Last Tuesday, my colleagues and I returned to the State Capitol for the 11th week of the 2025 legislative session. With Sine Die quickly approaching, we worked diligently to pass key legislation, ensuring that Georgia continues to move forward. Last week, we focused on bills that will improve education, support rural economies, and combat dangerous fentanyl trafficking. Below are some of the highlights from this week’s session.
Strengthening Georgia’s Fight Against Fentanyl Trafficking
One of the most pressing issues facing our state is the devastating impact of fentanyl trafficking, especially on young Georgians. In recent years, fentanyl overdoses have skyrocketed, leaving Georgia families shattered. To combat this crisis, we passed Senate Bill 79, the Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act. This legislation strengthens penalties for fentanyl trafficking by separating fentanyl-related offenses from other drug crimes, making it easier to prosecute those who manufacture, distribute, or sell this deadly substance.
The bill also builds on last year’s Austin’s Law, named after Austin Walters, a young Georgian who tragically lost his life to fentanyl poisoning. By making Naloxone more accessible in schools and public places and cracking down on large-scale trafficking operations, we are taking a strong stance against the opioid epidemic.
Fentanyl is often disguised as other drugs, making it especially dangerous. With dealers distributing it by the kilogram, a single batch can cause thousands of deaths. SB 79 ensures that Georgia law treats fentanyl with the seriousness it deserves. If signed into law, this bill will help protect our communities and save lives.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Schools
That’s why I was proud to support Senate Bill 123, which aims to address chronic absenteeism in Georgia’s public schools. This bill formally defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of the school year and introduces intervention strategies to help struggling students stay in school.
Last year, nearly 360,000 Georgia students fell into this category. SB 123 modernizes attendance policies by updating outdated terminology and ensuring that students aren’t punished for excused absences. Instead, it requires schools with high absenteeism rates to form attendance review teams to find solutions that help students get back into the classroom.
Education is the foundation of a strong economy, and keeping students engaged ensures they are prepared for college and careers. This legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for review.
Supporting Foster Youth in Higher Education
Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background. Senate Bill 85, which we passed this week, creates the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act, providing financial assistance for current and former foster youth seeking higher education.
Under this bill:
- Eligible students under 26 who spent at least six months in foster care after age 14 can receive scholarships.
- The scholarship covers tuition, housing, meal plans, and textbooks.
- Students can receive up to $30,000 annually until they earn a bachelor’s degree or reach the 10-year limit.
Investing in these young people helps them build successful futures and strengthens Georgia’s workforce. The bill now returns to the Senate for final review.
Protecting Patients with Rare Diseases
Healthcare access is a critical issue, especially for patients with rare diseases. Senate Bill 72 creates a legal safe harbor allowing hospitals and physicians to provide cutting-edge treatments that haven’t yet gone through the full FDA process but are backed by approved research facilities.
Many rare disease patients must currently leave Georgia to seek specialized care. This bill ensures they can receive life-saving treatments right here at home. By supporting medical innovation, we are improving healthcare access for some of Georgia’s most vulnerable patients.
Closing Loopholes in Human Trafficking Laws
Human trafficking is a horrific crime that we must continue to fight. This week, we passed Senate Bill 42, which closes a loophole that previously allowed lesser sentences for those convicted of pimping or pandering minors. By aligning these penalties with human trafficking laws, we are sending a clear message: Georgia will not tolerate the exploitation of children.
Expanding Grandparent Visitation Rights
Family connections are vital, especially for children who have lost a parent due to death, incarceration, or incapacitation. Senate Bill 245 strengthens grandparent visitation rights, allowing them to petition the court for revisions every two years. However, parents still retain the right to revoke visitation when necessary.
Looking Ahead
With just a few weeks left in the session, we are working hard to ensure that meaningful legislation crosses the finish line. Bills awaiting the governor’s decision include:
- House Bill 340 – Prohibits personal electronic devices in classrooms to improve student engagement.
- House Bill 111 – Lowers Georgia’s individual income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%.
- House Bill 112 – Provides a one-time income tax refund of up to $500 per household.
- House Bill 428 – Codifies protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
As we continue our work, I remain committed to supporting rural Georgia, improving education, and ensuring that our communities are safe and prosperous. For more updates on my work in the legislature, visit DerrickMcCollum.com and check out my latest blog post on the 2025 session. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the 30th District. I’ll keep fighting for the values that make our communities strong!