New Georgia Laws That Go Into Effect Jan. 1: What To Know

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed a number of bills into law in 2022 — some of which will begin being implemented Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

According to the Associated Press, most laws in Georgia were effective July 1; however, the General Assembly caused a postponement in some laws, pushing the effective date back to New Year's Day.

Patch has assembled a list of laws set to take effect in the new year:

House Bill 1041, Tax Credits For Contributions To Rural Hospitals

Tax credits for rural hospital contributions will increase from $60 million to $75 million per taxable year, as stated in HB 1041.

The law applies to taxable years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2023.

HB 1041 was sponsored by Reps. Clay Pirkle, Rick Jasperse, Sam Watson, Terry England, John Corbett and Mack Jackson.

House Bill 1443, Food Truck Permits

HB 1443 says that food trucks with active permits in one county can operate in other outside counties without having to acquire additional permits. Notice must be given to the outside counties before operating, and inspections can be completed on food trucks by the outside counties.

If a food truck fails an inspection in an external county, a written notice of remedial measures must be provided.

HB 1443 was sponsored by Reps. Houston Gaines, Marcus Wiedower, Matthew Gambill, Leesa Hagan, Mike Cameron, Teri Anulewicz.

Senate Bill 332, Inform Consumers Act

Stricter regulations will be enforced on online marketplaces with the signing of SB 332, which Kemp said is being enacted to prohibit the sale of stolen retail goods on online marketplaces.

"Here in Georgia, we will do everything possible to curb crime and make life difficult for those who break the law," Kemp said in a news release. "With SB 332, we're dealing another blow to the organized gangs that steal from Georgia shops and stores by making it much harder for them to profit from their heists."

Under SB 332, sellers who are classified as "high-volume" must provide financial and contact information to the marketplaces. Furthermore, these marketplaces must offer an option for consumers to report suspicious activity.

If their yearly revenue is more than $20,000, sellers must provide their contact information to consumers.

Attorney General Chris Carr has the power to enforce compliance.

According to the Associated Press, SB 332 will affect platforms such as Amazon, Etsy and eBay.

SB 332 was sponsored by Sens. John Albers, Mike Dugan, Butch Miller, Kay Kirkpatrick, Jeff Mullis, Randy Robertson, Steve Gooch, Brian Strickland, Bo Hatchett, Carden Summers, John Kennedy, Harold Jones II, Elena Parent, Gloria Butler, Clint Dixon and Chuck Payne.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.