabling representatives to begin their legislative work in their respective areas of focus.

In addition to legislative matters, lawmakers participated in a Celebration of Service honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event served as a reminder of King’s enduring impact and a call to continue advancing his vision of equality and justice through meaningful acts of service.

“This event was a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s impact on our nation and the ongoing work to advance his vision of equality, justice, and service to others,” Hugley said. “The celebration not only commemorated his achievements but also encouraged all of us to engage in meaningful acts of service to strengthen our communities and uphold the values he fought for.”

Looking ahead, the House will begin the state budget process beginning the week of Jan. 26, with Kemp and state agency leaders presenting their budget requests to the Joint House and Senate Appropriations Committee.

Hugley encouraged constituents to engage with the legislative process and share their thoughts on issues impacting their communities.

“I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your State Representative, and I hope that you will contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the legislative session or with any proposals or recommendations for future legislation,” she said.

She also urged residents to follow the legislative process online and through social media to stay informed. Hugley expressed her commitment to serving House District 141 and keeping residents informed throughout the session.