Legislative Watch

This week at the Georgia General Assembly was one of the most consequential of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers raced toward Crossover Day, the key deadline that determines which bills can continue moving this year. Committees and floor sessions were packed as legislators worked long hours debating and voting on hundreds of proposals before the Friday, March 6th deadline, with activity continuing late into the evening as lawmakers worked to move legislation before time ran out.

Crossover Day refers to the point in the legislative session when a bill must pass out of its chamber of origin—either the Georgia House of Representatives or the Georgia State Senate—in order to remain eligible for consideration during the remainder of the session. If a bill does not pass its original chamber by Crossover Day, it is generally considered “dead” for the year unless its language is later added to another bill that is still moving through the process. (Read More Here)

This week, the Georgia General Assembly advanced several major priorities centered on taxes, education, and the state budget. The Georgia House passed Governor Brian Kemp’s proposal to reduce the state income tax rate to 4.99% and also approved an amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget that includes roughly $2 billion in income and property tax relief, along with funding for transportation, scholarships, and other initiatives. In education, the House moved forward with legislation to fund literacy coaches in K–3 schools statewide and approved a ban on cellphone use in high schools... (Read more Here)

This week, the Georgia General Assembly returned from the Presidents’ Day Holiday to complete legislative days 19-22 and advanced a wide array of bills: the House unanimously passed health-related measures requiring cardiovascular screenings for high-school athletes, autism screening pilots for foster children, and mandated opioid-reversing medication like Narcan on public college campuses. House Speaker Burns unveiled an insurance affordability reform package this week aimed at homeowner, auto, and health insurance costs, and focused on expanded tax breaks to volunteer firefighters... (Read More Here)

This week the legislature was in session Monday through Thursday for legislative days 15-18. Momentum under the Gold Dome continues to build as the Georgia General Assembly approaches Crossover Day. This week was tax policy and healthcare centric. The Senate advanced significant Republican-backed income tax cut measures that would exempt the first $50,000 of individual income from state taxation and further reduce the flat income tax rate over time, sending the proposals to the House for consideration. Lawmakers also debated several healthcare-related bills, including House Bill 1138, which was put forward by House leadership and would allow pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives directly to patients to expand access, particularly in underserved areas... (Read More Here)

This week the Georgia General Assembly continued early-session momentum with a mix of floor votes, committee action, and major policy debates on a wide range of issues. Lawmakers advanced bills on workforce and public safety issues, expanded seafood labeling requirements, judicial additions in fast-growing circuits, and measures addressing invasive wild hogs and newborn safe surrender devices. The Senate approved legislation related to property tax relief and recreational fees, while education policy gained attention with a proposal to restrict cellphone use in high schools moving forward in committee. The week also featured the State of the Judiciary address, where judicial leaders highlighted court system challenges and the growing role of artificial intelligence, followed by House Republicans rolling out a “Putting Georgia Families First” policy agenda focused on childcare, maternal health, and family-oriented priorities. Together, the activity reflected a session balancing bread-and-butter legislation with emerging technology and election-year political positioning... (Read More Here)

This week under the Gold Dome focused heavily on early legislative action and policy priorities as lawmakers moved beyond opening ceremonial and organizational activities and into substantive legislative proposals and committee work. Republican leaders unveiled a high-profile property tax overhaul, with legislation (HR 1114) aimed at phasing out property taxes on primary residences by 2032 while boosting homestead exemptions and immediate relief for homeowners, drawing significant attention from across the aisle at the Capitol... (Read More Here)

Budget week at the Georgia State Capitol is a pivotal time when lawmakers hear detailed presentations from state agencies outlining priorities, funding needs, and proposed investments for the coming fiscal years. Through committee hearings and testimony, legislators scrutinize spending plans, weigh one-time versus ongoing funding, and assess how budget decisions impact core issues like housing, workforce development, healthcare, disaster recovery, and economic growth. These discussions set the framework for negotiations that ultimately shape the state’s final budget and policy direction. Here are some key insights to the budget hearings... (Read More Here)

Happy Friday from your government relations team! The Georgia General Assembly kicked off the 2026 Legislative Session Monday, and it was a busy week at the Gold Dome. On the first legislative day, lawmakers set the 40-day session calendar and welcomed new members. Early floor action in the Senate passed the first bill of session which addressed firearm storage and local government authority. Both chambers of the legislature debated immigration enforcement transparency and entertained several community acknowledgments.

Throughout the week, we saw key policy priorities emerge during the annual Eggs & Issues breakfast and Governor Kemp’s State of the State address. In this statewide election year that has many legislators running for higher office or reelection, we anticipate a politically charged session and look forward to keeping you updated... (Read More Here)