The Georgia General Assembly began its 2026 legislative session this week, with several newly elected members starting their terms. Among them are Representative Akbar Ali (D-Lawrenceville), Representative Eric Gisler (D-Watkinsville), Representative Bill Fincher (R-Canton), Senator Jaha Howard (D-Smyrna), and Senator Jason Dickerson (R-Canton).
Lawmakers met from Monday to Friday for the first five legislative days. The House and Senate leadership agreed on a session calendar, setting Crossover Day for March 6 and Sine Die for April 2. The legislature will not meet next week due to budget hearings, with Legislative Day 6 scheduled for January 26.
The opening week included ceremonial events such as the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs and Issues breakfast, press conferences, and Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address. At the Eggs and Issues breakfast on Wednesday, Speaker Jon Burns outlined priorities including improving literacy rates by placing literacy coaches in every elementary school, delivering property tax relief through enabling legislation to eliminate the homestead property tax statewide, addressing insurance costs and accessibility, and focusing on healthcare workforce shortages.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones stated that the Senate would focus on eliminating the state income tax. He also mentioned efforts toward property tax reform by limiting annual increases in home values for property taxes and requiring more accountability in local taxation procedures.
Governor Kemp delivered his eighth and final State of the State Address on Thursday. He proposed a fourth tax rebate—$250 for single taxpayers and $500 for married couples filing jointly—and plans to accelerate reducing the state income tax rate from 5.19 percent to 4.99 percent.
Kemp’s budget proposals include $1.8 billion to increase road capacity on I-75 in Henry County, $200 million for improvements to Georgia 316 between Atlanta and Athens, $250 million for local road projects, and $100 million to strengthen bridges across Georgia. The amended fiscal year 2026 budget also includes $2,000 bonuses for teachers and other state employees. An additional $50 million investment is planned as part of a Homelessness Response Grant aimed at urban areas.
Kemp announced a new DREAM Scholarship program—a needs-based scholarship within Georgia’s university system—with a proposed state appropriation of $300 million.
Senator Larry Walker (R-Perry) was elected President Pro Tempore after Senator John Kennedy stepped down to run for lieutenant governor; Kennedy has since resigned his Senate seat. The Senate Republican caucus selected new leaders: Senator Jason Anavitarte as Majority Leader; Senator Shawn Still as Majority Caucus Chairman; Senator Clint Dixon as Vice Chair; and Senator Kay Kirkpatrick as Secretary.
In the House, Representative Soo Hong was chosen as Vice Chair of the House Majority Caucus following Representative Houston Gaines’ departure from that role during this term. House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett named Representative Carter Barrett as a new deputy whip.
Senator Colton Moore qualified to run in a special election to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, resulting in his resignation from the State Senate seat he held; Governor Kemp will call a special election to fill this vacancy.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones announced committee chair appointments for the session across various policy areas including agriculture, appropriations, education, health services, transportation, public safety, veterans affairs, among others.
Governor Kemp also named his floor leaders: Senators Drew Echols (District 49) and Bo Hatchett (District 50); Representatives Soo Hong (District 103), Will Wade (District 9), Matthew Gambill (District 15), and Devan Seabaugh (District 34).
