The fourth week of session brought long days and serious decisions under the Gold Dome. We are now more than a quarter of the way through the 2026 session, and the pace is increasing. Last week, the House passed its version of the amended fiscal year 2026 budget, along with several important bills that now move to the Senate. I want to walk you through what that means for Georgia and for families in the 30th House District.
Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Passes the House
The House Appropriations Committee approved House Bill 973, the amended fiscal year 2026 budget. Soon after, the full House passed the measure with bipartisan support. This AFY 2026 budget provides funding through June 30, which is the end of the current fiscal year. It is based on a revised revenue estimate of $42.3 billion. That number includes $3.3 billion in surplus funds. As a result, the plan reflects an 11.9 percent increase over the original budget estimate.
The amended fiscal year 2026 budget includes several major priorities:
- Property tax relief for homeowners
- Improvements to Georgia’s prison system
- Transportation upgrades across the state
- Support for education and healthcare
First, the House set aside $850 million from surplus funds for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant program. This allows for the maximum homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners in the 2026 tax year. Property taxes have risen sharply, so this relief matters for many families.
Next, the amended fiscal year 2026 budget includes $366 million in pay supplements for all state employees. Each would receive a one-time $2,000 payment.
The plan directs $43.9 million for the Quality Basic Education midterm adjustment.
The budget also addresses transportation. It includes funding for Interstate 75 express lane bi-directional expansion south of Atlanta. Furthermore, it directs $250 million for road resurfacing and $85 million for rural bridge repair.
Public safety also remains a focus in the amended fiscal year 2026 budget. The House allocated $92.9 million to the Department of Corrections for safety upgrades and security technology. Additionally, $220 million supports the design and construction of a new correctional facility to address future capacity needs.
Healthcare remains another priority. The amended fiscal year 2026 budget sets aside $17.8 million to expand medical residency programs in south Georgia. Moreover, it directs $4.8 million to help establish rural medical and dental clinics. Access to care remains a challenge in underserved, so these steps are important.
Behavioral health funding also received attention. The House allocated $20.7 million for a new 40-bed forensic facility. Additionally, $27 million begins design work for a new regional psychiatric hospital. With more than 750 individuals waiting for a state hospital bed, these improvements matter.
Finally, the AFY 2026 budget includes $17.5 million for emergency preparedness upgrades. After recent storms and state emergency declarations, strong response systems remain critical.
The Senate will now review the proposal. Meanwhile, the House has begun work on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
Additional Bills Passed This Week
Although the amended fiscal year 2026 budget dominated the week, the House also passed several policy bills. They include:
- House Bill 659 strengthens eye care services in underserved areas. The bill adds optometrists to the state’s loan repayment programs. This change supports rural communities that struggle to attract healthcare professionals. In addition, funding in the amended fiscal year 2026 budget supports planning for a College of Optometry at Georgia Southern University.
- House Bill 350 updates Georgia’s Safe Place for Newborns Act. The bill allows fire stations, medical facilities, and police stations to install newborn safety devices. These devices must be staffed around the clock and funded through donations, not state dollars.
- House Bill 946 supports agriculture by addressing feral hog control. The bill allows trapping on private property without a license if the hog is killed upon capture. It also permits drone use to locate hogs. Feral hogs cause an estimated $150 million in farm damage each year, so action was needed.
In addition, House members introduced the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. This proposal would fund literacy coaches in public schools serving kindergarten through third grade. Early reading skills shape long-term success, so this effort deserves attention.
Looking Ahead
Next week marks week five of the session. As committees continue meeting, the pace will increase. Votes on key measures will continue.
If you plan to visit the Capitol, my office would be glad to meet with you. Hearing from constituents in the 30th House District guides my work. Thank you for allowing me to serve you during the 2025–2026 term.