DeKalb Times

House and Senate members resumed legislative activities this week following Crossover Day, with sessions held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Wednesday was dedicated to committee work. The pace of legislative actions is expected to increase next week as lawmakers have limited time to move their bills through the process before reaching Governor Kemp's desk.

The House Appropriations subcommittees reviewed House Bill 68, the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which proposes a revenue estimate of $37.7 billion. Chairman Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin) highlighted key allocations including a $250 million increase for the Department of Corrections and $500 million additional funding for education. The budget passed in the House with a vote of 171 to 4.

In tort reform developments, the House Rules Subcommittee on Lawsuit Reform continued hearings on Senate Bill 68 concerning negligent security claims and other legal issues. Testimonies were heard from various stakeholders including Waffle House Risk Management Vice President John Fervier and Piedmont Healthcare Chief Risk Officer Deborah Moses.

Tax relief measures also progressed as the Senate Finance Committee discussed House Bill 111 and House Bill 112. These bills aim to reduce state income tax rates and provide one-time tax credits for Georgia taxpayers.

School safety initiatives were addressed with Senate Bill 17 mandating mobile panic alert systems in schools being considered by the House Education Policy Subcommittee. Additionally, comprehensive school safety legislation passed by the House is now under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 21 regarding immigration policy was examined by the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee but did not proceed to a vote this week.

Finally, truck weight regulations were revisited with the Senate Transportation Committee approving House Bill 164, which extends provisions for heavier trucks carrying agricultural products outside metro Atlanta areas.