Legislative

Originally posted by MCO Group on March 13, 2026

The Georgia General Assembly was in session for three days this week, reaching day thirty-one of forty on Thursday. Next week, the legislature will meet on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, reaching day thirty-five of forty. Tuesday will be a committee day. As a reminder, the General Assembly will adjourn Sine Die on Thursday, April 2nd.

01. February Net Tax Revenues Down 0.1%

The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in the month of February totaled $2.12 billion, for a decrease of $2.4 million, or 0.1%, compared to February 2025, when net tax collections approached $2.13 billion for the month.  Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections through eight months totaled roughly $21.88 billion, for an increase of 343.2 million, or 1.6%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled $21.53 billion. 

02. Georgia Candidates Rush to File Election Papers

Taxes, data centers, AI safety, psychedelics, and more remain on Georgia lawmakers' agendas as the legislative session moves toward its final weeks. Lawmakers can still turn stalled proposals into legislation up until House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones gavel Sine Die on April 2nd. Read an overview of what’s passed and what remains on the table. 

03. House Passes $38.5B Budget

The House sent a $38.5 billion spending plan to the Senate on Tuesday. HB 974 proposes a 2% increase over the current budget approved this time last year, although lawmakers increased the remaining portion of this year's spending significantly — to $43.7 billion — in the amended current-year budget that Gov. Brian Kemp signed in early March. Similar changes are probably in store for the new proposal this time next year. Until then, priorities include funding for education, health care, prisons, and poverty, with a nod to problems caused by feral hogs.

04. Georgia’s 14th Congressional District Race Heads for Runoff

Democrat Shawn Harris and Republican Clay Fuller advanced to a runoff for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s former U.S. House seat in Georgia after no candidate won a majority in Tuesday’s special election. President Donald Trump in February endorsed Fuller, a district attorney who prosecutes crimes in four counties, to succeed Greene in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. Greene, once among Trump’s most ardent supporters, resigned in January after a falling out with the president.

05. Three Georgia Legislative Special Elections Head to April 7th Runoff

All three Georgia legislative special elections will head to an April 7 runoff, according to unofficial results, to fill the seats for the rest of the year. There will be separate May primaries and November general elections to fill the seats starting in January 2027.

Senate District 53: Republican retired educator Lanny Thomas will head to a runoff against Democratic communications professor Jack Zibluk to see who will replace former state Sen. Colton Moore in this deeply red Northwest Georgia district

House District 94:  Democratic education consultant Venola Mason and Democratic attorney and former Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz are vying to replace former state Rep. Karin Bennett, who resigned in January, then was indicted on federal charges for alleged COVID-19 pandemic unemployment fraud.

House District 130: Democratic former state Rep. Sheila Clark Nelson landed safely in the runoff to replace former state Rep. Lynn Heffner, who resigned in January. Seven votes separated Republican minister Thomas McAdams and Democrat community development consultant Karen Gordon in the battle for the second runoff spot. 

Originally posted by MCO Group on February 27, 2026

The Georgia General Assembly convened Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, completing legislative day twenty-five of forty. Monday was designated a committee day, and the legislature is in recess today, Friday, February 27th. Next week, Monday, March 2nd, and Thursday, March 5th, will be committee days, and the legislature will be in session Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, completing day 28th on Friday, March 6th, which is a crossover day. Crossover Day is the point in the legislative session by which a bill must pass out of its chamber of origin (House or Senate) to remain viable for the current session. Bills that fail to “crossover” are generally considered dead for the year, though they can sometimes be revived by being added to other moving legislation. Candidate qualifying will also begin on Monday, February 2nd, and will close at noon on Friday, March 6th.

01. House Approves Amended FY2026 Budget

The amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget (HB 973) passed on Wednesday and now heads to the governor's desk for his signature. The budget provides $2 billion in income tax rebates, giving $250 to single filers and $500 to married couples and families. It also includes about $850 million for a homeowner relief grant program, amounting to around $500 per homeowner.

02. Democratic Rep. Ruwa Romman Drops Out of Governor’s Race

State Rep. Ruwa Romman announced Thursday that she will suspend her bid for Georgia’s governorship. Romman, who made history in 2022 when she became the first native Jordanian and Muslim woman elected to Georgia’s legislature, said she will qualify for state Senate District 7 instead. The remaining Democratic candidates include DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former state Sen. Jason Esteves, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, businessman/pastor Olu Brown, and Republican-turned-Democrat and former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.

03. House Passes High School Cell Phone Ban Bill

Last year, state lawmakers passed a statewide prohibition on all electronic personal devices during class hours at public schools in grades K-8. A new bill (HB 1009), passed by Georgia House Reps, would extend the ban to high schools. Students would be barred from accessing their phones from the start of the academic day to the end.

04. House Passes K-3 Literacy Coach Bill

Georgia House Reps overwhelmingly passed HB 1193 on Tuesday to fund a literacy coach in every school offering any grades, kindergarten through third grade. A major legislative priority for House Speaker Jon Burns, the bill passed 170-2. Under the bill, the Quality Basic Education formula for funding public schools would cover the base salary of one literacy coach for every school with kindergarten through third grade. Schools with 200 or fewer full-time students would receive half the funding.

05. Pratt & Whitney Completes Expansion, Announces Another in Columbus

Governor Kemp announced aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney is investing $200 million to expand its operations in Columbus, Georgia, creating 15 new jobs, with more to follow. The news follows the company’s completion of a $70 million, 81,000-square-foot expansion that created 400 new jobs.

Originally posted by MCO Group on February 13, 2026

The Georgia General Assembly convened this week on Monday, February 9th, for legislative day fifteen and completed legislative day eighteen on Thursday, February 12th. The General Assembly will be in recess on Friday and Monday and will reconvene on Tuesday, February 17th, for day nineteen. It will be in session for four days next week, concluding on Friday, February 20th.

01. January Net Tax Revenues Down 0.6%

The State of Georgia’s net tax collections in the month of January totaled $3.03 billion, for a decrease of $18.1 million, or 0.6%, compared to January 2025, when net tax collections totaled $3.05 billion for the month. Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections through seven months totaled roughly $19.75 billion, for an increase of 345.6 million, or 1.8%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled almost $19.41 billion. 

02. Govenor Candidate Rick Jackson Sues Over Campaign Finance

Rick Jackson's campaign filed a lawsuit against Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, and other state officials, alleging that Jones' position as incumbent lieutenant governor provides him a unique and unconstitutional advantage in raising money to support his campaign. Two other similar legal challenges filed by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s and Chris Carr’s campaigns were unsuccessful.

03. Puberty Blocker Ban Passed by Georgia Senate

Senate Republicans added two last-minute amendments to House Bill 54, which was initially aimed at increasing access to home health care and passed on Tuesday. The first, by Sen. Ben Watson, R-Savannah, would ban doctors from prescribing puberty blockers to minors with gender dysphoria. The second, by Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, would prevent Georgia’s health insurance from covering gender-affirming care for state employees and dependents and block state hospitals from providing such care. This language mirrors Senate Bill 39, approved in 2025 but not voted on by the House. 

04. Senate Passes Personal Income Tax Reduction Package

Georgia state senators passed four bills reducing the state income tax on Thursday, rapidly advancing the legislative package to the House.

• SB 476 deducts $50,000 from individual filers and $100,000 from joint filers’ taxable income. It sunsets all income tax credits by 2032 and repeals many credits to fund the tax cuts.
  
• SB 477 reduces the personal income tax from 5.19% to 4.99% in 2026, 4.49% in 2027, and 3.99% in 2028, unless revenue decreases. The corporate tax drops to 4.99%.
  
• The Senate Finance Committee replaced HB 134 and HB 463 proposals with SB 476 and SB 477 to avoid procedural issues, as budget laws must originate in the House.
  

05. DeKalb County Could Close 27 Schools

The DeKalb County School District released a list of nearly three dozen schools on Thursday morning that could be closed or repurposed. Administrators say hard choices have to be made to address declining employment. They report that over the last decade, they have lost 20,000 students. The decisions to close or change schools have not been finalized. The school district says the list is just a potential scenario.

Originally posted by MCO Group on February 6th, 2026

The Georgia General Assembly convened on Monday, February 2nd, for legislative day ten and will complete legislative day fourteen today, Friday, February 6th.  The General Assembly will be in recess for the weekend and will reconvene Monday, February 9th for day fifteen, and will be in session for four days next week, completing day eighteen on Thursday, February 12th. 

01. Governor’s $37.7B 2026 Budget Passes House

Georgia Representatives overwhelmingly passed Gov. Brian Kemp's $37.7B fiscal 2026 state budget, 171-4, on Tuesday, a spending plan that prioritizes prisons and education. The budget is smaller than the record $40.5 billion fiscal 2025 mid-year budget lawmakers passed last week, which used $2.7 billion of the state's $16 billion surplus. The 2026 spending plan, which takes effect July 1, does not count on surplus funding, a recognition that economic headwinds likely lie ahead. 

02. Business Owner Rick Jackson Enters Governor’s Race

Health care business owner Rick Jackson announced his Republican run for governor in Georgia on Tuesday. Jackson, 71, is vying with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, as well as with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich backed Jackson, who is pledging to spend $50 million of his own money on his campaign.

03. 11th Congressional District Rep. Announces Retirement

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., who represents the 11th Congressional District, announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to a seventh term. He is at least the 29th Republican to announce plans not to seek re-election at the end of the current term, part of a broader wave of departures from the House. Twenty-one House Democrats have also announced they will not seek re-election

04. Trump Endorses Clay Fuller to Fill Rep. Greene’s Congressional Seat

President Trump said he endorsed Clay Fuller, the former district attorney of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, to fill former U.S. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene’s 14th Congressional District seat. Fuller finished fourth in the 2020 Republican primary that Greene won before being appointed as district attorney in 2023 and winning a full term in 2024. 

05. Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson Delivers State of the Judiciary Address

Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson delivered the State of the Judiciary address to the General Assembly this week in the House chambers of the Capitol. The Chief Justice addressed several topics, emphasizing the importance of an independent judiciary and the preservation of the rule of law.

Originally posted by MCO Group - January 23, 2026.

01. Governor Kemp to Lead Economic Development Mission to Belgium, UK

Gov Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will lead an international mission to strengthen economic ties with Belgium and the United Kingdom. The Governor and First Lady, joined by representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), will conduct meetings with companies already operating or under construction in Georgia during their trip. 

02. Brown, McNeel Advance to Runoff in Georgia Senate District 18 Race

Democrat LeMario Nicholas Brown led the field with 7,946 votes, or 36.93%, and Republican Steven McNeel finished second with 4,581 votes, or 21.29%, in the special election to fill the seat left vacant after Republican John Kennedy resigned to run for lieutenant governor. Senate District 18 covers a wide swath of Central Georgia, including northern Bibb County, all of Crawford, Monroe, Peach, and Upson counties, and northern Houston County. 

03. Georgia Opts into Big Beautiful Bill School Voucher Program

Gov. Kemp says the state is opting into a newly established federal school voucher program, despite concerns from critics that it could divert money away from public school systems. The program, created by the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” allows taxpayers to contribute up to $1,700 to state-approved scholarship organizations in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit. Those organizations would then distribute the money to eligible students to help cover private school tuition, tutoring, books, and other educational expenses. 

04. State Requests Release From 2010 Olmstead Settlement Provisions

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) announced a joint filing with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Independent Reviewer to release the State of Georgia from all behavioral health provisions of the 2010 Settlement Agreement, and Paragraphs 30-40 of the 2016 Extension of Settlement Agreement. The State entered into the original settlement agreement in 2010. Since then, the State has made significant, deliberate investments to dramatically increase the quantity and quality of services statewide.  

05. Georgia Economist Predicts Higher Inflation, Slow Job Growth

Georgia can expect slow growth of the real Gross Domestic Product and modest income growth, state economist Dr. Robert Buschman said during a joint meeting of the appropriations committees from the Senate and House of Representatives. Businesses may also see slower growth, which could lead to record levels of bankruptcies. Tariffs are reportedly causing some of the economic woes. As of August, 29% of the costs of tariffs were passed on to consumers, 53% were absorbed by U.S. businesses, and only 18% was absorbed by foreign producers.

The legislature was on recess this week for budget hearings. Lawmakers will convene briefly on Monday, January 26th for day six but will not conduct legislative business as parts of Georgia brace for an ice storm predicted to hit much of the state.  They will be in session four days next week completing legislative day nine.

Chuck McMullen, Principal
chuck@mcogeorgia.com 

Amy Odom, Principal
amy@mcogeorgia.com

Originally posted by MCO Group on January 15, 2026

In his final State of the State address, Governor Brian Kemp’s legislative agenda focused on lowering costs, expanding educational and economic opportunity, and strengthening the public safety workforce. While the speech highlighted the fiscal achievements of the past seven years, the Governor’s forward-looking proposals framed 2026 as a year to cement long-term stability and ensure Georgia remains, in his words, “the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Below is a summary of the Governor’s key 2026 legislative priorities: 

Tax Relief & Cost of Living

A fourth one-time $1 billion tax rebate, offering approximately $250 per individual filer and up to $500 for married couples. This move continues his administration’s pattern of returning surplus revenue directly to residents, and would bring total rebate dollars issued during his tenure to more than $7.5 billion.

State Workforce Compensation

A one-time $2,000 pay supplement for all state employees, including teachers, school personnel, and state public safety officers. This supplement builds upon a series of pay raises and one-time awards delivered in previous budgets.

Higher Education

Creation of the DREAMS Scholarship, a $325 million need-based endowment for the University System of Georgia. Designed as a long-term funding source, this initiative would represent Georgia’s first statewide need-based scholarship program, complementing the merit-based HOPE Scholarship and Grant programs.

Medical Workforce Expansion

Continued investments in the state’s healthcare workforce pipeline through an additional $2.1 million to expand medical residency slots, building on the 897 positions added since he took office.

Law Enforcement

An enhanced 401(k)-style retirement plan that increases the state's matching contribution and accelerates the timeline for officers to reach the maximum match. The current cap of 9% would rise to 15%, and officers would achieve the full match by year 10, instead of year 13 under the current system. Kemp cast this change as both a matter of fairness that recognizes the dangers officers face, and a practical tool to bolster recruitment and retention amid nationwide staffing shortages in policing.

Human Trafficking

A forthcoming eleventh bill targeting human trafficking. Modeled after Trey’s Law, which has been adopted in several other states, the legislation is designed to strengthen protections for children, empower victims, and increase accountability for abusers. While details will be released later in the session, Kemp framed the bill as a continuation of First Lady Marty Kemp’s years-long leadership on the issue through the GRACE Commission.

Read the State of State Address 

Originally posted by MCO Group on December 19, 2025 

01. Gov. Kemp Appoints David Burge as Incoming DOR Commissioner

Governor Kemp has appointed David Burge as the incoming Commissioner of the Department of Revenue (DOR). Burge will succeed current commissioner Frank O'Connell, who was confirmed by the Georgia House and Senate Judiciary Committees as the state's first Tax Court Chief Judge. David is currently a partner at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP in Atlanta, where he focuses on real estate transactions. 

02. Justice Dept. Sues Georgia Over Voter Registration Lists

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed federal lawsuits Thursday against Georgia, the District of Columbia, Illinois and Wisconsin for failing to produce complete voter registration lists upon request. The action brings the nationwide total to 22 such lawsuits.

03. State Senators Question Fani Willis Over Trump Prosecution

The Republican-dominated state Senate in January 2024 created the Special Committee on Investigations to examine allegations of misconduct against Fani Willis concerning her case seeking criminal convictions for efforts to overturn Trump’s 2020 election loss in Georgia. The committee is supposed to be examining whether changes to state law are needed to bar future misconduct and doesn’t have the power to sanction or prosecute Willis. 

04. State Republicans Claim Group Running Anti-Burt Jones Ads is Illegal 

The Georgia Republican Party has filed a state ethics complaint against Delaware-based Georgians for Integrity, which is running ads against gubernatorial candidate Burt Jones, claiming the group is operating as an independent committee but failing to follow its rules. Per state law, committees, which are groups that spend money on activities to affect elections, have to register and file mandatory disclosure reports. Georgians for Integrity, however, has “thumbed its nose” at the requirements, the complaint claims.

05. Dr. Jaha Howard wins State Senate District 35 special election runoff

Dr. Jaha Howard has won the runoff in Georgia's Senate District 35 special election with 3,229 votes, or 51.9%, defeating longtime state Rep. Roger Bruce, who finished with 48.1% and 2,993 votes. The open seat was created after former state Sen. Jason Esteves launched a campaign for governor.

Originally posted by MCO Group on December 12, 2025 

01. November State Revenue Up 0.9%

The state’s net tax collections during the month of November totaled almost $2.4 billion, for an increase of $22.4 million, or 0.9%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections approached $2.38 billion for the month. Year to date, net tax revenue collections totaled nearly $13.28 billion, for an increase of $262.7 million, or 2.0%, compared to November 2024, when net tax collections approached $13.02 billion.

02. Republican John Kennedy Resigns Senate Seat

Republican John F. Kennedy has resigned his state senate seat as he shifts full-time to his campaign for lieutenant governor. The announcement ends Kennedy’s 11-year tenure representing Senate District 18, which includes portions of Crawford, Monroe, Peach, Upson, Bibb and Houston counties.

03. Senator Colton Moore Announces Bid for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Seat

Sen. Colton Moore joins crowded field for Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat in Congress. Moore was kicked out of the Senate Republican caucus in 2024 after launching attacks on fellow Republicans for their refusal to agree to his call for a special session to take action against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for indicting former President Donald Trump. 

04. Georgia Lawmakers Call for Tougher Social Media, A.I. Laws

Georgia lawmakers are joining states nationwide in pressing for tougher laws to hold social media companies accountable for children’s safety on their platforms and when those users interact with artificial intelligence. The Senate Impact of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children and Platform Privacy Protection Study Committee spent months hearing from parents and experts about how to make the internet safer for kids. The proposals are expected to be taken up during the upcoming legislative session. 

05. Narcan to be Made Available in Every Georgia Public School

By spring 2026, every Georgia public school will have opioid overdose reversal kits on hand. The initiative is part of a statewide plan, launched this fall, to curb rising overdose cases in schools. Funded by opioid settlement dollars administered by the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust, the Georgia Overdose Response Partnership ensures school staff are equipped to recognize and respond to an opioid emergency. The effort supports Senate Bill 395, known as "Wesley's Law," which allows schools to obtain and administer opioid antagonists and grants immunity to staff acting in good faith.

Original source: MCO Group
Original post date: November 23, 2025

01. Gov. Kemp Announces Salesforce Expansion in Georgia

Governor Kemp confirmed that Salesforce will invest $15 million to expand operations in Fulton County, adding 250+ new jobs by 2028. Currently employing over 2,000 people statewide, Salesforce cited Atlanta’s talent, global connections, and inclusive community as major growth factors.

02. Virginia Transformer to Create 400 New Jobs in Effingham 

Virginia Transformer Corp. is investing $40 million to expand its Rincon facility, creating 400 jobs in Effingham County. Specializing in large power transformers, the expansion follows continued growth since 2015. Construction begins in January 2026, with operations, maintenance, and assembly roles open on Indeed. 

03. GDOL Unveils Strategic Plan for Modernization 

Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes launched a comprehensive strategic plan for the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) focused on trust-building, modernization, transparency, and service efficiency. Key initiatives include improving unemployment insurance systems, streamlining processes, reducing regulatory burdens, and plain-language communications.

04. Senate District 35 Special Election Heads to Runoff 

Six candidates competed in the special election to fill Jason Esteves’s vacated Senate District 53 seat. With no candidate crossing 50%, Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce advanced to a December runoff. Howard, a pediatric dentist, led the field; Bruce is a former state representative. 

05. Reps Barrett & Gambill Appointed to House Committees

House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) recently appointed Rep Carter Barrett (R-Cumming) to the House Committee on Ways. Burns also appointed Rep Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), who also serves as a Governor’s Floor Leader, to serve as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. Click herefor a full list of House committees.

Source: MCO Group

01. Fulton DA Fani Willis to Testify Next Week

Fulton County DA Fani Willis is set to appear before the Georgia Senate committee next month. The panel is investigating her handling of the 2020 election case and the hiring of special prosecutor Nathan Wade. While the committee can’t prosecute, it aims to recommend new rules for prosecutors. Willis was previously removed from the case after a conflict-of-interest ruling, and her appeal was denied in September.

02. Georgia Tax Revenues Up 6.9% in October

State revenues approached $2.71 billion in October, representing an increase of $175.9 million, or 6.9 percent, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled approximately $2.53 billion for the month. Year to date, net tax revenue collections totaled $10.88 billion for an increase of $240.4 million, or 2.3 percent, compared to October 2024, when net tax collections totaled almost $10.64 billion. 

03. Trey Bennett Appointed New GEFA Director

Governor Kemp announced Trey Bennett will take the helm of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority starting November 16, succeeding Hunter Hill. Bennett, currently General Counsel and Grants Division Director at the state’s Office of Planning and Budget, brings over a decade of legal and government experience, including crisis-era policy work and management of Georgia’s $4.8 billion Recovery Fund.

04. Microsoft Launches Atlanta “AI Superfactory”

In October, Microsoft began operations at Fairwater 2 in Atlanta—a massive, AI-optimized data center designed for ultra-high-density neural computing. Paired with Fairwater 1 in Wisconsin, it’s part of a new “planet-scale AI superfactory” powered by linked GPUs and custom AI-WAN fiber networks. Microsoft touts this model as a virtual supercomputer capable of massive AI training workloads.

05. Medicaid Contract Protests Denied

On November 10, Georgia’s Department of Administrative Services rejected protests over the state’s Medicaid managed care RFP. The contracts cover the Georgia Families and Georgia Families 360º programs, serving general Medicaid members and youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Protests from major insurers, including Aetna, Amerigroup, and Peach State, claimed scoring flaws and conflicts of interest, but the Deputy Commissioner ruled the process fair and upheld awards to CareSource, Humana, Molina, and UnitedHealthcare. Appeals are due by November 13.