New State Laws Protect Utility Workers, National Guard Members

In many states, new laws take force when the calendar turns over to the month of July, and Georgia is no exception. The Georgia General Assembly passed hundreds of bills during this year’s 40-day legislative session, putting numerous measures and amendments on the books that were due to become law on July 1.

Here's a sampler of the new laws that took effect on Friday, courtesy of Georgia.gov:

Move Over Law for Utility Workers — This measure expands the Spencer Pass Law to include utility service vehicles. It requires drivers to slow down or move over when possible if a utility vehicle is stopped or displaying flashing lights.

Stricter Penalties for Repeat Domestic Abuse Offenders — This new law allows for harsher sentences for repeat domestic abusers by allowing state prosecutors to seek felony convictions rather than misdemeanors.

Protecting Guardsmen's Employment Act — Currently, under certain circumstances, employers are required to rehire any member of the Georgia National Guard if he or she left their job due to being called to active duty. This new law extends this protection to members of another state’s National Guard who are employed in Georgia.

Local Control Over Fireworks — Local governments will have more control over the use of fireworks and the ability to enact or enforce noise ordinances to prohibit the use of fireworks.

To find out more about the state's new laws, check out the Georgia.gov blog here.