UPDATE: The Georgia General Assembly has officially commenced its 2026 legislative session as of January 19, 2026, following a high-energy opening day marked by a stirring performance from Miss Georgia 2025, Audrey Kittila, who played “Georgia on My Mind” on the violin. This session promises to address critical issues impacting Georgians now.
On the inaugural day, the House recognized the completion of extensive renovations to the House Chamber, meticulously designed to maintain the Capitol’s historic character while integrating modern enhancements. The renovations included locally sourced materials, showcasing a commitment to preserving Georgia’s rich heritage.
As business commenced, the House adopted House Resolution 998, establishing the legislative calendar for the session. The assembly is mandated by Georgia’s Constitution to meet for 40 non-consecutive legislative days, concluding on April 2, 2026. This clear calendar allows legislators and constituents to plan effectively.
In a significant announcement, Governor Kemp presented key initiatives during the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs & Issues breakfast. He proposed a $35 million fund for natural gas infrastructure and earmarked $1.8 billion for major transportation projects in the congested McDonough Area at I-75. Additional allocations include $250 million for local roads and $100 million for rural bridge improvements.
As the week progressed, lawmakers gathered for the governor’s final State of the State Address. In a passionate speech, Kemp emphasized the need to lower living costs for Georgians while prioritizing education, workforce training, and public safety. He detailed a remarkable total of $9.7 billion returned to taxpayers since 2021 through various tax relief measures.
“We are committed to tackling the rising costs that affect families and businesses across our state,” Kemp stated.
Among his proposals, Kemp announced a fourth one-time $1 billion tax rebate, which would provide an average of $250 for single filers and up to $500 for married couples. He also plans to reduce the state’s personal and corporate income tax rate to 4.99%.
The governor’s address highlighted support for state employees, proposing a one-time $2,000 pay supplement for full-time workers, including educators and public safety officers. His administration has raised teacher salaries significantly, bringing the starting salary increase to nearly 28%.
Kemp also unveiled plans to enhance school safety, allocating over $511 million to public safety initiatives since taking office. With a focus on education, he committed $2 billion toward higher education, ensuring affordable opportunities for Georgia students.
As the legislative session unfolds, significant attention will be directed toward the state budget, with discussions beginning immediately after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Governor Kemp and agency leaders will present budget requests to the Appropriations Committees, a critical step in shaping Georgia’s financial future.
With the ongoing focus on combatting human trafficking and gang violence, Kemp reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, unveiling new legislation to enhance these efforts. The General Assembly will continue addressing pressing issues affecting all Georgians throughout the session.
As legislators dive into their responsibilities, they urge constituents to stay engaged. Meetings will be held throughout the session, and the public is encouraged to attend or watch live streams of committee meetings on the House website.
The 2026 legislative session is set to tackle vital issues affecting the lives of Georgians. Stay tuned for updates as the Assembly progresses through critical discussions and decisions that will shape the state’s future.
