Originally posted by MCO Group on March 27, 2026

As the Georgia General Assembly approaches Sine Die on April 2, several major policy and political developments are shaping the final days of the 2026 session.  Lawmakers are in the final stretch of the session, moving quickly to advance or revive bills on education, elections, taxes, public safety, and health care. Committees and floor calendars are active as leaders negotiate last‑minute changes and amendments, including reconciling the state's $38.5 billion budget.

01. Georgia Early Literacy Act Nears Final Passage

House Speaker Jon Burns’ proposed literacy overhaul, the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 1193), remains a centerpiece of late-session negotiations. The bill would fund reading coaches in every K–3 classroom to combat the state’s persistent literacy crisis. The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a revised version that allocates $70 million in grants for literacy coaches, setting up potential final negotiations before Sine Die

02. Senate and House Wrangle Over FY 2027 Budget

The Senate approved its FY 2027 state budget, including funding for literacy reforms, $100 million for state retiree COLAs, and $30 million for private school vouchers (the expanded “Promise Scholarship” program). The spending priorities differ from the House plan, setting up a last-minute budget conference.

03. Ballot Reform Bill Advances in Senate

Legislators advanced HB 397, a GOP-led measure that would fundamentally change the state’s ballot format for millions of voters. Details are still being debated, but the bill could have implications for election administration ahead of the 2026 midterms.

04. City of Hiram Faces Possible Dissolution

Lawmakers are debating a bill that could dissolve the city of Hiram amid an ongoing budget and governance crisis, making it one of the rare cases in which the state might revoke a city charter. The measure is prompting broader questions about the fiscal oversight of small municipalities

05. Property Tax Cap Proposal Gains Momentum

The legislature is considering a new proposal to cap property tax hikes for homeowners, limiting how much local governments can raise assessments year over year. The measure has bipartisan interest, given the rapid home value increases across metro Atlanta