New 2024 GA Laws: Income Tax Rates, Healthcare, Online Renewal Limits

GEORGIA — As the new year approaches, so will new laws in Georgia.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a number of laws during the 2023 legislative session that are set to take effect Monday. Patch has compiled a summary of these new laws.

Income Tax Rate Cuts

House Bill 1437, which Kemp first announced in early December, will bring the 2024 income tax rate to 5.49 percent. Kemp called his proposal the "largest income tax cut" in the state's history and estimated Georgia residents will save about $1.1 billion in 2024 due to the new rate. HB 1437 will remain in effect until the new rate reaches 4.99 percent, Kemp's office said.

RELATED: Kemp Seeks To Advance Record-Breaking GA Income Tax Cut

Consumer Access to Contracted Healthcare (CATCH) Act

Also known as the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act, Senate Bill 20 was amended to guarantee "quality healthcare" to Georgians through various methods such as "setting adequacy standards for network plans offered by an insurer." The law also sets parameters for insurers.

Commercial Financing Disclosures

Senate Bill 90 relates to selling and other trade practices and mandates anyone who offers "commercial financing transactions to make certain disclosures." The bill, sponsored by five senators, allows for penalties.

License Plates

House Bill 175, regarding prestige license plates and special plates, allows for the design and issuance of license plates for state constitutional officers, Public Service Commission members, retirees of the active reserve components and the Georgia National Guard, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The law also states changes to motor vehicle ad valorem taxation for veterans who are considered disabled.

Ambulance Service License Fee

House Bill 453 was amended to mandate that ambulance services pay annual license fees, which will go into the Indigent Care Trust Fund.

Driving Permits for Certain Offenders

House Bill 120 was amended to limit "driving permits for certain offenders, so as to provide for standards for issuance of such permits." The law also states fees, duration, renewals and replacement of these permits are allowed.

Revenue, Taxation and State Contracts

House Bill 128 was amended to ensure representation of minority businesses, women-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses as it relates to revenue and taxation, as well as state contracts for construction, services, equipment and goods.

Georgia Online Automatic Renewal Transparency Act

House Bill 528, or the Georgia Online Automatic Renewal Transparency Act, relates to "deceptive or unfair trade practices." Georgians will be afforded the opportunity to consent to any debit card, credit card or third-party consumer account charges, as well as the chance to given clear terms under a renewal. The law states online continuous service offers and certain automatic online renewal offers will be illegal.