Summary of July 2025 Labor Law Updates for Atlanta, Georgia
This blog post provides a roundup of July 2025 labor and employment law developments in Atlanta, Georgia. It is designed for employees, HR professionals, and compliance leaders, brought to you by our Atlanta team at HKM Employment Attorneys.
July 2025 marked a pivotal month for Georgia labor law, especially with the enactment of the Dignity and Pay Act, reinforcing equitable pay for workers with disabilities, and the uniform update of workers’ compensation procedures. HR professionals and employers across sectors—particularly those employing individuals with disabilities or handling compensation claims—should swiftly review compliance obligations and adjust systems and policies. For assistance navigating these changes, or help with workplace policy updates and compliance, please contact HKM Employment Attorneys at https://hkm.com. We’re here to help ensure your practices are both effective and legally compliant.
Dignity and Pay Act — Legislation
Date: July 1, 2025
Summary: Governor Brian Kemp signed the Dignity and Pay Act (SB 55) on May 1, 2025. The law, effective July 1, 2025, prohibits employers in Georgia from paying individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage, ending the use of Section 14(c) certificates previously permitted to pay subminimum wages. The Act phases out existing certificates: employers with valid certificates as of July 1, 2025, may continue using them temporarily. By July 1, 2026, they must pay at least 50% of the federal minimum wage, and by July 1, 2027, they must pay full federal minimum wage—after which the certificates are no longer valid.
Implications: This groundbreaking legislation ensures fair compensation for employees with disabilities and aligns Georgia with other states moving to eliminate subminimum wage practices. Employers must audit whether they hold any 14(c) certificates and adjust compensation in line with the mandated timeline.
Workers’ Compensation Rules and Form Updates — SBWC Rules
Date: Effective July 1, 2025
Summary: The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) implemented significant updates to its rules and forms, effective July 1, 2025. These include organizational, editorial, and substantive amendments to improve clarity and consistency in administration. One notable form update: the WC‑2a “Notice of Payment of Suspension of Death Benefits” has been revised to include a “NO DEPENDENTS” checkbox and a reference to O.C.G.A. § 34‑9‑265(f).
Implications: Employers and claims administrators involved in workers’ compensation must update protocols and documentation to reflect these changes. Training on the revised form and awareness of procedural modifications will be important to maintain compliance.
Additional Statewide Legal Changes Affecting the Workplace
While not exclusively labor law, several July 1, 2025 laws have workplace-related implications:
- Schools must require K–8 students to stow smartphones during school hours, with enforcement policies set by fall 2026.
- “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” mandates panic alert buttons in classrooms.
- Other notable laws include a ban on transgender youth in sports, protections for IVF, digital driver’s licenses, and hunting gear rules—though these affect policy rather than employment per se.
Implications: Schools and educational institutions should update policies accordingly. Employers in education and related sectors should monitor these requirements.
Conclusion: Looking Back on Georgia Labor Law Updates from July 2025
As Georgia courts continue to refine employment protections in recent rulings, it’s critical to have local legal backing if you’re facing wrongful termination, discrimination, or contract disputes here in Metro Atlanta. At HKM Employment Attorneys in Atlanta, our skilled attorneys have helped employees across Fulton and DeKalb counties navigate EEOC claims, FMLA denials, and retaliation cases with precision and proven results. Our Atlanta team is known for clear communication, strategic guidance, and tailored advocacy that transitions readers from informed observers to empowered clients. If these recent cases hit close to home, don’t hesitate to contact our Atlanta office and see how we can help you take action.
