The General Assembly wrapped up the 2024 legislative session.
The General Assembly wrapped up the 2024 legislative session on March 28 and Governor Kemp concluded the bill-signing period on May 7, meaning the 2023-24 Legislative Biennium is now officially over. The Metro Atlanta Chamber was at the forefront of advocacy and engagement at our State Capitol. Our policy team seeks to drive our region forward in four specific areas: 1) Business Climate, 2) Talent Development and Education, 3) Infrastructure, and 4) Thriving Community.
Here are some of the highlights of the important work our team advocated for this year.
BUSINESS CLIMATE
Our policy team led the advocacy effort for a constitutional amendment to move the Tax Tribunal from the executive branch to the judicial branch (HB 1267/HR598). This change will streamline tax-related disputes by allowing both parties to appeal decisions directly to the Georgia Court of Appeals, bypassing the Fulton Superior Court. It will be on the ballot for statewide approval during the November 5 General Election.
Tax incentives have been under increasing scrutiny in recent years as policymakers seek to spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently. Given MAC’s robust economic development efforts, we know how important tax incentives are to maintaining a competitive business environment. Our team successfully worked with legislators and staff to protect our most important economic development tools, fostering a climate of stability and predictability.
We appreciate our state leaders for working toward a more balanced civil justice system by enacting Governor Kemp’s data collection bill. This legislation will analyze tort-related risks from insurers that will lead to informed policymaking (HB 1114).
The legislature also addressed the issue of direct-action claims with a bill that limits the ability of plaintiffs to sue motor carriers and their insurers simultaneously (SB 426). While premises liability legislation failed to pass this year, we can expect the issue to be back next year. Governor Kemp and the General Assembly took meaningful steps this year that demonstrated a commitment to supporting a legal environment that promotes fairness, efficiency, and economic growth. These initial reforms will provide much-needed clarity and predictability for businesses and will lead to policies that mitigate excessive litigation costs and regulatory burdens. There is much more work to do and tort reform will be a significant topic in future sessions.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
The legislature remains committed to advancing talent and workforce development. MAC championed several bills, including the creation of a statewide and regional High Demand Career List. This law will better align workers industry, and education partners with today’s evolving workforce demands (HB 982). Also, we supported the passage of legislation incentivizing employers to hire apprentices and provide work-based learning opportunities in high-demand career fields (SB 497).
The Technical College System of Georgia and the University System of Georgia will now coordinate a common set of credit transfers to and from both systems to allow students to transfer core credits more easily (SB 399). We also worked with legislators to craft legislation that simplifies the dual enrollment processes into a single pathway called Accelerated Career and clarifying two defined diploma tracks for students: general diploma and Accelerated Career diploma (SB 440).
Finally, a bill allowing workforce boards and other agencies to conduct meetings via teleconference was signed into law (this bill was first proposed in 2020). This measure will enable greater participation by employers and community partners.
INFRASTRUCTURE
MAC worked closely with numerous partners, including the agriculture community to remove the Public Trust doctrine following its insertion in 2023. Public trust is a common-law principle that natural resources belong to, and can be used by, the public including some private lands and water. This issue will continue to be argued out in the courts, and MAC will monitor these developments.
The General Assembly reached a compromise on Certificate of Need reform to improve access to quality healthcare (HB 1339). This bill will allow the Morehouse School of Medicine to open a hospital in central Atlanta to provide services that were once provided by Atlanta Medical Center.
THRIVING COMMUNITY
Winning and hosting major sporting events are part of what makes metro Atlanta a thriving community. MAC advocated for and secured $29.75 million in state funding for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. These funds, in coordination with private contributions and funding from the City of Atlanta, will ensure that these events are executed safely and securely, bolster our economy, and solidify our position as a premier destination for international sporting events. We are proud to see the culmination of our years-long work, thanks to the leadership of Governor Kemp and members of the General Assembly.
What’s Next?
Our policy team is already preparing for the 2025 legislative session, leveraging lessons learned and insights gained to advance policies that drive progress and prosperity for the Metro Atlanta region. We are poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring we continue to fulfill MAC’s purpose of unleashing Atlanta’s ambition.
