Week 9 Legislative Session Recap 2026

The House reconvened at the State Capitol on Monday, March 9, following an extended legislative day that carried over into the early hours of Saturday morning. By week’s end, the Georgia General Assembly reached Legislative Day 31, leaving just nine legislative days remaining in the 2026 session. After the fast-paced activity of Crossover Day, the House shifted its focus to Senate legislation, advancing several measures for consideration on the House floor. With Sine Die scheduled for April 2, my colleagues and I remained focused on moving key legislation forward, most notably the passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) budget.

During week nine, the House passed the following legislation:

• House Bill 974 (FY 2027 Budget):
  The House passed a balanced $38.5 billion budget for FY 2027, reflecting a $738 million (1.95%) increase over the prior year. House Bill 974 will address issues across the state including education, public safety, infrastructure, and healthcare.
  
• Fully funds the QBE formula at $14.9 billion, includes $5.5 million for Special Needs Scholarships and more than $60 million for a statewide literacy initiative focused on early grade reading proficiency.
  
• Provides $9.7 million to expand pre-K extended day services, supports working families and increases access to childcare assistance.
  
• Allocates $2.7 million for vision and hearing screening equipment for K-3 students.
  
• Adds funding for literacy coaches, teacher training and support staff to strengthen early education outcomes.
  
• Includes funding for school nutrition, summer meal programs (SUN Bucks), transportation increases, mental health grants and school social worker expansion.
  
• Invests in university research, medical education expansion and behavioral health workforce initiatives.
  
• Provides $45.3 million to improve Medicaid reimbursement rates and funds services including autism care, rural healthcare access, maternal health and graduate medical education.
  
• Adds $101 million to support correctional staffing, inmate healthcare and public safety initiatives, along with funding for victim services and judicial system improvements.
  
• Includes a $166 million increase for transportation projects, maintenance and airport aid.
  
• Supports veterans’ health services and agricultural protection efforts, including feral hog management programs.
  
  
• House Bill 1402: Establishes school-based vision and hearing screenings for young students to support early detection of learning barriers.
  
  
• House Resolution 145: Encourages coordination between state agencies to expand access to student health screenings.
  
  
• Senate Bill 220 (Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act): Updates Georgia’s medical cannabis program by expanding product options, modernizing dosage standards and broadening qualifying conditions for patients.
  
  
• House Resolution 948: Establishes a study committee to examine pharmacy benefits managers and rising prescription drug costs, with a focus on transparency and access, especially in rural areas.
  
  
• House Resolution 1049: Designates an annual Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness Day to promote education, prevention and public safety efforts.
  
  
• Senate Bill 420: Supports Georgia’s coastal economy by improving data collection and management of offshore fishing through a new licensing endorsement.
  
  
• Senate Bill 239: Strengthens professional standards and oversight within the funeral services industry to better protect consumers.
  
  

As the 2026 legislative session nears its conclusion on Sine Die, April 2, I encourage you to remain engaged and informed about the work taking place under the Gold Dome. Please continue to share your thoughts, questions and concerns, as your input plays an essential role in shaping the decisions we make on behalf of our communities. It is an honor to serve you, and I remain committed to working diligently during these final days of session. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns karen.mathiak@house.ga.govor (404) 656-0213. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your state representative.