COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Several new laws will take effect in Georgia and Alabama beginning Jan. 1, with some enforcing the ban on hemp products in Alabama and others providing financial protection to Georgia homeowners in case of a disaster.

Georgia insurance changes

In Georgia, House Bill 511 will allow the state to create a catastrophe savings account, according to Sen. Larry Walker III.

“We implemented this disaster savings account which is really designed to allow people to save money for repair of their disaster or a loss and to feel comfortable going with a higher deductible on their homeowners insurance to get that homeowners insurance premium down,” Walker said.

House Bill 511 went into effect in July but will apply to tax years beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Senate Bill 35 will require insurers to give Georgia policyholders a 60-day notice rather than the usual 30 days before their policies are terminated.

“That gives our citizens more time to respond and find coverage elsewhere or remediate the issue with the insurance company and get the non-renewal rescinded so I think that was a really strong consumer protection major we did,” Walker said.

The full list of Georgia Laws can be found here.

Alabama hemp enforcement

In July, Alabama lawmakers banned the selling of hemp products. Starting Jan. 1, the Alabama law states anyone caught selling hemp products will be in violation of House Bill 445 and law enforcement can seize the hemp products without a warrant.

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