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February 17, 2025 Edition

The Georgia General Assembly will reconvene tomorrow (Tuesday, February 18) for Legislative Day 18. This puts us a little shy of the halfway mark. The next few days will be critical as we work toward ensuring movement on our priority bills.

Please remain steadfast in prayer. We are seeing God work in mighty ways, and we are honored to partner with elected leaders to accomplish significant wins for Georgia. See below for important updates:

Banning Puberty Blockers for Gender Transition in Minors (SB 30) Passes Committee 8-3

On Wednesday, February 12th, SB 30, sponsored by Senator Ben Watson, which bans puberty blockers for minors for the purpose of gender transition, was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and passed 8-3.

We are grateful for Dr. Watson leading the fight to prevent young, confused Georgians from being placed on these drugs which stifle the body’s natural course. Contrary to the lies of the Left, puberty blockers have proven to have permanent damaging effects and trap those who take them in the lies of gender ideology.

Almost always, they serve as a gateway to surgery and lifelong discontentment. Now, Georgia is on the verge of banning this barbaric practice, but we need vigilance. Last year, we worked with Sen. Watson to move this legislation out of the Senate successfully. We expect Lt. Governor Burt Jones to help us do the same once again. However, we want to see this bill move and receive full passage in the House.

See our full testimony at [[link removed]] (Skip to 13:04 for SB 30) See bill language at: [[link removed]]

Another Win in the Fight Against Gender Ideology: Trump Administration Reverses Biden Hostility

As you may remember, I was honored to draft an amicus brief for the Supreme Court case United States v. Skrmetti, which examines the constitutionality of banning puberty blockers and hormones for the purpose of a minor’s “gender transitioning.” You can read our brief HERE. [[link removed]]

The Biden Administration was actively working to undermine such laws (in this case, focused in Tennessee). After hearing oral arguments on December 4, 2024, we are still awaiting a ruling from SCOTUS. Now, the Trump Administration is reversing course and removing the opposition of the previous regime. This is yet another reason that, on this President’s Day, we are grateful that God saw fit to restore sanity to our White House!

We anticipate a SCOTUS ruling by the end of the Court's term in late June.

Banning Taxpayer Funding of “Gender Reassignment” (SB 39) by Sen. Blake Tillery Passes Senate

On Tuesday, February 11th, Senator Blake Tillery's SB 39, which prohibits state funding for procedures or medications related to 'gender transition,' passed the Senate with a vote of 33-19. We appreciate Senator Blake Tillery, Chairman of Appropriations, for his responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars by ensuring state funds are not used for gender transitioning, and for closing the SB 140 loophole to prevent funding of out-of-state procedures for minors. Watch bill presentation in the Senate at: [[link removed]] (Skip to 1:55:42 for SB 39)

Tightening up Illegal Immigration Enforcement (SB 21) Passes Senate

SB 21, sponsored by Senator Blake Tillery, clarifies HB 1105 from 2024 by reinforcing accountability and ensuring that local governments and officials cannot claim sovereign immunity as a defense when violating state immigration laws. We are grateful to Senator Tillery for standing up for the protection of our communities and the integrity of state and federal enforcement efforts by making certain that all levels of government comply with immigration laws. The Senate heard SB 21 on the floor on Thursday, February 13th, and after much debate, passed 33-18. Watch bill presentation in the Senate at: [[link removed]] (Skip to 2:09:54 for SB 21).

Regarding Discussions Around IVF

Since the overturning of Roe, there has been growing discussions around the practice of IVF. With regulation of abortion currently up to the states, there has been fear among some that this would, ultimately, lead to regulations regarding the industry’s handling of the tiny human beings it creates.

In this discussion, it is important to remember three things:

We can and should be empathetic toward couples in a biblical marriage struggling with infertility;We should recognize that IVF is not illegal anywhere in this country, nor has there been an attempt to make it illegal;The discussion around IVF is relevant because the industry does create life, which in then - more often than not - discards.

With Georgia operating under our Heartbeat Law - which has resulted in thousands of lives being saved - there is no threat to IVF. Yet, as we wrestle with how a consistent, pro-life worldview ought to play out in this debate, we are urging caution on any legislation that blanketly affirms its practices without any regulation or changes.

This is an issue that requires time and serious thought. Here are some basic facts that should be concerning about any effort to provide total support for the industry in our laws:

Estimates suggest that out of approximately 4.1 million embryos created annually in the U.S., only 3 to 7 percent result in a live birth.

Embryos that are not chosen are typically discarded, donated for research, or frozen indefinitely.

The IVF industry has numerous concerning practices - including efforts to create “designer babies” and its usage to undermine biblical marriage. Current legislation offered in Georgia does not address sex selection to prevent eugenic practices, or any other ethical regulations for that matter.

Fertility clinics often use artificial stimulation to prompt a woman’s body to produce up to 30 eggs at once, creating a surplus of embryos and more than 75 percent of fertility clinics provide preimplantation genetic testing for genetic conditions, while 73 percent offer tests for traits such as sex selection, and hair, eye, and skin color.

Early last year, The Atlantic, Vox, The Washington Post, and Slate published strong critiques of the abuses of the IVF industry, advocating for robust regulations to safeguard vulnerable parents and children.

IVF frequently results in undermining a child's right to both their mother and father particularly through surrogacy and third-party reproductive arrangements. Estimates suggest that 30,000 to 60,000 children are born this way each year.

It is important that we ensure IVF is at least regulated with the highest medical and ethical standards, prioritizing the well-being of parents over the profits of the largely self-regulated fertility industry. Moreover, we are challenged to ask ourselves: aside from timing, what is a legal distinction between child trafficking and commercial surrogacy fueled by IVF?

We believe lawmakers and individuals alike should take a stand for pro-parent, life-affirming care and policies rather than rushing to codify protections for the multi-billion dollar IVF industry (valued at $35 billion globally in 2022) with little to no oversight.

Now, let me conclude with this: we offer no condemnation for the many Christian families who have been blessed with a child because of IVF. We rejoice with them! Moreover, we are not opposing such efforts in the future.

We do, however, as an organization that believes in life at conception, urge caution and taking the time to properly study how best to both affirm couples in biblical marriage who desire a child and protect human life.

If you would like to share your thoughts or concerns on this issue, please reach out and reply to this email!

Regulating Conflicts in Pharmacy Relationships, Passes Committee (SB 91)

This bill addresses concerns about conflicts of interest in the management of pharmacy benefits under the state’s health insurance program. Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) are responsible for negotiating and managing prescription drug benefits, but if a PBM has a financial stake in a retail pharmacy, it could create incentives that may not align with the best interests of the state's health insurance plan beneficiaries. Senator Tillery’s bill aims to eliminate this conflict. On Wednesday, February 12th, SB 91 passed committee, 11-1.

Watch committee meeting at [[link removed]] (Skip to 1:00:30 for SB 91) See bill language at: [[link removed]].

Transparency in Higher Education Regarding Foreign Adversary Funding Heard in Committee (HB 150)

“Combating Threats from Foreign Countries of Concern Act of 2025" (HB 150) sponsored by Representative Tim Fleming supports increased transparency and helps the public to better understand foreign involvement and influence in higher education funding by implementing mandatory financial reporting requirements for Georgia’s university system regarding funding received from entities or individuals tied to “foreign entities of concern.” We support this bill as it strengthens national security, ensures accountability, and preserves academic integrity. HB 171 was presented in committee on Wednesday, February 12th, but did not receive a vote as it was referred for an additional hearing. See our full testimony at: [link removed] [[link removed]] (Skip to 1:11:05 for HB 150) See bill language at: [[link removed]]

Combating AI Child Obscene Content and Distribution Heard in Committee (HB 171)

HB 171 sponsored by Representative Brad Thomas specifically addresses the distribution of computer-generated obscene material depicting a child, including images that appear realistic but are created using AI. While we support the intent of this bill and the importance of closing the loophole regarding obscenity in our Georgia code, we are working on finetuning language and code placement with the author of the bill and the Judiciary Committee. HB 171 was presented in committee on Tuesday, February 11th, but did not receive a vote as it was referred for amendments. See our full testimony at: [link removed] [[link removed]] (Skip to 38:35 for HB 171) See bill language at: [[link removed]]

Making Georgia’s Pilot Dual Achievement Program Permanent (HB 217)

HB 217 sponsored by Representative Soo Hong establishes the Dual Achievement Program as permanent, replacing the previous pilot program with a state-wide initiative in Georgia. This bill amends the law regarding the Program, which allows students to earn a high school diploma while also obtaining technical college credentials. HB 217 was presented in committee on Wednesday, February 12th, but did not receive a vote as it was referred for an additional hearing. See our full testimony at: [link removed] [[link removed]] (Skip to 38:24 for HB 217) See bill language at: [[link removed]]

Legislative Quick Updates:

HB 111 - Sponsored by Representative Soo Hong reduces Georgia's state income tax from 5.39% to 5.19%. Additionally, the bill accelerates the tax cut schedule, with the rate decreasing by 0.10% annually starting January 1, 2026, until it reaches 4.99%. On Wednesday, February 12th, this bill passed committee 19-4. Watch committee meeting at: [link removed] [[link removed]] (Skip to 15:25 for HB 111) See bill language at: [[link removed]]

SB 17 - Sponsored by Senator Jason Anavitarte addresses the issue of school safety and enhances school security by requiring local school systems to implement a mobile panic alert system and maintain up-to-date school mapping data to improve emergency response times and coordination. SB 17 was presented in committee on Thursday, February 13th, and passed committee unanimously 8-0. Watch committee at: [[link removed]] (Skip to 22:43 for SB 17) See bill language at: [[link removed]]

ALL FRONTLINE ENDORSED BILLS (to date):

SB 1 - “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act” sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal.

SB 9 - “Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act” sponsored by Sen. John Albers

SB 17 - “Ricky and Alyssa's Law” sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte

SB 21 - Tightens up illegal immigration enforcement, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery

SB 22 - Improves government transparency and education accountability, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery

SB 30 - Prohibits the use of hormone treatments in minors for purposes of gender transition, sponsored by Sen. Ben Watson

SB 36 - Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), sponsored by Sen. Ed Setzler

SB 39 - Prevents tax payer dollars from funding gender affirming surgeries, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery

SB 57 - The “Freedom of Speech and Belief Act” sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery

SB 72 - “Hope for Georgia Patients Act" sponsored by Sen. Matt Brass

SB 79 - “Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act" sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman

SB 89 - Childcare tax credit sponsored Sen. Brian Strickland

SB 91 - Addressing conflicts of interest in the management of pharmacy benefits sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery

SB 120 - Eliminating state-funded DEI initiatives at public educational institutions sponsored by Sen. Marty Harbin

HB 133 - “Student Character Development Act” sponsored by Rep. David Clark

HB 150 - “Combating Threats from Foreign Countries of Concern Act of 2025" sponsored by Rep. Tim Fleming

HB 171 - Closing loophole on distributing AI obscene material depicting a child sponsored by Rep. Brad Thomas

HB 217 - Establishing the Dual Achievement Program as a permanent state initiative sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong

HB 260 - Increasing the statewide homestead exemption from property taxes for state, county, and certain school purposes from $2,000 to $5,000 sponsored by Rep. Matt Reeves

HB 267 - The “Riley Gaines Act” sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner

If you are interested in testifying or joining our Legislative Advocacy Team please reply to this email!

Also, for legislators and allies, please contact me to let me know if you request Frontline’s endorsement for a particular piece of legislation. While we monitor all bills that have been introduced, there may be legislation that we are open to supporting that are not currently on our list.

Frontline Across the State - Toombs County GOP

While election season may be over, it won’t be long before we are in the middle of the next election cycle. Which is why we are traveling the state to speak at local churches and GOP meetings about our commitment to glorify God in the public sphere.

We cannot rest on our laurels simply because Georgia has a Republican majority, we must continue to support our elected officials who are passing laws that protect Georgia families and taxpayers. Our Vice President of Strategy & Programs, Lauren Daniel spoke this week at the Toombs County Republican party meeting to discuss our legislative agenda and what we are doing to save girls sports, strengthen the family, and protect religious freedom.

We were proud to share with Sen. Tillery’s constituents about his great work on SB 39 ensuring that taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for harmful surgeries attempting to alter a person’s biological sex.

If you would like us to come speak to a group at your church or your local party meeting, please reach out to [email protected]

Cited Resources:

Faust, K. (2024, September 4). Fast facts. Them Before Us. [link removed]

Waters, E. (2024a, May 28). Ted Cruz and Katie Britt’s IVF Bill Misses the mark. The Heritage Foundation. [link removed]

Waters, E. (2024a, March 19). Why the IVF industry must be regulated. The Heritage Foundation. [link removed]

Waters, E. (2024a, June 6). A Christian’s practical guide to reproductive technology. The Heritage Foundation. [link removed]

Waters, E. (2024, June 17). To address infertility, it’s time to give real reproductive health options. The Heritage Foundation. [link removed]

Chelsea Thompson

General Counsel, Frontline Policy

[email protected]

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