Week 12 Legislative Session Recap 2026

The Georgia General Assembly returned to the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for the 12th and final week of the legislative session. The House convened on Tuesday and Thursday, while committees worked to finalize remaining legislation. As Sine Die approached, we spent long hours on the House floor debating and voting on key measures to ensure they reached final passage. Among the most significant actions taken was the approval of House Bill 974, the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) budget, along with dozens of other bills and resolutions sent to Governor Brian Kemp for consideration.

The General Assembly met its only constitutional requirement by passing the FY 2027 budget, totaling $38.5 billion. This budget makes strong investments in education, including full funding for Quality Basic Education and expanded early literacy efforts, while also supporting pre-K access and student mental health services. It provides additional resources for foster care, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Medicaid providers, while also strengthening healthcare workforce development and maternal health programs. The budget further prioritizes cost-of-living adjustments for retirees and local infrastructure improvements, reflecting a responsible and balanced approach to meeting Georgia’s growing needs.

During week twelve, the House passed the following legislation:

• House Bill 974 – Establishes the FY 2027 state budget, prioritizing education, healthcare, public safety and support for vulnerable populations across Georgia.
• House Bill 1193 – The Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, expanding literacy coaching, teacher training and statewide accountability to improve reading outcomes in early grades.
• Senate Bill 369 – Strengthens oversight and transparency for charter and nontraditional schools while expanding access to virtual learning options.
• Senate Bill 589 – Increases access to voluntary pre-K programs and adds 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline information to certain student identification cards.
• Senate Bill 150 – Extends the retired teacher reemployment program through 2030 to help address workforce shortages in critical subject areas.
• Senate Bill 556 – Creates the DREAMS Scholarship, expands financial aid opportunities, enhances campus safety and raises college savings contribution limits.
• House Bill 463 – Delivers tax relief by lowering the state income tax rate and increasing deductions, exemptions and retirement income exclusions.
• House Bill 1344 – The Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act, improving consumer protections, reducing fraud and increasing accountability in insurance practices.
• Senate Bill 33 – Establishes a local option sales tax to help reduce homestead property taxes and provide relief for homeowners.
• Senate Bill 402/House Bill 943 – Create a pilot program to provide autism screenings and expanded services for children in foster care.
• House Bill 256 – Expands the Foster Parents Bill of Rights to include all foster placements and strengthens protections for caregivers.
• House Bill 1283 – The Family Justice Center Act, allowing communities to establish centralized service centers for victims of violence and abuse.
• Senate Bill 406 – The Georgia Property Owners’ Bill of Rights Act, increasing transparency and accountability for homeowners’ associations.
• Senate Bill 587 – Enhances tools for locating guardians in abuse cases and establishes a statewide animal cruelty database.
• House Bill 1187 – “Trey’s Law,” preventing nondisclosure agreements from silencing victims of childhood sexual abuse.
• House Bill 651 – Updates regulations on school zone speed cameras to improve fairness, transparency and public safety.
• House Bill 1161 – Strengthens traffic safety laws, including requirements for yielding to emergency vehicles and penalties for fleeing law enforcement.
• House Bill 1138 – The Increasing Access to Contraceptives Act, allowing pharmacists to provide certain contraceptives and improving access statewide.
• House Bill 350 – Authorizes newborn safety devices (“baby boxes”) to allow for the safe surrender of infants.
• House Bill 1118 – Provides paid maternal leave for eligible state employees following childbirth.
• House Bill 1284 – Allows terminally ill students to receive high school diplomas in a timely and compassionate manner.
• House Bill 1230 – Prohibits unauthorized drone use over correctional facilities to enhance security and prevent contraband delivery.
• House Bill 334 – The Sickle Cell Disease Protection Act, requiring annual reviews of Medicaid coverage and incorporating patient input.
• House Bill 1112 – Implements rounding for cash transactions to the nearest five cents while maintaining exact electronic pricing.
• House Resolution 713 – Promotes awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline across healthcare settings.
• House Resolution 1007 – Recognizes the benefits of arts-based programs in improving mental health outcomes.
• House Resolution 1445 – Honors efforts to preserve and restore the historic Georgia State Capitol.

With the 2026 legislative session now complete, the governor has 40 days to sign or veto legislation passed by the General Assembly. Measures not acted upon within that time will automatically become law, and some legislation will take effect at a later date as specified. I encourage you to stay engaged and reach out with any questions or concerns about this year’s legislation. Please contact my office by email at karen.mathiak@house.ga.gov or by phone at (404) 656-0213. Thank you for allowing me to serve District 82 at the Gold Dome.