2025 Crossover Day: Bills to Watch
- Kelli Says So
- Mar 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 10
*Last updated 3/9 with bills' status post-Crossover Day!
Welcome to Crossover Day down at the Georgia State Capitol! Crossover Day is the deadline for a bill to pass either the state House or Senate to stay alive this session. If it doesn’t make it over by tonight, it’s likely done for the year (though we might see it again next year). To make it easy on my busy yet engaged friends, I’ve outlined key legislation today, including what supporters and opponents are saying about the bill.
Local Matters: It's Where YOUR Life Happens Day to Day!
Georgia! This is about what’s happening in our backyard, not in Washington. It’s easy to get caught up in the federal headlines, but the decisions made at the state level directly impact your daily life—our schools, taxes, and fundamental rights. So, let’s not sleep on what’s happening under the Gold Dome.
Alright, done preaching. Let’s get into it!
Quick Reminders:
Even if a bill clears one chamber, the other house can tweak it, add amendments, or send it back for more debate. And a big heads-up: Just because a bill doesn’t make it today doesn’t mean it’s dead. Lawmakers love to sneak failed legislation into other bills later in the session.
This is the second year of a two-year session, meaning legislation introduced in 2025 can still be considered in 2026. The current session runs until April 3rd, so there’s plenty more to watch.
2025 Crossover Day Bills to Watch
Senate Bills
Crossover Day Outcome: Failed to advance.
The Senate did not vote on SB 120 by Crossover Day, so the bill died for this session (it could potentially be revived in 2026, the second year of the biennium)
Outcome if passed: Schools that violate the proposed rules could lose both state and federally managed funds. The bill follows a national push against DEI programs. Last month, President Trump ordered the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and penalize federally funded institutions that continue DEI programs. He also warned state education departments and universities that using DEI initiatives could cost them federal funding.
Supporters: They argue that DEI initiatives have strayed from their original intent, acting as ideological filters that suppress free speech, prioritize group identity over merit, and create division instead of unity. They believe public institutions should remain politically neutral and avoid endorsing specific ideologies.
Opponents: They call the bill an attack on diversity and American values. They describe it as an insult to Georgia’s diversity, warning of its impact on marginalized communities and inclusive education policies.
Crossover Day Outcome: Passed the Senate.
The Senate unanimously approved SB 17. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
Outcome if passed: This law (Ricky and Alyssa’s Law) would mandate that local school systems implement a mobile panic alert system. This system aims to connect various emergency services technologies, ensuring real-time coordination among state and local first responder agencies during school security emergencies.
Supporters: Proponents of the bill argue that enhancing school safety measures is crucial in the current climate. They believe that implementing a standardized panic alert system across schools will lead to faster emergency response times, potentially saving lives and preventing tragedies.
Opponents: While the intent of this bill is widely supported, critics worry about costs for districts with limited budgets, technology integration challenges, and training needs. Some argue that a one-size-fits-all system may not work and prefer flexible school options.
Crossover Day Outcome: Passed the Senate.
SB 220 cleared the Senate in a 39–17 vote after extensive debate. It advances to the House.
Outcome if passed: Georgia’s medical marijuana program would see expansive changes. SB 220 ("Putting Georgia's Patients First Act") would rename "low THC oil" as "medical cannabis" in Georgia law and expand access for patients. It clarifies legal protections, updates penalties, and broadens the list of qualifying conditions. The bill aims to modernize the state's medical marijuana program and improve patient care.
Supporters: Proponents argue the bill enhances access and removes the stigma around medical cannabis. They believe clearer regulations and expanded eligibility will benefit more patients. Supporters see it as a necessary update to Georgia’s evolving medical marijuana program.
Opponents: Critics raise concerns about regulatory oversight, potential misuse, and conflicts with federal law. Some worry about the impact of increased THC levels on public health. Others question whether the state has the resources to manage an expanded program effectively.
Crossover Day Outcome: Failed to advance.
The Senate tabled SB 242 on Crossover Day without a floor vote, meaning the statute's proposal did not pass the Senate by the deadline and is considered dead for now.
Outcome if passed: Erect a privately funded statue to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas near the Georgia Capitol. Previous attempts have been made to secure this statue but with no luck as of this session.
Supporters: Believe that Justice Thomas, a Georgia native, exemplifies perseverance, rising from poverty to serve on the nation's highest court. They believe the monument would educate and inspire, celebrating his dedication to civil service.
Opponents: Some critics contend that Justice Thomas's judicial decisions have been polarizing and question the appropriateness of honoring him with a monument. They express concerns that such a tribute could exacerbate divisions within the community.
HOUSE BILLS
HB 111: Reduce the state income tax rate for individuals and corporations
HB 112: Provide another income tax refund for Georgians who filed taxes in 2023 and 2024
Crossover Day Outcome: BOTH Passed the House.
Outcome if passed:
HB 111: This bill proposes reducing Georgia's state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19% for both individuals and corporations, effective for the 2025 tax year.
HB 112: This bill aims to provide a one-time tax refund for Georgians who filed income tax returns for both 2023 and 2024. The proposed refunds are up to $250 for single filers, $375 for head-of-household filers, and $500 for married couples filing jointly.
Supporters: They argue that these measures will provide financial relief to taxpayers and stimulate economic growth. They believe that reducing the income tax rate and offering refunds will allow Georgians to retain more of their earnings, boosting consumer spending and investment within the state.
Opponents: Critics worry that cutting taxes could shrink state revenue, making it harder to fund schools and infrastructure. While a tax break sounds great now, they argue it’s essential to think about how it might affect the state’s budget and services down the road.
Crossover Day Outcome: Failed to advance.
Outcome if passed: House Bill 237 would require prosecutors to demonstrate to a judge that artistic expressions, such as song lyrics, are directly relevant to an alleged crime before they can be admitted as evidence in court.
Supporters: This bill has support from both Democrats and Republicans, with advocates saying artists shouldn’t have to worry about their lyrics being used against them in court. They argue that music and other creative works are often just storytelling (not confessions) and shouldn't automatically be treated as evidence of a crime.
Opponents: Critics worry that limiting the use of lyrics in court could make it harder to prosecute crimes. They believe that, in some cases, song lyrics and other artistic works might reveal key details about a defendant’s intent or actions, and restricting them could stand in the way of justice.
Crossover Day Outcome: Failed to advance.
HB 533 did not pass the House in time (lawmakers instead passed individual compensation resolutions for specific exonerees).
Outcome if passed: HB 533 would create a straightforward process for wrongfully convicted individuals in Georgia to seek compensation. The bill would have administrative law judges review claims, setting clear rules for the evidence needed and how cases are decided. The goal is to ensure exonerees get fair financial compensation for the years they lost behind bars.
Supporters: Advocates say wrongfully convicted individuals deserve a fair and efficient way to get compensation for the time they lost. They believe the bill creates a much-needed process to ensure justice and financial support for exonerees.
Opponents: Critics worry about the bill's financial impact on the state and question how eligibility for compensation will be determined. Some fear the bill could lead to excessive claims or legal challenges. Others argue the proposed payouts may not be enough to truly compensate for years of wrongful imprisonment.
Crossover Day Outcome: Failed to advance.
If passed, House Bill 649 would broaden treatment options for postpartum depression by extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers from the current 60 days to six months. This extension would provide continued access to necessary mental health services during the critical postpartum period.
Supporters: Advocates argue that extending Medicaid coverage is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. They highlight that untreated postpartum depression can have significant economic costs, averaging $5,300 per year, and that extended coverage can help more mothers receive necessary treatment, reducing these costs.
Opponents: While specific opposition to HB 649 has not been prominently documented, general concerns about extending Medicaid coverage may include the potential financial impact on the state's budget and the sustainability of funding such programs.
Crossover Day Outcome: Failed to advance.
Both measures cleared the Rules Committee, but House leadership did not call them up for a floor vote before the Crossover deadline. As a result, neither the constitutional amendment nor the enabling bill passed the House by Crossover Day, leaving the sports betting effort effectively dead this session.
Outcome if passed: If approved, Georgians would vote on whether to allow online sports betting. Revenue from sports betting would go to the Georgia Lottery, funding Pre-K education, the HOPE Scholarship, and gambling addiction support. Unlike other bills, this one wouldn’t become law automatically—it would give voters the final say.
Supporters: Supporters argue that legalizing sports betting would bring Georgia much-needed regulation and tax revenue. They believe it’s about controlling bad actors while using the money to fund education. They also highlight that the revenue could expand Pre-K programs, help kids learn to read, and support working parents by improving childcare options.
Opponents: Critics strongly oppose the bill, calling gambling "legalized fraud." They argue that expanding sports betting would only worsen existing problems in the state, comparing it to throwing gasoline on a dumpster fire.
Alright friends, that's it for now! Thank you so much for investing the time to learn more about what's happening at the Georgia State Capitol through your dose of #MomentumMinutes for the week. Please bookmark and share this page to stay informed on the policies shaping Georgia’s future. As the session continues, I’ll share key updates and insights to help you stay engaged.
Look, if you don't remember anything, please remember that local decisions directly impact our daily lives—schools, taxes, infrastructure, and more—which is why understanding and participating in state-level policy matters.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged.
-Kelli R., Your Civic Sister
Sources: Including Georgia Public Broadcasting, WABE/AP reports, Capitol Beat news service, THEATLANTAVOICE.COM, GPB.ORG, GEORGIASTAFFING.ORG, LEGISCAN.COM, GEORGIASTAFFING.ORG, SCHR.ORG, GPB.ORG LEGISCAN.COM, CAPITOL-BEAT.ORG
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