Rep. Kendrick sponsors bill in Georgia House to revise income tax credits for qualified business investments

The new bill, introduced by State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick in the Georgia House, aims to encourage entrepreneurship and economic growth through changes to the state’s business investment tax credits, according to the Georgia State House.

The bill, introduced as HB8 on Monday, Jan. 13 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Income tax credit; certain investments in qualified businesses; renew and revise’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to renew and revise the income tax credit system for investments in certain qualified businesses, with the primary aim of boosting entrepreneurial endeavors, job creation, and economic expansion. It removes the requirement that investments must be made by a qualified investor, introduces an aggregate cap, and allows tax credits to be transferred. It also mandates an annual report to relevant committees on the status and impact of qualified businesses. The bill integrates definitions, a sunset clause, and requires recapture of credits under certain conditions. The amendments take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to taxable years starting on or after this date, with the credit system set to expire on Dec. 31, 2031.

Since the beginning of the session, Kendrick has proposed one other bill.

Kendrick graduated from Oglethorpe University in 2004 with a BA and again in 2007 from University of Georgia with a JD.

Kendrick, a Democrat, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 95th House District, replacing previous state representative Randal Mangham.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.