ATLANTA – State Representative Carmen Rice (R-Columbus) announces a number of new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp that will go into effect today, July 1, 2025. These laws seek to lower taxes and insurance costs, improve classroom learning and enhance public safety.
“The visionary leadership of my fellow House members this year will keep our most precious asset – our children – safe,” said House Speaker Burns (R-Newington). “This year’s reforms build on the enhanced security measures we’ve passed in recent years by tackling the root cause of school violence, increasing access to mental health services and ensuring children don’t fall through the cracks when switching school districts.”
“Our children are Georgia’s future, and I am committed to advocating for their education, safety and success,” said Rep. Rice. “I am proud of the passage of HB 268 for school safety. This bill toughens penalties for those that threaten schools and creates a robust Office of Safe Schools, as well as a statewide behavioral response system.”
During the 2025 legislative session, Rep. Rice co-sponsored House Bill 340, the Distraction-Free Education Act, which bans cell-phone use in K-8 classrooms and seeks to improve academic performance, reduce bullying and office referrals and advance social interaction. Also, Rep. Rice supported and advocated for legislation that modernizes the 911 system, enhances penalties for fentanyl trafficking, cuts taxes, protects access to fertility treatment and makes adjustments to Georgia’s civil justice system.
Additionally, Rep. Rice was appointed by Speaker Burns to serve on the House Study Committee on Improving Access to Internal Medicine in Underserved Areas in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. Other study committees will examine a range of subjects, including reducing mandates on school administrators and examining insurance rates among other issues.
For a complete list of legislation from the 2025 session, please click here.
To view the schedule for upcoming House study committee meetings, please click here.
Representative Carmen Rice represents the citizens of District 139, which includes portions of Harris and Muscogee counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2024 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Education Committee and Secretary of the Special Committee on Resource Management. She also serves on the Judiciary, Juvenile and Transportation committees.
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