On Monday, March 9, 2026, the House returned to the Gold Dome following a long legislative day on Friday that stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning. By the end of the week, the Georgia General Assembly reached Legislative Day 31, meaning that only nine legislative days remain in the 2026 legislative session. Following a very busy Crossover Day, the House turned its attention to reviewing Senate bills passed by the Senate, with some measures reaching the House floor for a vote. As we move closer to Sine Die on April 2, my House colleagues and I have continued working diligently during this ninth week of the legislative session to pass several measures, most importantly the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) budget.
Notable legislation from week nine includes:
- House Bill 974 (FY 2027 Budget):
The House passed its version of the FY 2027 budget, set at $38.5 billion—an increase of $738 million (1.95%) over FY 2026. The budget makes major investments across key areas:- Education: Fully funds the QBE program at $14.9 billion; includes $5.5 million for Special Needs Scholarships and over $60 million for a statewide literacy initiative, including K-3 literacy coaches.
- Early Childhood Support: Provides $9.7 million to expand pre-K extended day programs, funding for 2,448 students, while freeing federal funds to expand childcare assistance (CAPS).
- Student Health & Readiness: Allocates $2.7 million for vision and hearing screening equipment in K-3 schools.
- Educator & Literacy Support: Includes $7.9 million for the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement and funding for additional Professional Standards Commission staff tied to literacy initiatives.
- Support for Low-Income Students: Replaces prior poverty grants with statewide support, including funding for nutrition programs, SUN Bucks summer meals, transportation increases ($41.1 million), school social workers, and mental health grants.
- Higher Education: Invests in research and workforce development, including funding for Georgia Research Alliance expansion, medical education at the University of Georgia, and behavioral health workforce programs.
- Healthcare: Provides $45.3 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates, along with funding for autism services, transplants, rural healthcare, maternal health, and graduate medical education.
- Public Safety: Adds $101 million for the Department of Corrections, including staffing improvements and inmate healthcare; also supports victim services and legal system salary parity.
- Transportation: Includes a $166 million increase for infrastructure, including construction, maintenance, and airport aid.
- Additional Investments: Supports veterans’ healthcare and feral hog control programs to protect agriculture.
- House Bill 1402: Establishes vision and hearing screenings for students, supported by funding in the FY 2027 budget.
- House Resolution 145: Urges collaboration between the Department of Education and Department of Public Health to expand student vision and hearing screenings.
- Senate Bill 220 (Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act): Overhauls the state’s medical cannabis framework by expanding available forms (e.g., oils, vaporization, raw materials), removing THC percentage caps in favor of milligram dosing, adding qualifying conditions, and modernizing patient registration.
- House Resolution 948: Creates a study committee to examine pharmacy benefits managers and rising prescription drug costs, focusing on transparency, pricing, and rural access.
- House Resolution 1049: Designates the last Wednesday in October as Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness Day to raise awareness and promote prevention efforts.
- Senate Bill 420: Establishes fishing endorsement fees to improve data collection and management of Georgia’s coastal fisheries.
- Senate Bill 239: Strengthens oversight of the funeral services industry by raising licensure standards, expanding the governing board, and enhancing enforcement authority.
As we quickly approach our final day of session, or Sine Die, on Thursday, April 2, I encourage you to stay informed about upcoming House floor sessions, committee meetings, and legislative developments. I also welcome your questions, comments, and input as the 2026 legislative session enters its final stretch. Your feedback remains critical as we work to advance policies that benefit our communities and our state. Reach out to me anytime by email at dale.washburn@house.ga.gov or by phone at 404-656-0152. Thank you for allowing me to serve you at the State Capitol.
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