2025 Session Summary: What Passed, What Didn’t, and What It Means for Georgia Restaurants

The 2025 Session of the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up Friday, April 4 at around 9PM, hours short of the expected midnight ending time. While this was a pleasant surprise for some, others saw priority legislation not receive a vote. 

Tort Reform Passes

Both the House and Senate have now passed SB 68 and SB 69, legislation proposed by Governor Brian Kemp and sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy that addresses Georgia’s legal environment. Both bills now head to Governor Kemp’s desk for his signature into law! Thank you to all those who took time to weigh in on this important legislation.

Shrimp Menu Labeling Does Not Pass

HB 117, the seafood menu labeling bill that has been a focus of the GRA during this legislative session, did not receive a final vote before the close of session. This bill would have required restaurants to place on their menu or on a placard in their physical location a notice that imported shrimp were served.

WHAT PASSED:

SB 68 | Tort Reform

Package of reform language to address unequal legal climate in Georgia.

SB 89 | Child Care Tax Credit

Creates a new child tax credit of $250 per child under 7 years of age and increase the tax credit that employers may take when providing childcare options for their employees.

WHAT DIDN'T PASS:

HB 117 | Shrimp Menu Labeling

Requires restaurants to label imported shrimp on their menu.

HB 163 | Lab Grown Meat Menu Labeling

Requires restaurants to conspicuously label any product containing cell cultured meat, and plant-based meat alternatives on their menu.

SB 254 | Consumable THC Limit

Places restrictions on the amount of THC that is allowable in consumable hemp products. Also places a ban on all beverages containing THC. The House version would have removed the restriction and also allowed package stores to sell these products along with restaurants and other retail establishments.

HB 439 | Vendor Compensation Increase

Increases the vendor compensation amount that merchants receive for collecting sales tax.

SB 2 | No Tax on Tips

Eliminates state income taxes on tipped wages. This bill has passed the Senate Finance committee and awaits action in the full Senate.

HB 431 | Consumer Inflation Reduction and Tax Fairness Act

Would remove interchange fees on the sales tax portion of a credit card transaction for all merchants.

HR 883 | House Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism

Would create a House Study Committee to look at ways to boost Georgia’s tourism

HB 369 | Ice Cream Truck Safety

Puts in place certain safety requirements for ice cream trucks

HB 201 | Lab Grown Meat Ban

Bans the sale of cell cultured meat in restaurants or in retail establishments