Chatham County’s Legislators Push for Major Changes in 2025 Georgia Legislative Session

As Georgia begins its new biennium, the Chatham County delegation, comprising nine lawmakers, is already hard at work advancing their legislative agendas. With only 40 days to move bills through both chambers and deliver them to the governor’s desk, Georgia’s state legislature has a lot on its plate. The state’s legislature operates on a two-year cycle, meaning any bills that didn’t pass by the end of the 2024 session must be officially refiled in 2025.

This year, legislators from both parties are focused on filing new bills and reintroducing legislation that failed to pass in previous years. Here’s a look at the priorities of Chatham County’s legislators for the 2025 legislative session.

Senator Ben Watson (R–Savannah): Prioritizing Tort Reform, School Safety, and Hurricane Relief

Senator Ben Watson, representing Senate District 1, has long served as a champion for the citizens of Bryan, Liberty, and Chatham counties. Among his top priorities for the 2025 session are tort reform, school safety, and hurricane relief. The area was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene, and Watson aims to address the region’s recovery needs while also pushing for changes to Georgia’s tort laws.

Watson, a physician by profession, argues that tort reform is long overdue and aims to “level the playing field” for businesses and individuals facing lawsuits. Another of Watson’s major legislative goals is to ensure the safety of Georgia’s students in the face of rising concerns about school violence. He is also working to expand relief efforts for areas affected by natural disasters.

A key part of his 2025 agenda includes reintroducing a bill, SB 30, that would limit access to gender-affirming care for transgender children. This controversial bill, which Watson introduced in 2024, seeks to prevent the prescription of puberty blockers to transgender minors. It has sparked heated debates, with Watson citing concerns about the potential risks of such treatments while many medical professionals, including the Pediatric Endocrine Society, advocate for the use of puberty blockers as safe and effective.

Senator Derek Mallow (D–Savannah): Championing Public Education and Healthcare

Senator Derek Mallow, a Democratic representative from Savannah, has made education one of his key focuses for the 2025 session. With an emphasis on improving Georgia’s public education system, Mallow aims to ensure that all children are ready to learn and have access to quality education, viewing education as “the gateway to opportunity.”

In addition to his work on education, Mallow plans to introduce bills to improve access to affordable childcare and healthcare, ensuring that working families have the resources they need to thrive. As executive director and CEO of East Savannah United, Mallow is dedicated to improving the community’s access to basic services.

Senator Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro): Focus on Education and Teacher Retention

Senator Billy Hickman, a Republican from Statesboro, is continuing his focus on improving Georgia’s education system. As chairman of the Higher Education Committee, Hickman has been a strong advocate for educational reform. He has identified the state’s literacy rates and the safety of schools as top issues that need urgent attention.

In the wake of several high-profile school shootings, Hickman is advocating for better school safety measures to ensure that students can learn in a secure environment. Teacher and administrative retention are also high on his agenda, as Georgia faces a shortage of educators.

Representative Bill Hitchens (R–Rincon): Prioritizing Public Safety and Infrastructure

Representative Bill Hitchens, who represents House District 161, is focused on public safety and infrastructure improvements for the growing Savannah area. As chairman of the Public Safety Subcommittee, Hitchens is working on securing a 4% raise for Georgia’s correctional officers to help fill the approximately 2,500 vacancies in the state’s prison system.

Additionally, Hitchens is addressing the strain Savannah’s rapid population growth has put on the city’s infrastructure. He hopes to secure funding to improve water and sewer systems, as well as transportation infrastructure in the area.

Representative Carl Gilliard (D–Savannah): Supporting Tenant Protections and the Hemp Industry

Democratic Representative Carl Gilliard has outlined several priorities for the 2025 legislative session, including expanding tenant protections, increasing funding for school meals, and providing new tax incentives for Georgia’s hemp industry. Gilliard has also reintroduced a bill to honor Georgia’s “original 33” Black lawmakers who were elected in 1868 but were later expelled due to their race.

Gilliard’s legislative agenda also includes efforts to ease the reentry process for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking employment and housing after completing their sentences.

Representative Anne Allen Westbrook (D–Savannah): Progressive Reforms and Gun Safety

As an attorney and newly re-elected representative for House District 163, Anne Allen Westbrook is focusing on a wide range of progressive issues. Among her key priorities are expanding access to healthcare, implementing gun safety reforms, and updating the state’s Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula, which funds public schools. Westbrook is also serving on the House Judiciary Committee, where she expects to engage in discussions on tort reform and other important legal issues.

Representative Ron Stephens (R–Savannah): Focus on Tort Reform and Economic Development

Representative Ron Stephens, the dean of Chatham County’s delegation, has made tort reform his top priority. He believes that unbridled litigation has driven up insurance costs for businesses, homeowners, and vehicle owners, and he is committed to creating policies that will address this issue. Stephens also serves as chairman of the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee and is working on tweaking laws to make Georgia an even more business-friendly state.

Representative Edna Jackson (D–Savannah): Tackling Gentrification and Affordable Housing

Representative Edna Jackson, a former mayor of Savannah, is focused on addressing the challenges of population growth in Coastal Georgia. One of her top priorities is increasing access to affordable housing, particularly in light of gentrification that has displaced long-time residents in some of Savannah’s inner-city neighborhoods. Jackson is also concerned about the potential impacts of federal policies on reproductive and civil rights, including the safety of the LGBTQ community in Georgia.

Representative Jesse Petrea (R–Savannah): Maritime Legislation and Immigration

Representative Jesse Petrea, a Republican from Savannah, is focused on maritime issues and environmental concerns. His recently introduced bills aim to deal with abandoned vessels on Georgia’s coast and ensure that restaurants disclose the country of origin for seafood served to consumers. Petrea is also known for his support of anti-immigration legislation and plans to introduce more bills on this issue in the near future.

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