All legislation that did not achieve final passage in 2025, the first year of the General Assembly’s biennial session, automatically carries over to 2026, unless it is voted down in committee or on either the House or Senate floor without winning a subsequent motion for reconsideration.

January 16, 2026

Volume 17, Issue 1

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The ACCG Governmental Affairs Team ready for another exciting year under the Gold Dome.

The start of the legislative session signifies the beginning of a new year and a new focus on Georgia’s legislative priorities. Members of the General Assembly convened on Monday, Jan. 12, for the first day of the 2026 legislative session. 

Among the House leadership’s top priorities is reducing property taxes. While no legislation has been introduced, Speaker Jon Burns noted that the elimination of homestead property tax statewide will be pursued. House Resolution 1000, by Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, calls for a constitutional amendment that would exempt ad valorem tax paid on timber cut and sold from Forestland Protection Act property. It requires the state to reimburse part of the tax loss to local governments.

While the Senate remains focused on reducing or eliminating the state income tax, major property tax reform legislation has already been introduced. Senate Bill 382, by Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Hufstetler, repeals the opt-out provision for the HB 581 Floating Homestead Exemption and makes the floating homestead apply to all county, city, and school property taxes.

Gov. Kemp offered his annual State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 15. With it being his final address, Gov. Kemp not only outlined his priorities for the year ahead, he also reviewed some of his successes as the state’s top elected official.  A replay of the 2026 State of the State can be viewed here. The full transcript of the Governor's address can be read here.

Governor Kemp Proposes AFY 2026 and FY 2027 Budgets

Thursday also marked the release of the Governor’s Budget Report, which includes his recommended Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2026 and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budgets. The General Assembly must adopt these budgets during the 2026 legislative session. While the General Assembly may alter funding levels among budget items, it may not appropriate funds in excess of the Governor’s total budget estimates.

To view the full budget report, please click here.  

ACCG will provide a thorough review of the proposed budgets in next week’s Legislative Update. The AFY 2026 budget contains the following additional funding amounts of interest to counties:  

• $250 million for the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) Local Road Assistance Program for grants to cities and counties.
• $100 million for rehabilitation and replacement of rural bridges.
• $1.8 million for the extension and bi-directional expansion of I-75 express lanes in Clayton and Henry counties.
• $20.7 million for a new 40-bed forensic restoration facility at East Central Regional Hospital in Augusta.
• $5 million to conduct a full ballot recount by hand during the 2026 election cycle. $1.8 million to utilize text-based ballot scanning technology for tabulation of all votes statewide.
• $50 million for the State Housing Trust Fund to establish a homelessness grant program.
• $35 million for a natural gas pipeline program to improve access and economic development in rural communities.

General Assembly Adopts its 2026 Legislative Calendar 

The General Assembly adopted House Resolution 998, setting the legislative schedule for the entire 2026 legislative session. The full schedule is available here. Crossover Day (Legislative Day 28), the final opportunity for a bill to pass out of its original chamber, is scheduled for March 6, while Sine Die, the final day of the session, is scheduled for April 2.

*Note: Even though a bill may not make it through a chamber by Crossover Day, its content can still be added to a bill that did cross over. 

2025 Bills to Watch This Session

Below is a list of major 2025 legislation that ACCG will continue to track this year:



• HB 75 – Court Order Requirement for Euthanizing Unrelinquished Impounded Animals
• HB 225 – Repeal of School Zone Speed Cameras
• HB 244 – Audit Extension and Hold Harmless for Counties on Annual Audit if Noncompliance is Due to Constitutional Officers
• HB 317 – Authorize Workforce and Residential Infrastructure Districts
• HB 377 and SB 51 – QBS Mandate for Procuring Professional Services
• HB 400 – The Community Housing Options Increase Cost Efficiency (CHOICE) Act
• HB 646 – Coroner Pay – Mandatory Minimum Salaries Statewide
• HB 651 – Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices in School Zones
• HB 812 – Limit Local Government Permitting Time Frames and Amendments to State Minimum Standard Codes 
• HB 961– Insurance Coverage for Certain Out-Of-Network Ambulance Transportation Services

2025 Waiver of Sovereign Immunity Bills

Click here to view the talking points provided by ACCG and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA).

• HB 75 – Justice for Peanut and Fred Act
• HB 295 – Require Local Governments to Compensate Property Owners
• HB 531 – Waives Sovereign and Governmental Immunities for Immigration Violations 
• SB 21 and HB 531 – Waive Sovereign and Governmental Immunities for Immigration Violations
• SB 204 – Regulation of Firearms & Weapons: Expanding Waiver of Local Governments’ Sovereign Immunity

Major Bills of Interest to Counties

Remove the Opt-Out Provision from HB 581 Floating Homestead

SB 382, by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, repeals the opt-out provision for the HB 581 Floating Homestead Exemption and makes the floating homestead apply to all county, city, and school property taxes. It also allows the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) to be an option in every county. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Constitutional Amendment to Exempt Certain Ad Valorem Tax on Timber Introduced

HR 1000, by Rep. Chuck Efstration, calls for a constitutional amendment that would exempt ad valorem tax paid on timber cut and sold from Forestland Protection Act property and require the state to reimburse part of the tax loss to local governments. ACCG is negotiating with the author of this bill. 

Creating TAVT Exemption/Sales Tax Exemption for Volunteer Fire Departments

HB 964, by Rep. Chas Cannon, exempts motor vehicles owned or leased by volunteer fire departments from Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT). The bill also creates a sales tax exemption for personal property used by volunteer fire departments when the property is used to provide fire protection or other emergency services. ACCG supports this bill. 

Counties Must Provide Health Insurance to Eligible Retired Constitutional Officers

HB 868, by Rep. Eddie Lumsden, requires counties to provide health insurance to retired constitutional officers (who are between the ages of 55 and 65 and have served at least 16 years in their officer capacity), their spouses, and their dependents. The county shall pay 75% of any premiums for the officer, their spouse, and dependents until the officer reaches the age of 65. ACCG opposes this bill.

Permitting Shot Clock and DCA Ordinance Approval Legislation Proposed

HB 812, by Rep. Mike Cheokas, was introduced at the tail end of the last legislative session and received a committee hearing over the interim. This legislation enforces a “shot clock” of 45 days on land disturbance permits and requires Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approval before a local government can adopt ordinances more stringent than the State Building Code. ACCG is negotiating this bill. A recording of ACCG’s testimony during the House Governmental Affairs Committee can be be accessed here (Time stamp: 2:02:14).

Other Legislation

Civilian Law Enforcement Responders

HB 915, by Rep. Karen Lupton, authorizes nonsworn citizens (civilian community responders, also known as CCRs) to assist law enforcement officers with investigating traffic accidents and property crimes, educating the public about state laws and local ordinances, and searching for missing persons. Cities and counties are authorized to employ CCRs for purposes of reducing or replacing sworn law enforcement officers and setting minimum standards for their employment. ACCG is neutral on this bill.

Solid Waste Trust Fund

HB 956, by Rep. John Corbett, allows funding from the Solid Waste Trust Fund to be used for implementation of a solid waste management plan, particularly regarding permitting, monitoring, regulation or guidance of development, inspections, and enforcement. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act

HB 961, by Rep. Alan Powell, provides insurance coverage for certain out-of-network ambulance transportation services so that local governments can receive either full reimbursement based on a contract with an ambulance provider, or the lesser option between 400% of the Medicaid reimbursement rate or the charges as billed by the ambulance provider. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Grants to Equip Peace Officer Vehicles with Bullet-Resistant Components

HB 967, by Rep. Jordan Ridley, authorizes the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to law enforcement agencies to equip motor vehicles used by peace officers with certain bullet-resistant components. Grants are subject to state appropriations. ACCG supports this bill.

Increased Penalties for Weapons Ordinance Legislation Advances

SB 204, a carryover from the 2025 session by Sen. Colton Moore, passed the Senate Chamber and advances to the Governor’s desk for final approval. This legislation enhances penalties against local governments who seek to regulate the ownership, possession, purchase, and sale of firearms and weapons. ACCG opposes this bill. 

Five-Year Prepayment of Vehicle Registration

SB 384, by Sen. Bo Hatchett, allows a vehicle owner to renew their registration for five years and pay a fee that is five times the amount currently paid for an annual registration. The vehicle owner would continue to conduct annual emissions inspections if they are located in an area of the state that requires them. ACCG is evaluating this bill. 

Eliminate Reductions in Outdoor Stewardship Appropriations

HB 919, by Rep. Jesse Petrea, was introduced at the end of the 2025 legislative session. This bill eliminates provisions that reduced appropriations for the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Fund. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Hate-Free Heroes Act

HB 920, by Rep. Shea Roberts, prohibits those who have been a voluntary associate of a hate group within the past 10 years from serving as a peace officer or in a state militia role. ACCG is neutral on this bill.

Georgia Boater Bill of Rights

HB 922, by Rep. Steven Sainz, prohibits local governments from regulating the energy sources of motor vehicles and watercraft. It also creates the Georgia Boating Access Task Force, of which a representative from ACCG would be appointed. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Adding Personal Public Property to the Ad Valorem Exemption

HB 942, by Rep. Rhonda Burnough, adds personal public property to the ad valorem exemption for property held by a local government outside its jurisdiction. It also limits the exemption to 60% of its fair market value for property developed by grading or other improvements to the extent of at least 25% of the total land area and facilities that are located on the property and actively used for a public or governmental purpose. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Prohibit Drones from Operating Over Concerts

HB 949, by Rep. Beth Camp, prohibits drones from flying over concerts. ACCG is neutral on this bill.

Statewide Water Management

HR 1008, by Rep. Lynn Smith, amends the rules of the State Water Plan at the request of the Department of Natural Resources to reduce appointments to regional water councils. ACCG is neutral on this resolution.

Curbside Voting Mandate

SB 377, by Sen. Max Burns, mandates that curbside voting be offered as an option for all voters who are unable to wait in line or physically enter the polling place. These voters will be given the same ballot used for absentee voting and immediately placed in a sealed ballot box. ACCG is evaluating this bill.

Limiting Code Violation Inspections

SB 388, by Sen. Colton Moore, prohibits local governments from inspecting residential or commercial properties unless there is probable cause of a visible code violation that poses an imminent threat to health or safety for owners, occupants, visitors, or nearby neighbors. It also bars incarceration as a penalty for local code violations. ACCG is evaluating this bill. 



HOA Accountability and Training Act

SB 393, by Sen. RaShaun Kemp, prohibits property owners’ associations from enforcing any state or local traffic laws, including parking violations. It also charges the Secretary of State’s Office to develop and implement a mandatory training program (of at least four hours in duration) for members of property owners’ association boards. ACCG is neutral on this bill.

Mason Sells AED Coordination Act

SB 399, by Sen. Marty Harbin, requires all persons and state agencies possessing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to notify 9-1-1 call of the location of their AEDs. All communications officers are required (by Jan. 1, 2027) to complete training in the delivery of telephone instructions to facilitate the use of AEDs. ACCG is neutral on this bill.

Study Committee Reports

During the 2025 interim, several House and Senate study committees met and issued their final reports and recommendations that impact Georgia’s counties.

Click here to view the reports.

How a Bill Becomes a Law



As ACCG embarks on another session on behalf of Georgia’s counties, we want to ensure county officials understand the many phases of Georgia’s lawmaking process. Understanding how a bill becomes a law is not only imperative to being an informed citizen but also to your role as a county official. For a visual representation of the process, click here.

A more detailed overview can be accessed here.

ACCG’s Policy Council and Its Role

During the legislative session, the ACCG Policy Council plays an integral role in guiding the association's advocacy efforts and making decisions on behalf of the full membership regarding ACCG's stance on legislation before the General Assembly. The Policy Council is chaired by the ACCG First Vice President, Colquitt County Commissioner Marc DeMott, and is comprised of policy committee chairs and vice chairs, as well as the ACCG Executive Committee. 

Learn more about the ACCG Policy Council here.

ACCG Governmental Affairs Team all smiles with Lumpkin County Chair Chris Dockery and Sen. Frank Ginn.

ACCG's Keenan Rogers and Kaylon Day with Sen. Sonya Halpen (middle).

Rep. Rob Leverett, Todd Edwards, and Kaylon Day.

2026 ACCG Capitol Connection Conference - Register Today

Registration is now open for the 2026 Capitol Connection Conference. Join us on March 4-5, 2026, at The American Hotel in Fulton County. The Capitol Connection Conference brings together county and state leaders while the legislature is in session – a critical time in the state's lawmaking process. This year's conference takes place before Crossover Day, when bills must pass out of their chamber of origin to remain active. This timing provides an ideal opportunity to engage with lawmakers and ensure local priorities are heard before major policy decisions are made. Contact your county clerk or designated staff member to register.

Click here for more information.

Note: The deadline to secure housing accommodations within the ACCG room block is Friday, Jan. 30.

ACCG to Host Webinar on Property and Local Option Sales Tax Reforms

ACCG is hosting an informative webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 21, on important property and sales tax decisions counties need to make in early 2026. The webinar will cover the process for opting back into HB 581 (2024), tips for implementing FLOST, establishing an estimated rollback millage rate for the 2026 Notice of Assessments (NOAs), and several other provisions of HB 581 and HB 92 (2025).

Click here to register.

ACCG Notifications on Local Legislation and Special Research Requests

Each year during the legislative session, ACCG policy and research interns email designated county staff to let them know about the introduction of any local legislation that has been introduced pertaining to their county. Interns also contact counties regarding general research assistance on various issues. To ensure your county is aware of who may be contacting you on behalf of ACCG, their names and positions have been provided below.

Policy and Research Interns

Mariya Gebura (mgebura@accg.org)

Emily Carillo (ecarrillo@accg.org) 

Law Clerk

Alexis Merritt (amerritt@accg.org) 

Data Center Resources for Counties

ACCG hosted a webinar on data centers that covered the many implications that county officials must consider when determining if a data center is fit for their community.

Click here to view the webinar recording and additional resources.

Legislative Update Live! Replay

Watch the replay of the Legislative Update Live! here. As a reminder, join the ACCG Governmental Affairs team every Friday at 9:00 a.m. during the legislative session. This is a recurring event, so county officials can access the meeting each week through this link. There is no need to register more than once.

Policy Communication Tools

Don't forget about the various communications tools that will help keep you informed and engaged. Click here to read all about them!

News You Can Use - Articles Related to ACCG Policy Issues

Articles covering some of ACCG's major policy issues are found here. Click the hyperlinked title to begin reading.

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