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