Summary of June 2025’s Labor Law Cases in Atlanta, GA
Welcome to HKM Employment Attorneys’ monthly legal roundup, brought to you by our Georgia team. This post highlights key labor and employment law developments from June 2025 for employers, employees, and HR professionals.
June 2025 marked a significant month for Georgia labor law, with major reforms including the end of subminimum wages for workers with disabilities and new protections going into effect. Employers should act now to update payroll systems, policies, and training, particularly as several changes become effective July 1. If you have questions or need guidance, contact HKM Employment Attorneys at https://hkm.com—we’re here to help keep your workplace compliant and equitable. Let’s dive into Georgia’s most important changes this month.
Dignity and Pay Act — Legislation
Date: June 24, 2025
Summary:
Governor Kemp signed the Dignity and Pay Act (formerly SB 55) on June 24, repealing Georgia’s use of Section 14(c) certificates that allowed employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities. Effective July 1, 2025, all employers must pay at least the federal minimum wage to employees with disabilities.
Implications:
This ruling ensures wage fairness for Georgia workers with disabilities. Employers must update payroll processes immediately to avoid legal risk. It marks a major shift toward full labor inclusion.
Disabled Workers Minimum Wage Protection — State Law
Date: July 1, 2025 (effective)
Summary:
Among over 100 new laws effective July 1 is one codifying that individuals with disabilities must earn at least the federal minimum wage. This aligns with and reinforces the Dignity and Pay Act’s ban on subminimum wages for disabled workers .
Implications:
Georgia law now unequivocally mandates minimum wage parity. Employers should update policies, payroll systems, employee handbooks, and required workplace postings before the July 1 effective date.
Riley Gaines Act — Legislation
Date Signed: April 28, 2025 | Effective: July 1, 2025
Summary:
The Riley Gaines Act (Senate Bill 1/House Bill 267) prohibits transgender students from participating on interscholastic and collegiate sports teams aligned with their gender identity. It also mandates gender-specific single‑use facilities in schools and universities.
Implications:
Although primarily centered on education, employers and postsecondary institutions should closely monitor this law for compliance obligations regarding facility designation and privacy provisions effective July 1.
Employee Rights Act of 2025 (Federal) — Federal Proposal
Date Introduced: June 26, 2025
Summary:
U.S. Representative Rick W. Allen (GA‑12) introduced the federal Employee Rights Act of 2025. It aims to “modernize outdated federal labor laws,” bolster union transparency, and expand worker protections, though specifics remain under development.
Implications:
Georgia employers and unions should track this federal legislation closely. If passed, it could change workplace rights nationwide, affecting organizing activities and employer obligations in Georgia.
GDOL Employer Tax Guide — Regulatory Update
Date Updated: June 2025
Summary:
The Georgia Department of Revenue issued its updated 2025 Employer’s Tax Guide in June 2025, providing revised instructions for wage reporting, withholding taxes, and employer obligations.
Implications:
Georgia employers should review this guide to ensure compliance with withholding, quarterly wage reporting, and UI tax payment rules ahead of July 31 reporting deadlines.
Conclusion: Looking back on Atlanta, GA Labor Law Updates in June 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.
