Last Monday, the Georgia House returned to the State Capitol for Legislative Day 29, marking the start of our ninth week of session. With Crossover Day behind us, we began reviewing and voting on bills that made their way over from the Senate. One of our most significant achievements last week was passing the House’s version of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget (HB 68). This budget is a crucial step in funding Georgia’s operations and services for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2025.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes a revenue estimate of $37.7 billion, reflecting an increase of $1.6 billion over the previous year. A major focus of this budget is improving Georgia’s education system, particularly in literacy and student success.
Education Priorities
- Literacy Initiatives: HB 68 allocates $22.7 million to support literacy programs recommended by the Georgia Council on Literacy. This includes $18.5 million for literacy coaches in RESAs and $2 million for a universal reading screener available to all school systems.
- School Safety: HB 68 dedicates $25 million for the first-year costs of the School and Student Safety (S3) Database. This initiative will improve threat assessment and response by coordinating efforts between law enforcement and schools.
- Mental Health Support: The budget provides $19.6 million for mental health grants in middle and high schools, allowing each school to receive $20,000 to hire counselors or establish tele-mental health services.
- Support for Disadvantaged Students: Georgia will join 45 other states in offering additional funding to school districts with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students, with a $28 million investment.
- Pre-K Expansion: HB 68 includes $14 million in lottery funds to continue reducing Pre-K class sizes and to add 93 new classrooms.
Strengthening Public Safety and Corrections
Beyond education, HB 68 prioritizes law enforcement and public safety with major investments in Georgia’s correctional system.
- Correctional Staff and Pay Increases: Since 2021, we have worked to improve salaries for correctional officers. This budget includes a 4% pay raise. This adds $13.5 million for the Department of Corrections and $3.1 million for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
- Facility Upgrades and New Housing Units: HB 68 provides a $250 million increase for the Department of Corrections. This includes $45 million to hire 700 new correctional officers and funding for renovations, new housing units, and inmate relocations to improve prison conditions.
- Mental Health Services for Inmates: $56.8 million is set aside to enhance mental health and healthcare services in correctional facilities, including the addition of 42 new mental health professionals.
- Transitional Housing for Returning Citizens: HB 68 includes $2.8 million to make 100 transition center beds available at the Smith Transitional Center in Evans County, helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.
Addressing Homelessness and Affordable Housing
Recognizing the need for more resources for Georgia’s homeless population, HB 68 includes:
- $6 million for Homelessness Initiatives to assist organizations that provide housing and services for those in need.
- $4 million in additional funding to secure federal grants for the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless.
- $2 million for the Accountable Housing Initiative, which supports rapid housing solutions for individuals and families in crisis.
Expanding Access to Maternal Healthcare
Improving healthcare, particularly for women and mothers in rural Georgia, is another key focus of HB 68.
- $9 million in new funding to address maternal healthcare needs statewide.
- $5 million to expand and sustain rural labor and delivery services. This ensures expecting mothers have access to quality care close to home.
- $1.2 million for hospital grants to improve cardiac care, as heart complications are a leading cause of maternal mortality.
- $700,000 for quality improvements in birthing facilities, helping more hospitals meet verified maternal and neonatal care standards.
- A study on emergency transportation needs, which will explore better ways to transport mothers in need of specialized care.
Protecting Georgia’s Workforce and Retirees
HB 68 also supports Georgia’s workforce, public employees, and retirees through key financial commitments.
- Employees’ Retirement System: An additional $23.25 million will be added to Georgia’s retirement system, bringing the total to $50 million to support retired state employees.
- First Responder PTSD Support: More than $1.5 million in supplemental payments will be available for first responders suffering from PTSD, following the passage of House Bill 451 in 2024.
- Foster Care Support: HB 68 provides $19.2 million to meet rising costs in the foster care system, including $1.5 million for clothing and supplies for foster youth.
What’s Next for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget?
HB 68 is now in the hands of the Senate, where it will undergo review and possible revisions. If the Senate makes changes, a conference committee will be appointed to reconcile differences between the two versions. Once finalized, the budget will go to Governor Kemp for approval and signature into law.
Other Legislation from last week
In addition to passing the budget, the House voted on several bills including:
- Senate Bill 81 strengthens consumer protections in auto sales, requiring manufacturers to disclose new vehicle functions and protect customer data. This legislation addresses concerns regarding dealership fairness and consumer rights, particularly in the age of digital vehicle transactions. It ensures that independent dealerships remain competitive by preventing monopolistic practices from large manufacturers. SB 81 also sets strict data privacy guidelines, restricting manufacturers from misusing customer information. Additionally, it mandates fair compensation for dealers assisting customers with over-the-air (OTA) vehicle recalls. With these measures, the bill promotes transparency, security, and fairness for both consumers and auto dealers across Georgia.
- Senate Bill 144 clarifies pesticide labeling regulations in Georgia, ensuring alignment with federal health and safety standards. This legislation provides that pesticides registered with the Department of Agriculture and displaying an EPA-approved label will be considered sufficient warnings of health risks. However, it also includes provisions to hold manufacturers accountable if they have knowingly withheld or misrepresented health risks to gain EPA approval. By aligning state regulations with federal guidelines, SB 144 provides consistency in pesticide labeling while ensuring consumer safety. This bill also helps farmers and businesses by reducing legal confusion and preventing unnecessary litigation over properly labeled products.
Staying Connected
With fewer than 10 legislative days left, we are in the home stretch of this session. The final day, known as Sine Die, is set for April 4th. I welcome your input on the issues that matter most to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office, schedule a visit to the Capitol, or visit my constituent services page.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.