ATLANTA – State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) recently introduced House Bill 22, the Veterans Day Paid Leave Act, which seeks to ensure that veterans employed in Georgia receive a day of paid leave on Veterans Day. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Rep. Scott withdrew HB 22 from consideration for the 2025 legislative session.
“Veterans have given so much to this country, and it was only right that we recognized their contributions with a day off to reflect, honor and celebrate their service,” said Rep. Scott. “Although I had to withdraw HB 22 in order to file another bill, as we can only introduce 10 bills, I want all my fellow veterans to know that I will never stop advocating for my brothers and sisters. This bill would have ensured that employers can provide this recognition without experiencing undue economic hardship thanks to a tax credit provision.”
“This legislation acknowledged the invaluable sacrifices of our veterans,” said Rep. Schofield. “By ensuring they receive paid leave on Veterans Day, we could have taken a meaningful step toward showing our gratitude and respect for their service.”
“Honoring our veterans should be a priority for every state, and Georgia took a bold step in the right direction with HB 22,” said Rep. Davis. “This bill sent a powerful message that we value and respect those who have defended our freedoms.”
Before being withdrawn from consideration, HB 22 would have required all employers in Georgia to provide one day of paid leave on Veterans Day to eligible veteran employees, while offering an income tax credit of up to $300 per veteran employee for employers who provided this benefit. Veterans would need to give at least 30 days’ advance notice of their intent to take leave on Veterans Day. The bill also aimed to define a veteran as any individual who has served as an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a state’s National Guard and was honorably discharged. Additionally, it would have allowed employers to seek exemptions if granting paid leave would cause significant economic operational disruption.
For more information about HB 22 or to express support for this legislation, please contact the offices of Reps. Scott, Schofield or Davis.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes a portion of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Health, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Industry and Labor and Small Business Development committees.
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