ATLANTA – Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) today highlights several new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp. These new laws seek to enhance penalties for fentanyl trafficking and make adjustments to Georgia’s civil justice system.
“It’s an honor to represent the communities of the 176th House District by serving under the Gold Dome on the House leadership team,” said Whip Burchett. “Today, much of the legislation we worked on together takes effect, including tax cuts, school safety reforms and drug trafficking prevention, while the lawsuit reforms we worked on began taking effect in recent weeks.”
During the 2025 legislative session, House Majority Whip James Burchett carried Senate Bill 79, the ‘Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act,’ which strengthens penalties for fentanyl trafficking in the state.
“Fentanyl has impacted communities across our state, including South Georgia in particular,” added Whip Burchett. “Over the last several sessions, I’ve worked closely with my House and Senate colleagues, including Senator Russ Goodman of Homerville, to go after those that bring these drugs into our communities.”
Whip Burchett also sponsored and supported Senate Bill 68 in the House— a comprehensive measure designed to reduce unnecessary litigation and promote balance within Georgia’s civil justice system.
“In recent years, lawsuit abuse has continued to wreak havoc on Georgia’s business community, threatening our continued economic growth,” continued Whip Burchett. “The legislation we passed will restore balance, ensuring that Georgians are protected from injury while our job creators aren’t punished for their successes.”
The Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act will take effect today, July 1, 2025. Senate Bill 68 took effect upon the governor’s signature on April 21, 2025.
Representative James Burchett represents the citizens of District 176, which includes all of Atkinson and Lanier counties as well as portions of Coffee, Lowndes and Ware counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 and currently serves as the House Majority Whip. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Judicial, Ethics, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Judiciary Non-Civil, Public & Community Health, Rural Development, State Properties and Transportation committees, as well as an Ex-Officio member of the Rules Committee.
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