House Appropriations Committee passes amended FY2025 budget, approves $4.4 billion infusion including prison and hurricane relief funds

The Georgia House Appropriations Committee voted to pass House Bill 67, the amended fiscal year 2025 budget, after subcommittee reviews that added one-time investments and program adjustments across state agencies.

Chairman Hatchett told the committee that the amended budget is “set by a revenue estimate of $40,500,000,000” and includes $2.7 billion in surplus funds for a total infusion of $4.4 billion, an increase she said represents about 12.2% over the original FY2025 plan. The committee approved the measure by committee substitute on a voice vote after subcommittee presentations and questions.

Why it matters: The amended package directs large, one-time and targeted sums to address infrastructure, public safety, and natural disaster recovery needs that committee members said require expedited funding. The measure moves funds for prison facility repairs and personnel, water and sewer projects, technology upgrades, and hurricane relief to communities and industries hit by Hurricane Helene.

The most substantial line items in the bill include: - $333 million in new funds for the Department of Corrections for staffing, technology, capital repairs and modular units aimed at addressing staffing shortages, aging facilities and contraband…