The 2026 session has officially come to a close. During the final week, my colleagues and I worked late into the night to finish votes on major bills before adjournment. The final gavel fell around 1:30 a.m. Friday morning, ending another busy year under the Gold Dome. As your state representative for House District 30, I want to share several of the most important measures that passed and what they mean for Georgia families and communities.
The Big Budget
The General Assembly completed its one constitutional duty with passage of HB 974, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This plan is based on a $38.5 billion revenue estimate and reflects Georgia’s priorities for the year ahead. It places strong focus on education, healthcare, foster care, disability services, retirement stability, and local infrastructure.
Key highlights include:
- $14.9 billion to fully fund Georgia’s K-12 education formula
- $70.4 million for school-based literacy coaches
- $18.4 million for regional literacy support
- $9.7 million to expand access to pre-K programs
- $50 million in added foster care funding
- Nearly $48 million to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates
- $11.2 million for graduate medical education
- $13.6 million for local road and infrastructure grants
- $100 million in added retirement system contributions
I am especially encouraged by the strong focus on early literacy. Reading success in the early grades often shapes everything that follows.
Key Education Bills
One of the most significant education bills this year was House Bill 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. This bill creates a statewide framework to improve reading outcomes in the early grades.
The bill will:
- Provide grants for literacy coaches in every public school serving K-3 students
- Require coaches to spend at least 70 percent of the day working with students and teachers
- Offer no-cost training for teachers and literacy coaches
- Require stronger parent notification when students fall behind in reading
Other education bills also passed:
SB 369 updates charter school accountability and planning rules.
SB 150 extends Georgia’s retired teacher reemployment program through 2030.
SB 556 requires colleges to maintain overdose reversal medication, creates medical student scholarships tied to in-state service, and expands college savings account benefits.
Together, these measures support students, teachers, and Georgia’s long-term workforce needs.
Income Tax RelieF
House Bill 463 provides broad tax relief for Georgia taxpayers. The bill gradually lowers the state income tax rate from 4.99 percent to 3.99 percent. It also raises exemptions and deductions for families and retirees.
The bill includes:
- Higher dependent exemptions
- Larger standard deductions for single and married filers
- Increased retirement income exclusions for seniors
This approach helps Georgians keep more of what they earn while maintaining responsible fiscal policy.
Insurance Affordability
Insurance costs were a major concern this year. In response, lawmakers passed House Bill 1344 to strengthen consumer protections and improve accountability in the insurance market.
The bill:
- Raises fines for insurers that violate claims laws
- Strengthens fraud penalties
- Improves storm claim processing
- Expands the Fortified Homes program
- Adds guardrails for aerial imaging by insurers
- Gives policyholders at least two years to file certain claims
These changes are designed to help consumers while promoting fairness in the market.
Property Tax Relief
Another major issue this session was property tax relief. The General Assembly passed a measure creating the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, or LHOST. This allows communities to adopt a one-percent local sales tax that can offset homestead property taxes on primary residences.
A qualifying homestead includes the home and up to five surrounding acres. For many homeowners, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes, this could provide meaningful relief.
The bill also improves transparency and prevents certain retroactive tax bills caused by administrative errors.
Protecting Vulnerable Georgians
Several important bills focused on protecting vulnerable citizens.
SB 587 strengthens protections for children, older adults, disabled adults, and long-term care residents during abuse investigations. It also creates a searchable animal cruelty database to help shelters and rescue groups screen adopters.
HB 1187, also known as Trey’s Law, protects survivors of childhood sexual abuse by voiding nondisclosure agreements that silence victims about abuse. Confidentiality for settlement terms may still remain in place.
These measures reflect a clear priority, protecting those who need it most.
Roadway Safety
We also passed important traffic safety reforms.
HB 651 updates rules for school zone speed cameras. It places oversight with GDOT, requires flashing yellow lights during enforcement, lowers certain fees, and increases accountability for misuse. Local voter approval would also be required every six years for contracts.
HB 1161 requires drivers, when safe, to move to the far right for approaching emergency vehicles. It also creates clearer penalties for fleeing a Department of Public Safety officer.
These changes promote both fairness and roadway safety.
Access to Contraception and Maternal Leave
House Bill 1138 expands access to contraception by allowing trained pharmacists to provide certain birth control options directly through pharmacies. This can be especially helpful in rural areas with limited OB-GYN access.
House Bill 1118 provides state employees with 120 hours of paid maternal birth leave to be used within the first three weeks after birth. This gives new mothers added time to recover and care for their newborns.
Looking Ahead
Now that the session has ended, Governor Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto bills passed this year. Some measures will become law immediately, while others take effect later. Bills not vetoed within that period automatically become law.
Thank you for the trust you place in me to serve House District 30. It is an honor to represent our community, and I look forward to continuing that work in the years ahead.