ATLANTA — The Georgia General Assembly gaveled to a close late Thursday night, concluding a 2026 legislative session that lawmakers from both parties characterized as one focused squarely on affordability, public safety, and government modernization. The session ended on April 2, 2026, with dozens of bills headed to the governor’s desk and three proposed constitutional amendments now bound for the statewide ballot.
The Budget: HB 974
The centerpiece of any legislative session is the state budget, and this year was no exception. HB 974, the FY2027 appropriations act, cleared both chambers after weeks of negotiation between House and Senate conferees. The spending plan reflects the affordability theme that dominated floor debate throughout the session, with targeted investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Enterprise Zones and Economic Development
Legislators also approved HB 1129, which establishes new enterprise zone incentives designed to spur private investment in economically distressed communities across the state. Supporters argued the measure gives local governments a flexible tool to attract employers to areas that have struggled to recover from the pandemic-era economic disruption.
Government Goes Digital
Two bills aim to modernize how Georgians interact with state and local government. HB 1470 sets new website accessibility standards for state agencies, requiring compliance with recognized digital accessibility guidelines — a move advocates for people with disabilities have sought for years. Meanwhile, SB 447 creates a statewide framework for online building permit applications, a step intended to reduce bureaucratic delays for homeowners and contractors.
Child Safety and Family Protection
Child welfare was a prominent focus in the session’s final weeks. SB 383 strengthens the state’s child fatality review process, giving investigators broader authority to examine systemic failures. HB 350 expands Georgia’s Safe Haven law, widening the window and locations where parents in crisis can safely surrender newborns. And HB 1283 authorizes funding for Family Justice Centers, which co-locate services for domestic violence survivors under one roof.
Other Notable Measures
- HB 668 enhances service dog protections, increasing penalties for interference with or harm to trained service animals.
- HB 1112 permits cash-rounding for retail transactions, allowing businesses to round to the nearest nickel when customers pay with cash — a practical measure aimed at easing coin shortages.
Constitutional Amendments Head to Voters
The General Assembly referred three proposed constitutional amendments to the statewide ballot. Voters will have the final say on each measure, with details to be published by the Secretary of State’s office in the coming months.
What Happens Next
Many of the bills passed this session take effect July 1, 2026, pending the governor’s signature. WACN 21 will track each major bill through the signing process and report on implementation timelines as they are confirmed.
Marcus James covers breaking news and Georgia politics for WACN 21. Reach him at mjames@wacn21.com.
