As the third week of the 2026 session began on January 26, work at the Capitol picked back up after a brief delay caused by winter weather. While the storm slowed travel across much of the state, lawmakers returned to Atlanta by Tuesday and moved forward with a full agenda. This week there was an important shift in focus, as the budget process continues and attention turns to detailed review rather than broad presentations.
Budget Work Continues with subcommittees
With joint budget hearings now complete, House Appropriations subcommittees have started meeting to review specific sections of the state budget. These smaller groups focus on individual agencies and programs, which allows for closer review of funding needs and priorities.
As the budget process continues, each subcommittee reviews both the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Once those sections pass out of subcommittee, they move to the full House Appropriations Committee for consideration.
After that step, the bills advance to the House floor. Once passed, they head to the Senate, where a similar review process takes place. If the two chambers pass different versions, conference committees step in to resolve those differences.
Because budget work continues throughout the session, I’ll share updates as decisions move forward. This process may feel complex, but it allows for careful review and accountability at every stage. For families and businesses in the 30th House District, these choices directly affect schools, public safety, local services, and more.
the House Passes Its First Bill of the 2026 session
While committees reviewed budget items, the House also took action on the floor. On Wednesday, members passed the first bill of the 2026 session, House Bill 443.
HB 443 relates to offshore fishing licenses and was requested by Georgia’s coastal fishermen. The bill creates an annual fee for reef or migratory fish endorsements tied to recreational fishing licenses.
The bill sets the fee at $10 for Georgia residents and $20 for non-residents. All funds would stay with the Department of Natural Resources. This funding allows Georgia to conduct its own fishery surveys instead of relying only on federal data.
Supporters shared that federal surveys often reflect conditions along the entire Atlantic coast, not Georgia’s waters. By collecting state-specific data, Georgia can better manage its fisheries.
The House passed a version of this bill last session. However, Senate changes sent it back for further review. This week, the House amended the bill again and passed it, sending it back to the Senate for consideration.
Water Planning and education initiatives Move Forward
The House also unanimously adopted House Resolution 1008 this week. The resolution updates Georgia’s statewide water management plan, which dates back to 2008.
These updates reduce the number of regional council appointments, remove alternate members, and extend terms from three years to six. Also, each council must include representatives from major water and wastewater sectors.
These changes followed months of review and were designed to help councils function more effectively. The resolution now moves to the Senate.
Meanwhile, the Senate passed Senate Bill 148, the first measure this year to receive final passage. If signed, the bill would update public school policies in several ways, including:
- Allowing hunting safety lessons for middle and high school students
- Creating an outdoor learning center pilot program
- Expanding personal day use for school employees
- Making it easier for schools to use AED devices
These updates reflect practical needs raised by educators and parents.
Property Tax Relief Proposal Announced
Finally, House leadership announced a major housing proposal this week. House Bill 1116, known as the HOME Act, outlines a long-term plan to phase out homestead property taxes by 2032.
The bill also gives local governments options to replace lost revenue, including optional sales taxes and fees. It would expand homestead exemptions and cap growth on certain properties.
As work continues and bills move forward, I will share updates regularly. My goal is steady progress, clear priorities, and responsible decisions that reflect the needs of House District 30.