Daily report, 2026 February 25

DAILY REPORT Wednesday
February 25, 2026

24th Legislative
Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

The House will reconvene for its 25th Legislative Day on Thursday, February 26 at 9:00 a.m. Eight bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Conference Committee Reports
HB 973 Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026
Bill Summary: House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget, is set by a revised revenue estimate of $43.6 billion. In addition to revenue growth, the governor's revised revenue estimate for the Amended FY 2026 budget includes $4.5 billion in unrestricted surplus funds and $145 million in lottery surplus for a total infusion of $5.9 billion, or an increase of 15.6% over the original FY 2026 budget. The bill and tracking sheet may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website.

Authored By: Rep. Jon Burns (159th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Conference Committee Reports: The House adopted the Conference Committee Report with a vote of 169-2.

Rules Calendar
HB 320 Waste management; require recycling of solar panels
Bill Summary: HB 320 restricts owners or operators of solar power facilities from discarding or disposing of solar panels by placing them in landfills or other solid waste facilities. Solar panels must be delivered to a legitimate recycling facility. Violators are subject to a civil monetary penalty no greater than $20 for each offense.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Natural Resources & Environment
Yeas: 162 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-12-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 519

Revenue and taxation; amount of federal work opportunity credit claimed by a taxpayer shall also be allowed as a tax credit; provide
Bill Summary: HB 519 creates a state tax credit tied to the parameters of the federal tax credit authorized by Section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code, known as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

The credit is provided to taxpayers that employ an individual that is a part of a targeted group certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. The state credit will not exceed $500 per eligible employee per tax year. The credit may not exceed a taxpayer's income tax liability nor be applied to liabilities other than in the year in which the credit was claimed. The annual aggregate limit for the credit is $10 million per tax year.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 158 Nays: 14

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-11-2026 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Today on the Floor

HB 634

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act; expedited completion of a student's first Individualized Education Program; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 634 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-2116, which relates to the 'Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act.' The bill revises provisions for expedited completion of a student's first Individualized Education Program (IEP). The bill provides for calculating maximum scholarship amounts for certain students, electronic deposits, a compliance form, and deadlines by which the Department of Education will publish certain information.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Carter Barrett (24th) Education
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass

HB 689

Housing; establish a homelessness prevention program
Bill Summary: HB 689 establishes a state homeless prevention program (HPP) to be overseen by the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission. The bill adds the program to the list of qualified sponsors under the fund.

An applicant seeking to operate a HPP must have the ability to provide short-term rental assistance to people of low income, legal services in eviction proceedings, mediation services through an eviction diversion program, and other standards provided by the commission.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th)

Rule Applied:

State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action:

Yeas: 148 Nays: 11

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass

HB 792 Courts; increase amount of magistrate court claims from $15,000.00 to $30,000.00
Bill Summary: HB 792 increases the maximum dollar amount of claims to be heard in magistrate courts from $15,000 to $25,000.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Martin Momtahan (17th) Judiciary
Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-18-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1001 Income tax; reduce rate of tax
Bill Summary: HB 1001 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-20, relating to individual income tax rates, to lower the individual income tax rate effective on January 1, 2026 from 5.19 percent to 4.99 percent.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Will Wade (9th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 106 Nays: 66

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-11-2026 Do Pass

HB 1024 Property; debtor's aggregate interest in real property or personal property used as a residence; revise exemption
Bill Summary: HB 1024 revises the maximum values of property exempted for purposes of bankruptcy from $21,500 to $50,000 for an individual, and from $43,000 to $100,000 for a married couple when that property is the primary residence of both spouses. Procedures for adjusting for inflation are included in the bill.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Soo Hong (103rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-18-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 2 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Today on the Floor

HB 1030 Math Matters Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1030 creates the 'Math Matters Act' to strengthen math education in Georgia by requiring schools to expand advanced math opportunities, increase core math instruction time, and improve math teacher preparation.

By January 1, 2027, the State Board of Education must create new state standards for advanced middle and high school math courses. By the 2027-2028 school year, students who achieve a score of distinguished learner on the statewide end-of-grade math assessment will be automatically enrolled into advanced math (with opt-out options).

The bill requires at least 60 minutes of daily math instruction in the fourth and fifth grades. The bill updates teacher certification requirements to ensure educators are trained in evidence-based math instruction and the core skills needed to teach math effectively.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Sandy Donatucci (105th) Education
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1070 Income tax; increase and extend a credit for expenditures on maintenance of railroad track owned or leased by Class III railroads
Bill Summary: HB 1070 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.34, relating to tax credits for Class III railroads, to increase the per mile of railroad owned or leased rate used to calculate the credit limit for the program from $3,500 to $5,000. Both the sunset date for the program, as well as the window for which the credit is transferable, is extended to from January 1, 2027 to January 1, 2032.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 167 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-11-2026 Do Pass

HB 1085 Income tax; various tax credits for forestry manufacturing facilities; provide
Bill Summary: HB 1085 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-40, 48-7-40.1, 48-7-40.2, 48-7-40.3, and 48-7-40.4, relating to the designation of counties as less developed areas for the purpose of qualifying for various tax credits. It adds forestry manufacturing to the definition of business enterprises that qualify for a credit provided to enterprises headquartered in less developed areas of the state.

The bill provides for an extensive list of businesses that qualify as a forestry manufacturer. Any credit earned by a forestry manufacturer from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031 may be transferred or sold to another Georgia taxpayer.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Ways & Means
Yeas: 161 Nays: 5

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-18-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 3 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Today on the Floor

HB 1185 Courts; certain shareholder claims to be brought before the Georgia State-wide Business Court; provide
Bill Summary: HB 1185, relating to the jurisdiction of the Georgia State-wide Business Court, permits a corporation through its bylaws to require internal entity claims such as proceedings related to court-ordered inspection of corporate records to be brought solely and exclusively in the business court.

Jurisdiction further includes derivative proceedings, provided the ownership threshold does not exceed one percent of outstanding shares. A hearing may be requested by a party to a court-ordered inspection of records, and if the court does order inspection and copying of records, it will order the shareholder to pay costs if determined after a hearing that the shareholder's inspection demand was not made in good faith or for a proper purpose that was reasonably relevant to the shareholder's interest.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th) Judiciary
Yeas: 104 Nays: 66

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-18-2026 Do Pass

HB 1259 Education; prohibit virtual instruction to out-of-system students if the local school system has a College and Career Ready Performance Index below the state average
Bill Summary: HB 1259 amends Georgia's Quality Basic Education funding provisions by placing new restrictions and accountability measures on local school systems that provide virtual instruction to students who live outside the district.

The bill prohibits local school systems from offering virtual instruction to out-of-system students if the system or virtual school has a College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) score below 70 for the two previous school years. The bill prohibits counting out-of-system students toward equalization funding calculations. The legislation would take effect July 1, 2026.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matt Dubnik (29th) Education
Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1277 Conservation and natural resources; increase project cost threshold for public roads or airports requiring environmental evaluations
Bill Summary: HB 1277 is the annual housekeeping bill for the Department of Transportation (DOT). The bill raises the upper cost threshold from $100 million to $200 million for projects that do not require environmental evaluations, except in certain cases, and allows for the department to annually adjust the threshold up to the rate of inflation. The bill strikes language relating to various reports and benchmarks and instead requires the department to develop and publish an annual fiscal year report.

The DOT must also maintain a detailed status report for each programmed project on its website. The bill removes the requirement for design-build contracted projects to be less than 50 percent of the total amount of construction projects.

The bill deals with the disposition of property for right-of-way. The value threshold below which the department or local government may negotiate a sale for the disposition of property is increased from $75,000 to $150,000, with the ability to annually adjust the threshold up to the rate of inflation. The price of the sale negotiated by the DOT must be at least 15 percent less than the market value at the time the department decides the property is no longer needed. The sale can be negotiated via an online public auction.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matt Barton (5th) Transportation
Yeas: 149 Nays: 16

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Page 4 of 19

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Today on the Floor

HB 1329 Controlled substances; Schedule I; provide certain provisions
Bill Summary: HB 1329 adds additional substances to the list of Schedule I controlled substances. O.C.G.A. §16-13-71, the list of dangerous drugs which may be dispensed only upon prescription, is amended to add numerous new drugs. Certain qualifiers are removed for the following three dangerous drugs: antihemophilic factor (recombinant), chikungunya vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine.

The bill revises standards for the epinephrine exception to allow pharmacists to distribute devices that deliver a spray of two mg of epinephrine or less for emergency treatment of allergic reactions.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2026 Do Pass

Page 5 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 25th Legislative Day, Thursday, February 26, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.

HB 421 Interstate Sexual Predator Prevention Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 421 includes traveling from another state for the purpose of child molestation or indecent acts to the crime of enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 942

Ad valorem tax; public property owned by a political subdivision outside of its territorial limits; limit an exemption
Bill Summary: HB 942 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-41, relating to property exempt from ad valorem taxation, by adding that on or after January 1, 2027, any property owned by a political subdivision outside of that subdivision's territorial limits that would otherwise be exempt from ad valorem taxation due to grading and improvements exceeding 25 percent of the land area and facilities is entitled to an exemption equal to 60 percent of its fair market value.

The bill adds "personal property" to property owned by a political subdivision outside of that subdivision's territorial limits that may not receive an ad valorem unless certain conditions are met.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rhonda Burnough (77th) Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Structured 02-24-2026 Do Pass

HB 1076 Crimes and offenses; create felony offense of obstruction of a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle
Bill Summary: HB 1076 establishes the offense of obstruction of a law enforcement officer with a motor vehicle, committed when a person knowingly interferes with any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer during their official duties. A person convicted of this offense is guilty of a felony and will be punished by a fine of no more than $100,000 and imprisonment for a term of no less than one year nor more than five years.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Ginny Ehrhart (36th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2026 Do Pass

HB 1164 Education; require State Board of Education to appoint an audit committee
Bill Summary: HB 1164 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-6 by creating a State Board of Education audit committee to review fiscal reports for school systems, state charter schools, and completion special schools designated as high-risk or moderate-risk.
The committee will be made up of board members and meet no less than six times each fiscal year. The bill requires annual audit readiness certification attesting that audit requirements have been met by the Department of Audits and Accounts by December 31st of each year. The legislation expands risk designations (moderate/high-risk) tied to repeated audit problems.
Section 11 creates O.C.G.A. 50-6-6.1, which sets up a four-tier statewide fiscal monitoring and intervention system through the Department of Audits and Accounts, and increases required reporting and public transparency for financially troubled systems.
The bill provides the State Board of Education and the Office of Student Achievement stronger tools to combat financial mismanagement, like reviewing waiver use, conducting additional audits,

Page 6 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Next on the Floor

limiting superintendent contract extensions in high-risk districts, and allows contract changes or termination under severe fiscal conditions. The legislation goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Will Wade (9th) Education

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1262 Insurance; increase amount of monetary penalties authorized to impose for certain violations of the Georgia Insurance Code
Bill Summary: HB 1262 enhances the authority of the insurance commissioner to impose fines against insurance companies for violations related to mental health parity enforcement, general fining authority, surprise billing violations, and prepaid legal service plans.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass

HB 1263 Insurance; premiums made within three years of payment to the Commissioner; provide for a claim for a refund of certain fees and taxes
Bill Summary: HB 1263 establishes the process for insurers to seek refunds of fees or taxes that were improperly or unlawfully collected. The bill requires insurers to submit a written request for reimbursement to the insurance commissioner and sets a three-year deadline from the date of payment to file such claims.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass

HB 1274 Auto Insurance Excess Profits Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1274 defines terms related to private passenger automobile insurance and requires insurers authorized to write such coverage in Georgia to submit detailed financial and loss data to the Department of Insurance on an annual basis.

The Department of Insurance must review the submitted information to determine whether an insurer has generated excess profit. If excess profit is identified, the bill establishes a process for calculating and returning those amounts to eligible policyholders.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass

HB 1344 Georgia Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 1344 establishes the 'Georgia Insurance Affordability and Claims Integrity Act,' which updates Georgia insurance law by strengthening consumer protections after catastrophic events, increasing penalties for insurance fraud and illegal "runner" activity, and formalizing excluded driver provisions in auto insurance policies.
Part 2 of the bill establishes a felony offense for individuals who financially benefit from directing motor vehicle accident victims to specific attorneys or medical providers to generate insurance claims, with penalties of up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $200,000.
Part 4 of the bill authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Insurance to extend claim filing deadlines following a declared disaster, and to require insurers to meet specific timelines for acknowledging, investigating, deciding, and paying property claims arising from catastrophic events.
Part 8 establishes the 'Georgia Storm Damage Mitigation Program Act,' creating a state-administered grant program to help eligible homeowners and certain local governments strengthen residential properties against storm damage, with defined eligibility standards, income-based grant limits,
Page 7 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Next on the Floor

contractor oversight requirements, and dedicated funding from specified insurance premium tax revenues.

Part 9 formalizes the use of excluded drivers in auto insurance policies by requiring insurers to report exclusions to the Department of Revenue, directing law enforcement to cite excluded drivers who lack other valid coverage. It also establishes misdemeanor penalties for vehicle owners who knowingly allow an excluded and uninsured individual to operate their vehicle.

Part 10 increases uninsured motorist lapse and restoration fees in Georgia, raising the penalties for gaps in required auto insurance coverage, escalating fees for repeat violations within five years, and increasing collection amounts retained by county tax commissioners.

Part 11 updates criminal and civil monetary penalties across numerous parts of Georgia insurance law, raising fines, extending potential prison terms for certain fraud-related offenses, and expanding the insurance commissioner's authority to impose higher administrative penalties for regulatory violations and repeat misconduct.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2026 Do Pass

Page 8 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

Committee Actions
Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee
HB 1408 Veterinarians; authorize licensed veterinary technicians to administer antirabies vaccinations to animals
Bill Summary: HB 1408 allows county boards of health to permit a licensed veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technician to be able to vaccinate a canine or feline against rabies. A veterinarian or whoever is directly supervising the administration of an anti-rabies vaccine may collect a fee for vaccine administration.

The bill adds language to "practice veterinary medicine" or "practice of veterinary medicine" to not include the administration of an anti-rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinary technician. "Practice veterinary technology" is expanded to include the administration of an anti-rabies vaccination. If a licensed veterinary technician is working under a licensed veterinarian's supervision, they may administer an anti-rabies vaccination to animals the state requires to be vaccinated.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

HR 1416 Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms; create
Bill Summary: HR 1416 creates the Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms. There will be nine members: three members appointed by the Senate president; three members appointed by the House speaker; the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture; and the chairs of both the House and Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committees, who will serve as co-chairs of the study committee. The committee will stand abolished on December 1, 2027.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Robert Dickey (134th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee
HB 1354 Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act; require certain health insurers providing a network plan to approve credentialing applications within a certain time frame
Bill Summary: HB 1354 requires an insurer providing a network plan to approve credentialing applications from healthcare providers within 45 days of receiving the application if the application is in accordance to the rules and regulations set by the Department of Insurance.

The bill requires the Department of Community Health to establish a standardized credentialing application for healthcare providers, and requires all insurers providing a network plan to use the standardized credentialing application. The bill requires every health insurer to utilize the standardized credentialing application by July 1, 2027, and the Department of Insurance is required to create rules and regulations no later than January 1, 2027.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee
Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 9 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

Creative Arts & Entertainment Committee
HB 566 NO FAKES Act of 2025; enact
Bill Summary: HB 566 establishes legal protections and regulations regarding the creation, use, and ownership of digital replicas, which are highly realistic computer-generated representations of an individual's voice or likeness.

The bill grants individuals or their right holders exclusive control over their digital replicas, allowing them to license their use. This right remains with the individual for life and extends posthumously for up to 70 years, subject to renewal conditions. The bill outlines the conditions for licensing, provides legal recourse for right holders, and establishes liability limitations for online services.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Soo Hong (103rd) Creative Arts & Entertainment

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Governmental Affairs Committee

HB 400

Community Housing Options Increase Cost Efficiency (CHOICE) Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 400 creates the 'Community Housing Options Increase Cost Efficiency (CHOICE) Act.' The bill requires the Department of Community Affairs, when reviewing certain applications, to give priority to workforce housing ready communities; workforce housing ready experts; and workforce and home ownership leaders. The bill removes specified matching requirements related to the local maintenance and improvement grant program for a county or municipality certified as a workforce and home ownership leader.

The bill requires the Department of Community Affairs to annually determine and publish the following: the median household income of each county and municipality in the state; and the population of each county and municipality in the state.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Spencer Frye (122nd) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 812

Buildings and housing; revise process by which a local governing body may propose amendments to state minimum standard codes
Bill Summary: HB 812 requires the Department of Community Affairs to publish and update a file of all adopted and proposed local amendments to the state minimum standard codes on the department's website.

The bill requires local governments, in specified instances, to maintain a publicly-accessible website for building permit applications. The bill provides for notice requirements related to certain inspection reports. The bill allows for the automatic acceptance of certain permit applications if review has not been completed within five days of filing such application.

The bill allows for the use of private professional providers to perform plan reviews and inspections in certain instances. The bill requires local issuing authorities to provide to a permit applicant a written list of reasons for denial or nonacceptance of such permit.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Cheokas (151st) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 10 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

HB 863

Georgia Small Business Set-Aside Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 863 creates the 'Georgia Small Business Set-Aside Act.' The act requires state agencies to make reasonable efforts to set aside at least 20 percent of its annual procurement contracts exclusively for small businesses.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tremaine Teddy Reese (140th)

Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1166 Local government; zoning decisions shall not affect or be required for certain residential dwellings of 400 square feet or fewer; provide
Bill Summary: HB 1166 prohibits the requirement of zoning decisions related to dwellings of 400 square feet or less in specified circumstances.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tangie Herring (145th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1315 Georgia Landowners Protection Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1315 creates the 'Georgia Landowners Protection Act.' The bill limits the duration of temporary moratoria on certain zoning decisions to 180 days and prohibits renewal of such a moratorium within 365 days of the expiration. The bill limits the duration of temporary moratoria related to permitting to 180 days. The bill requires at least 30 days of public notice before a moratorium on zoning or permitting can be adopted. The bill provides recourse for damages related to moratoria exceeding the established limitations.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Tabled

Health Committee
HB 1275 Medical practice; ensure that stem cell therapies are used to advance medical treatments and improve patient outcomes in an ethical manner that does not involve stem cells derived from aborted fetuses
Bill Summary: HB 1275 allows for use of non-FDA approved stem cell therapies under specified conditions.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Health

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1276 Community Health, Department of; review information from certain sources to determine and verify eligibility of Medicaid recipients; provide
Bill Summary: HB 1276 requires reporting timelines and data sharing as it relates to Georgia's Medicaid programs. The bill requires the Department of Community Health to submit a report regarding implementation of this article to the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, chairpersons of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and chairpersons of the House Committee on Public and Community Health and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Health

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 11 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

HB 1346 Georgia Maternal Mental Health Improvement Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1346 requires insurance coverage for maternal mental health screenings and care.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Anissa Jones (143rd) Health

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Higher Education Committee

HB 88

State veterinary education; biomedical technicians to be eligible for the state student loan forgiveness program; provide
Bill Summary: HB 88 establishes a student loan repayment program for students who have completed a program of study in veterinary technology and practice in rural counties in Georgia. Only those who have been practicing veterinary technology for 10 years or less are eligible for loan repayment. The loan repayment is limited to a maximum total award of $30,000 or less per eligible applicant, distributed at a rate of $10,000 per 12 months of service. The board is authorized to provide loan repayment to no more than five applicants per year, subject to availability of appropriated funds.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Imani Barnes (86th) Higher Education

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1328 University of North Georgia military scholarships; authorize selection committee to select additional scholarship recipients
Bill Summary: HB 1328 increases the maximum number of persons that can receive the University of North Georgia military scholarships.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Will Wade (9th) Higher Education

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

HB 1345 State Workforce Development Board; approval of certain eligible workforce training programs relative to implementing the federal Workforce Pell Grant program; provide
Bill Summary: HB 1345 authorizes the governor, in consultation with the State Workforce Development Board, to approve all eligible workforce training programs in relation to the federal Workforce Pell Grant program.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Carmen Rice (139th) Higher Education

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 1357 Bulloch County Public Facilities Authority; revenue bonding authority; revise provisions Bill Summary: HB 1357 revises the revenue bond authority of the Bulloch County Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

Page 12 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

HB 1358 Brooks County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee Bill Summary: HB 1358 authorizes the Brooks County Magistrate Court to collect a technology fee.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John LaHood (175th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

HB 1359 Brooks County; board of elections and registration; expand to five members Bill Summary: HB 1359 revises the membership and appointment of the Brooks County Board of

Elections and Registration.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John LaHood (175th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

HB 1375 Hall County; State Court; judges; restate provisions Bill Summary: HB 1375 adds a fourth judge to the Hall County State Court.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

HB 821

Criminal procedure; include aggravated assault as a bailable offense only before a superior court judge
Bill Summary: HB 821 adds a provision to the list of offenses bailable only before a superior court judge for aggravated assault upon a public safety officer while the officer is engaged in, or on account of the performance of, their official duties.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matthew Gambill (15th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1226 Crimes; justification for use of force in defense of self or others; revise standards
Bill Summary: HB 194 creates a rebuttable presumption that the use or threat of deadly force in defense of self or others is reasonable, necessary, and justified. This presumption does not apply if the individual: (1) initially provokes the use of force against them; (2) is attempting to commit, committing, or fleeing after the commission or attempted commission of a felony; (3) was the aggressor or was engaged in combat by agreement unless withdrew from the encounter; or (4) used or threatened force against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of their official duties, and the officer who identified themselves or the individual knew or should have known that the person was a law enforcement officer, and the force used or threatened occurred in a public location.

Law enforcement will only arrest a person for using or threatening force if a probable cause determination has been made that the use or threat of force was unlawful. A prima-facie claim of immunity may be raised during arraignment or in a pre-trial motion, and will only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. David Clark (100th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 13 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

HB 1282 Criminal procedure; offenses involving a victim under 16 years of age; include offense of aggravated sexual battery
Bill Summary: HB 1282 amends O.C.G.A. §17-3-2.1 to add aggravated sexual battery to the list of offenses which, if committed on or after July 1, 2012, and the victim is under 16 years of age, may be prosecuted at any time.

For an aggravated sexual battery offense against a victim under 16 years of age between July 1, 1992, and June 30, 2012, the applicable statute of limitations is tolled until the victim reaches the age of 16 or the violation is reported to a law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney, or other governmental agency, whichever occurs earlier.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

HB 1398 Georgia Child Care Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act; Trixtian's Law; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1398 requires providing a urine pregnancy test to every woman arrested who is not released on bond within 72 hours of arrest, unless declined by the woman, for the purpose of providing appropriate healthcare and for consideration at bail and sentencing hearings. The judicial officer determining bail will consider a positive pregnancy test as a factor when setting bail, which will not exceed $100 unless the pregnant woman poses a significant threat to any person or to public welfare.

Pregnancy or postpartum status (having given birth within the previous 12 months) will be considered as a mitigating factor at sentencing. At sentencing, if the court determines that the pregnant woman poses no significant threat to any person or to public welfare, the court will defer imprisonment until at least 12 weeks after the birth of the pregnant woman's child, during which time the woman will be supervised on probation. The woman must later surrender to the Department of Corrections at least 12 weeks but up to 12 months after the birth of her child, as ordered by the court.

Beginning January 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, each penal institution will report to the Department of Public Health: (1) the total number of women who were incarcerated; (2) the total number of pregnant women incarcerated; and (3) the total number of women who declined urine pregnancy testing. Medical information must be protected and only disclosed in accordance with this Code section, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. No such medical information will be admissible to establish criminal liability, unless obtained independently through other lawful means.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary, Juvenile Committee

HB 527

Domestic relations; creation and revisions of certain child abuse protocol procedures for cases of alleged child abuse; provide
Bill Summary: HB 527 revises O.C.G.A. §19-15-2 pertaining to child abuse protocol and the child abuse protocol committee. Protocol for investigating and prosecuting child alleged cases of child abuse must be set by each judicial circuit, rather than each county. The protocol committee will be chaired by the chief juvenile court judge of the circuit or, if no chief juvenile court judge exists, by any juvenile court judge within the circuit chosen by majority vote of all juvenile court judges.

The bill adds several new individuals to the protocol committee, including the director of any child advocacy center in the circuit, the director of any sexual assault center in the circuit, a forensic medical examiner, a representative from any court-appointed special advocate program, and a representative from a local citizen or advocate group focusing on child abuse awareness and prevention. The chief superior court judge of the circuit will issue an order requiring participation of

Page 14 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

any agency failing its duty to participate on the protocol committee, enforceable by contempt of court.

The protocol committee will adopt a written protocol to be filed with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which will give a copy of each protocol and report received to the Division of Family and Child Services and the Office of the Child Advocate.

The bill specifies certain sections that the written protocol must contain. The protocol committee must meet at least once per year to evaluate and consider updating the protocol, filing any updated protocol with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council no later than July 1 each year. If no updates are made to the protocol, the committee's annual report must clearly state so. The protocol committee must submit a certificate of annual compliance to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council by December 31 each year, with the Council then notifying the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, and chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court of any noncompliant circuits.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Long Tran (80th) Judiciary, Juvenile

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1409 Domestic relations; revise mandated reporting of child abuse
Bill Summary: HB 1409 revises several Code sections related to mandated reporting of child abuse. Firefighters and animal service workers, such as animal control officers and animal shelter personnel, are added to the list of mandated reports.

The bill requires that oral reports be followed by a later written report submitted to the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) of the Department of Human Services (DHS). DFCS will make a report form available on its website for any person to complete and securely submit. The bill allows agencies that employ mandated reporters to authorize employees to submit reports through a secure web based platform and sets forth requirements for these platforms and for training for their use. All reports received must be thoroughly evaluated to determine child safety and whether an allegation of child abuse exists.

No later than January 1, 2027, DHS will adopt rules that set forth criteria and standards for intake, disposition, and investigation of reports.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Judiciary, Juvenile

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1445 Juvenile proceedings; authorize sharing of GPS monitoring with law enforcement and school districts
Bill Summary: HB 1445 creates a new Code section requiring the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to share real-time GPS monitoring and exclusion violations of juvenile offenders with law enforcement and local public schools, upon request. Before DJJ shares this information, the law enforcement agency and/or school must certify that the juvenile offender is physically located within this state or the applicable local school system.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rick Townsend (179th) Judiciary, Juvenile

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 622

Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia's Foster Care System; create
Bill Summary: SR 622 establishes the Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia's Foster Care System. The committee will consist of 20 members, including a member appointed by the governor who has represented the state in dependency proceedings within the last six months, six members of the Senate, six members of the House of Representatives, and officials from the Department of Human Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, and other related organizations.

Page 15 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

The committee will study conditions, needs, issues, and problems relating to the rising cost of out-ofhome services provided by the Division of Family and Children Services and recommend any necessary or appropriate action. The committee will submit a report of its findings or recommendations if any are adopted. If no recommendations are adopted, the committee may instead file copies of meeting minutes with the Senate and House of Representatives. The committee will stand abolished on December 1, 2026.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Judiciary, Juvenile

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
HB 990 Public Safety, Department of; creation of a program to assist former handlers and adopters of retired law enforcement dogs with veterinary care costs; provide
Bill Summary: HB 990 creates the Georgia Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs Program, under the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, to provide financial assistance for retired law enforcement dogs' veterinary care.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Ways & Means Committee
HB 1116 Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act of 2026; enact Bill Summary: HB 1116 amends Titles 20, 36, and 48 O.C.G.A. to provide comprehensive property tax reform by doing the following:
Section 1-1 states the act may be cited as the 'Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act of 2026.'
Section 2-1 amends O.C.G.A.48-5-44, relating to exemption from ad valorem taxation of property of homesteads occupied by owners, by expanding the applicability of a state-wide exemption to include municipalities. The bill excludes from exemption any taxes used as part of an intergovernmental contract securing revenue bonds or revenue anticipation certificates.
The bill strikes the state-wide exemption amount of $2,000 of the value of the homestead and replaces it with the following: for 2027 through 2028, $10,000 of the value of the homestead; for 2029 through 2030, $30,000 of the value of the homestead; for 2031, $60,0000 of the value of the homestead; and on and after January 1, 2032, an exemption for the full value of the homestead.
The full value homestead exemption will not be in effect in the first year for which the homestead exemption would otherwise apply and will not be granted until the amount of property taxes owed in that first year has been paid. Any homestead already approved for the exemption prior to December 31, 2031 is not to pay the single year of property tax. Additionally, a substantial improvement will require the assessment of one tax year of ad valorem taxation on the full assessed value of the substantial improvement.
Any county, municipality, consolidated government, or school system may delay implementation of the full value homestead exemption by up to three years via adoption of a resolution if the levying authority has a state-wide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption in place.
From January 1, 2032 through December 31, 2037, the General Assembly may establish a grant fund to provide grants to counties, municipalities, consolidated governments, and school systems to offset homeowner's incentive adjustments. It is the intent of the General Assembly to provide one-10th of 1
Page 16 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

percent of the total sales and use tax collected per O.C.G.A. 48-8-30 to the grant fund.
Section 3-1 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-6, relating to local sales and use tax ceilings and prohibitions, to sunset the current sales and use tax structure on June 30, 2027. On and after July 1, 2027, there will be a local sales and use tax limit of five percent for local taxing jurisdictions, with certain exclusions provided. Local school systems have a right of first refusal for up to one percent of authorized local sales and use taxes made available. Any sales and use tax in effect prior to January 1, 2032 but is otherwise not in compliance with these changes effective as of July 1, 2032, may continue until it expires or is terminated.
Section 3-2 amends O.C.G.A. § 48-8-109.42, relating to tax proceeds and property tax relief requirements, to allow for proceeds of a floating local option sales tax (FLOST) to be used to provide a homestead exemption. If the proceeds of a FLOST exceeds the amount needed to provide a full exemption from ad valorem property taxation to all homesteads, the local jurisdiction will roll back the millage rate on other types of property tax.
Sections 3-3 strikes "paragraph (2) of subsection (a)" and replaces it with "subsection (b)" in O.C.G.A. 48-8-201.
Section 3-4 strikes the language "subsection (c.1) of Code Section 48-8-6 and from O.C.G.A. 48-1351."
Section 4-1 amends O.C.G.A. 36-60-13, relating to multiyear lease, purchase, or lease-purchase contracts by local governments, to remove the one percent restriction on sale and use tax proceeds collected per O.C.G.A. 48-8-111
Section 4-2 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-110.1, relating to county special purpose local option sales taxes, to allow for rate increments of 0.05 percent to be levied up to one percent starting January 1, 2027.
Section 4-3 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-111 to revise mandatory ballot language by relating to county special purpose local option sales taxes.
Section 4-4 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-112, relating to county special purpose local option sales taxes, to eliminate "one percent."
Section 4A-1 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-82 to allow joint county and municipal sales and use taxes (LOST) to be levied at 0.05 percent increments up to one percent starting on January 1, 2027.
Sections 4A-2 and 4A-3 revise O.C.G.A. 48-8-85 and 48-8-92 to update mandatory LOST referendum and termination ballot language to allow for relating to county special purpose local option sales taxes.
Section 5-1 adds Article 2C to Title 48, Chapter 8 to create the "Local Homestead Option Sales Tax" (LHOST), the proceeds of which will only be used to fund homestead exemptions. For the purpose of the LHOST, a homestead is defined as referenced in O.C.G.A. 48-5-40, as well as restricted to a primary residence and not more than five contiguous acres of land surrounding the residence, or a primary residence and underlying property excluded from preferential assessment agreements authorized per O.C.G.A. 48-5-7.4 or 48-5-7.7.
Eligible local governments within a special district may levy an LHOST at a rate up to three percent, while local school systems may levy an LHOST at a rate up to two percent; the rate may be levied at increments of 0.05 percent.
The bill provides for procedures for the approval of an LHOST, including procedures for the adoption of local resolutions and intergovernmental agreements. If an intergovernmental agreement is not agreed upon within 60 days of mailing a notice to local governing authorities related to the imposition of an LHOST, the county may proceed with adopting a resolution to levy an LHOST using a distribution methodology for proceeds set forth in O.C.G.A. 48-8-109.57.

Page 17 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

Section 6-1 adds Chapter 93 to Title 36 to allow for "local finance assessments" to provide for capital outlay projects for counties, municipalities, consolidated governments, and local school systems, and essential local government services for counties, municipalities, and consolidated governments. Local finance assessments issued will not exceed the actual cost of the related capital outlay project or service to be rendered. The proceeds of any local finance assessment will be used to roll back millage rates for any ad valorem property taxes levied by the levying authority on homestead properties.
To issue a local finance assessment, a governing body will adopt a resolution or ordinance containing the following: details on the intended use of the proceeds; the formula for allocating the assessment to persons or entities, provided that it is not based on ad valorem value of real property; the total proceeds to be collected; and the duration of the assessment. Local finance assessments for capital projects require approval via a voter referendum, while local finance assessments for essential government services requires a local act of the General Assembly.
Any homeowner receiving a homestead exemption that fails to pay an assessment by December 31 of the year of issuance will be prohibited from claiming any homestead exemption for the following taxable year.
Section 7-1 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-167 to increase the cap on local school system reserve funds from 15 percent to 25 percent.
Section 7-2 and Section 7-4 amend O.C.G.A. 20-2-167.1 and 36-81-6 to require local governments and school systems that set budgets that result in an increase in revenue from ad valorem taxation that exceeds three percent or the rate of inflation as determined under the Consumer Price Index to receive approval via a referendum before implementing the budget.
Section 7-3 amends O.C.G.A. 36-81-3 to apply a three percent revenue increase limit to budget amendments provided by local governments.
Section 8-1 amends O.C.G.A. § 20-2-164, relating to local five mill share funds under the 'Quality Basic Education (QBE) Act' to add exclusions for certain floating, constitutionally mandated, and Level 1 freeport exemptions when calculating school property tax digests.
Section 8-2 adds O.C.G.A. 20-2-172 to create the Joint Legislative Education Finance Study Committee to review the QBE formula and other education financing mechanisms to determine whether current methods of calculation and distributing state education funds remain appropriate.
The committee will be comprised of the following members: chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, chairperson of the House Committee on Education, chairperson of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Education, and two members of the House of Representatives as appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; chairperson of the Senate Appropriations Committee; chairperson of the Senate Education and Youth Committee; chairperson of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Education; and two members of the Senate as appointed by the Senate president. The committee will stand abolished on December 31, 2027.
Section 8-3 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-45, relating to the application for homestead exemption, to clarify that it is the duty of a person granted an exemption to notify the tax commissioner if the person is ineligible to receive such exemption.
Section 8-4 adds O.C.G.A. § 48-5-51.1 to create a penalty of 50 percent of the amount property taxes were to be reduced by exemptions and credits for failing to report a loss of homestead exemption eligibility.
Section 8-5 adds O.C.G.A. § 48-5-57, requiring the creation and use of a state-wide homestead exemption database starting January 1, 2028. The database will be accessible for local tax officials and ensure the accuracy of the data compiled. Each local tax official will review the database before approving a homestead exemption and annually before issuing notices of assessments for the taxing jurisdiction.

Page 18 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 25, 2026

Committee Actions

Section 9-1 and Section 9-2 provide for effective dates for this act.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

02-25-2026 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Committee Meeting Schedule
This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.legis.ga.gov to view all upcoming events. .

Thursday - February 26, 2026

02/26/2026 8:00 AM WAYS AND MEANS (House)

506 CLOB

02/26/2026 8:00 AM JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL (House)

132 CAP

02/26/2026 8:00 AM Natural Resources and Environment Subcommittee on 606 CLOB Environmental Quality (House)

02/26/2026 8:00 AM BANKS AND BANKING (House)

403 CAP

02/26/2026 8:30 AM NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (House) 606 CLOB

02/26/2026 9:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD25) (House)

House Chamber

02/26/2026 1:00 PM EDUCATION (House)

506 CLOB

02/26/2026 1:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION (House)

406 CLOB

VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda
VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO
VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda

Page 19 of 19