2026 Georgia Legislative Session Recap

Georgia’s 2026 legislative session ended on April 2, after lawmakers considered a high volume of legislation, with more than 4,700 bills and nearly 1,900 resolutions filed since the end of the 2025 session. Under Georgia’s 40-day post-adjournment review period, Governor Brian Kemp has until May 12 to sign or veto measures passed before adjournment.

The session also concluded in an election year, with several lawmakers leaving to run for higher office and others retiring, setting up significant turnover ahead of the 2026 primary and general elections.

The session featured key actions on the budget and targeted healthcare policies, while several other high-profile issues remained unresolved. Lawmakers advanced select workforce, insurance, and oversight measures, but other proposals failed to pass before adjournment, marking the end of the second year of the biennial cycle.

HCA Healthcare is providing this session update to keep colleagues informed on key legislative developments that may affect care and access in the communities we serve.

Budget

Lawmakers concluded the session by finalizing the state budget. Governor Kemp signed HB 973, the amended FY 2026 budget, on March 3, updating the current year’s spending plan.

The General Assembly passed HB 974, the FY 2027 budget, on April 2, sending the measure to the governor. The final conference version appropriates approximately $76.6 billion in total funds, including about $38.5 billion in state funds.

Property and Income Tax Reform

A central theme throughout the 2026 session was the debate over tax relief, particularly how lawmakers would balance continued income tax reductions with growing pressure for property tax reform. After extensive negotiation, the General Assembly advanced two major tax measures.

HB 463 would accelerate the reduction of Georgia’s state income tax rate, lowering the target rate from 4.99% to 3.99%, provided the state meets certain revenue targets. The bill also expands the allowable use and maximum size of the state’s rainy-day fund. The legislation would eliminate several targeted tax credits, including those previously available for manufacturers of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and personal protective equipment.

The bill was sent to Governor Kemp on April 10 and awaits final action before the 40-day sign-or-veto period expires.

SB 33 was revised to serve as the property tax vehicle after the House’s broader property tax plan (HB 1116) stalled. Pieces of the House package were moved to SB 33 and would requires cities, counties, and school districts to follow a floating homestead exemption framework that limits annual increases in taxable homestead assessments to the rate of inflation. It also authorizes a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, subject to local legislation and voter approval, that counties and cities could use to fund additional homestead property tax relief. The bill also limits local governments’ ability to recoup taxes from erroneously granted homestead exemptions.

SB 33 was sent to the governor on April 10 and awaits consideration.

Patient Billing

HB 961, which aimed to extend surprise billing protections to certain out-of-network ground ambulance transports and cap patient cost-sharing at in-network levels, passed the House but did not advance further after being referred to the Senate.

However, similar ambulance billing protections were ultimately passed through HB 506, which was sent to Governor Kemp on April 10 and awaits his review.The bill would amend Georgia’s Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act to require coverage of certain out-of-network ambulance services, establish reimbursement standards, and limit patient cost-sharing.

Workforce Access

SB 427 would establish a provisional license pathway for certain internationally trained physicians, allowing eligible physicians to practice under supervision in approved settings.

The bill passed both chambers and was sent to Governor Kemp on April 10, where it awaits his review.

Insurance Affordability

By the end of the session, HB 1344 was the only insurance bill still moving. The bill combines a broader set of policies related to affordability and claims integrity, including increased penalties under Georgia’s insurance code, enforcement of uninsured motorist coverage, anti-fraud provisions, and elements related to the Fortified Homes Program.

HB 1344 passed both chambers and was sent to the governor for consideration on April 10.

HB 1262, which would have increased the Insurance Commissioner’s fine authority for violations related to surprise billing, mental health parity, and other enforcement issues, passed the House but did not advance further after being referred to the Senate.

Statewide News

The Atlanta Journal Constitution: GOP urges Kemp to call a special session to redraw maps after court ruling

Georgia Recorder: End of 2026 legislative session kicks off bill signing season in Georgia

Georgia Recorder: The 2020 election continues to cast a shadow over the race for Georgia’s next top election official