Gov. Kemp signs tax relief bills for Georgians

ATLANTA, GA (March 27, 2026) – On March 20, 2026, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation temporarily suspending Georgia’s state gas tax for 60 days, providing immediate relief to drivers facing elevated fuel prices.

The measure, HB 1000, passed unanimously by the Georgia General Assembly, eliminates the state’s motor fuel excise tax—approximately 31–33 cents per gallon—during the suspension period. The policy took effect shortly after being signed and is intended to offset rising costs driven by global energy market disruptions.

According to the Office of Governor Brian Kemp, the tax suspension is part of a broader effort to reduce financial strain on Georgia residents and businesses. State officials estimate the move will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars collectively over the two-month period.

However, economists and policy analysts note that the full savings may not always be reflected at the pump, depending on supply chain dynamics and retailer pricing. The American Petroleum Institute and other industry groups have stated that while tax holidays can provide short-term relief, they do not address underlying supply issues.

Today, the average price of gas in Georgia is $3.604, which is slightly lower than a week ago when it was $3.791, but up by more than a dollar at this time last year when it was $2.784. However, statistically Georgia frequently ranks among the states with the lowest gas prices in the U.S., often appearing in the top 10 cheapest and sometimes even in the cheapest five states.

Georgia has used similar gas tax suspensions in the past during periods of emergency or price spikes, including after hurricanes and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspension is set to expire after 60 days unless extended by further legislative action.

In addition, Kemp signed HB 1199 into law, authorizing the return of nearly $1.2 billion in state income tax refunds. When added to previous tax rebates, rate reductions, and suspensions of the gas tax, Kemp says it will have saved or returned over $11.8 billion to Georgia taxpayers with the help of the General Assembly.

“Hardworking Georgians know best how to spend their money, not the government,”  Kemp said in a press release at the signing. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these bills and, along with the General Assembly, deliver meaningful tax relief on top of the other measures we’ve taken in recent years. Because we budget conservatively, we can take steps like these that actually deliver on affordability issues for families in our state.”

Kemp extended his gratitude to all those whose efforts led to these measures being enacted, including:

• HB 1000: Rep. Matthew Gambill, Rep. Will Wade, Rep. Devan Seabaugh, Rep. Soo Hong, Rep. Shaw Blackmon, Rep. Bruce Williamson, Sen. Bo Hatchett, and the Department of Revenue.
• HB 1199: Rep. John Carson, Rep. Shaw Blackmon, Rep. Trey Kelley, Rep. Bruce Williamson, Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, and the Department of Revenue.