2026 Legislative Session Begins, Week 1 Review from Rep. Bruce Williamson

Dear Friends,

On Monday, January 12th, your state legislators began the 2026 session. The session lasts for 40 legislative days, which are days when the House and Senate officially convene. Some days are dedicated to committee meetings. For instance, next week will mainly feature committee meetings focused on the state budget. Other dates to be aware of include Crossover Day on March 6th. This is the last day a bill must pass its respective chamber and “crossover” to the other if it is to have a chance at becoming law. The last date is April 2nd, which is Sine Die, the last day of the legislative session. I have provided the legislative calendar below. Use that as a helpful guide when choosing the perfect time to visit the Capitol.

This week has been packed with events. The first was the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues breakfast at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The next was Governor Kemp’s final State of the State address. I have the details of his State of the State below. Speaker Burns addressed the Eggs and Issues event, announcing that the House is laser-focused on keeping Georgia the best place in the nation to live, work, raise a family, and do business for generations to come. To accomplish this, the House will work on initiatives to make living in Georgia more affordable for every family and business in our state.

The House will focus on:Addressing the cost and accessibility of insurance.Deliver on tax relief-put forward legislation enabling the elimination of the homestead property tax statewide.Cut regulations that contribute to the rising costs of building a new home.Address healthcare access and affordability.Champion literacy efforts to strengthen curriculum, increase accessibility to screenings for learning challenges, and fund literacy coaches.
Speaker Burns, Georgia Chamber 2026 Eggs and Issues

2026 State of the State Address

On Thursday, January 15th, Governor Kemp delivered his final State of the State Address to a joint session of the General Assembly. It was a bittersweet moment. Over the past seven years, Governor Kemp has steered our state through many challenges, including COVID lockdowns and Hurricanes Michael and Helene. Through it all, our state is safer and more prosperous than it was in 2019, prior to Governor Kemp’s term.

“The Georgia of today stands on a firm foundation – a foundation built on the character of our people, the resolve of leaders both past and present, and by the Grace of our Creator. So, when the storms of tomorrow come, it is my hope that we will share in a commitment to keeping the state we all love on that firm foundation,” stated Governor Kemp.

Where we stand today:

Through a balanced budget process, our state reserves are at a record high. 4.1 billion dollars of capital projects have been funded with cash rather than debt.
Cash funding of capital projects has allowed us to reduce our debt by 20 percent over 3 years. The lowest since the state began issuing debt bonds in the 1970s.
Historic tax cuts were implemented, returning billions to taxpayers.
Invested 6 billion in water, sewer, and transportation projects across the state.
Workforce Development- we have reduced the state employee turnover rate by 25 percent, saving taxpayers in training new employees.
Prioritized economic development, over the last 7 years, Georgia has seen over 219,700 new jobs.
Since 2019, we have welcomed 3 of the largest economic projects in the state’s history.
Continued Georgia’s streak of 12 years for the best place to do business.
Fully funded the Quality Basic Education fund 7 times while also adding an additional 184.5 million dollars to programs that prepare workers for jobs.
School safety; added an additional 184.5 million in school security grants.
Raised teacher pay by $9,500!
Kept the cost of post-secondary school in check by putting an additional 2 billion towards higher education.
Launched the GRACE commission to combat human trafficking. Since its launch, there have been 70 convictions and 200 children saved.
Established the Anti-Gang Taskforce and the Gang Prosecution Unit. Since then, GBI has arrested 2,500 offenders with gang affiliation.

Where we are going:

All across Georgia, citizens are struggling to make ends meet, which is why the Governor’s latest budget proposal includes a fourth, one-time, 1 billion tax rebate.
The state’s personal and corporate income tax rate will be lowered an additional 20 basis points to 4.99%. Lowering the income tax rate below 5 percent 3 years ahead of schedule.
Establish the DREAM scholarship. Investing 325 million dollars into the state’s first needs-based scholarship program.
Establishing a new enhanced law enforcement retirement plan. The state will provide a higher 401 (k) match, doubling the state’s contribution rate.
Introducing the state’s 11th bill to help eliminate human trafficking. It is modeled after Trey’s law, which has been passed in other states.
$2,000 one time pay supplement for all state employees, including teachers and law enforcement.

Governor Kemp’s 2026 State of the State Address

It was a pleasure hosting UGA President Dr. Jere Morehead in our legislative office today to talk about UGA’s priorities. Our flagship land-grant university continues to set the standard nationally, thanks in large part to Dr. Morehead’s outstanding leadership.