State Representative Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee says the Georgia House experienced one of the busiest weeks of the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers worked toward Crossover Day, the deadline for bills to pass out of their original chamber in order to remain eligible for final passage before the session ends. By the end of the week, the House had passed 97 bills and resolutions, sending many measures to the Georgia Senate for further consideration.

Among the measures approved was House Bill 1000, which would provide a one-time income tax refund for Georgia taxpayers. Under the proposal, eligible taxpayers who filed returns for both the 2024 and 2025 tax years could receive refunds of up to $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. Lawmakers say the measure is designed to return a portion of the state’s revenue surplus to Georgia families.

The House also passed House Bill 1402, which would require annual vision and hearing screenings for students in pre-K through third grade. Supporters say early detection of vision or hearing problems can help improve literacy rates and overall academic performance. The bill would also provide funding to help school systems purchase screening equipment.

Another major proposal approved was House Bill 1413, creating the DREAMS Scholarship program, a need-based financial aid initiative designed to help students attend colleges within the University System of Georgia or the Technical College System of Georgia. Eligible students could receive up to $3,000 per academic year to help cover education costs.

Several bills focused on public safety and protections for vulnerable populations. Lawmakers passed Trey’s Law, which would prevent the enforcement of nondisclosure agreements that silence victims of childhood sexual abuse. Another measure would strengthen protections for older adults and individuals with disabilities by expanding definitions of sexual abuse and improving monitoring of serious offenders.

The House also approved legislation aimed at creating Family Justice Centers, which would provide coordinated services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and child abuse. The goal is to allow victims to receive multiple services in one location rather than visiting multiple agencies.

Additional measures passed during the week included legislation to restrict unauthorized drone activity over correctional facilities, expand access to contraceptives through pharmacists, strengthen maternal leave benefits for state employees, and require financial literacy education for Georgia students.

Lumsden said the House will now begin reviewing legislation passed by the Senate as the 2026 session continues ahead of its scheduled conclusion on April 2.

Rep. Lumsden’s Complete Report: 

This week, the Georgia House of Representatives returned to the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, March 2, for the busiest stretch of the 2026 legislative session so far, all leading up to Friday, Legislative Day 28—Crossover Day—the key deadline for bills and resolutions to pass out of their originating chamber in order to remain eligible for final passage before we adjourn Sine Die. In the days leading up to this important milestone, my colleagues and I worked diligently through two committee workdays and two legislative days, passing numerous measures and working well into the night several days this week. During this eighth week of session, members of the Georgia House also joined Governor Brian Kemp as he signed House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 (AFY 2026) budget, into law. By the end of our eighth week of session, the House passed 97 bills and resolutions, sending many important measures to our counterparts in the Senate for their consideration.

The House unanimously passed House Bill 1000 this weekin an effort to return money to hardworking Georgians and put dollars directly back into the pockets of families across the state. As part of Gov. Kemp’s priorities funded in the AFY 2026 budget, this one-time income tax refund would be available toqualified taxpayers who filed individual income tax returns for both the 2024 and 2025 tax years by the applicable filing deadlines, including any granted extensions. Once an eligible Georgia taxpayer files a 2025 income tax return, the Georgia Department of Revenue would automatically issue a refund equal to the lesser of the taxpayer’s 2024 Georgia income tax liability or a set amount based on filing status: $250 for single filers or married individuals filing separately, $375 for heads of household and $500 for married couples filing jointly. HB 1000 reflects our shared commitment to fiscally responsible governance and would ensure that Georgians directly benefit from our state’s economic success. By giving money back to Georgia families, this bill would not only ease financial pressures but also help hardworking Georgians keep more of what they earn.

As the Georgia House continues its commitment to improving literacy outcomes for students across the state, we took additional steps this week to promote early detection of vision and hearing difficulties for students with the passage of House Bill 1402. This legislation passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support and would require all public-school students in pre-K through third grade to receive annual vision and hearing screenings at school. This bill represents a critical step in addressing literacy rates as studies show that up to 80 percent of early learning relies on vision, while 20 to 30 percent of children between ages zero to 12 experience vision issues. As such, HB 1402 would require screenings to take place at the students’ school—administered by trained school personnel or in partnership with a dually qualified third party—to ensure all students have access to early vision and hearing screenings.Under the bill, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) would oversee training, establish screening protocols, maintain aggregate data collected during screenings and collaborate with the State Board of Education to develop rules for the screening process. Additionally, DPH would be required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly to evaluate student progress by comparing screening data to test scores and identifying areas for further improvement. HB 1402 would also provide a one-time grant of up to $15,000 per school district, subject to appropriations, to purchase necessary screening equipment. To ensure transparency and keep families informed, parents would receive advance notice of screenings and have the option to opt their children out. Importantly, parents would also be notified if their child fails a screening or is not reading on grade level. By helping identify potential vision and hearing issues at an early age, HB 1402 would have a direct and meaningful impact on students’ ability to learn, succeed and reach reading proficiency, reflecting the Georgia House’s dedication to promoting literacy as a foundation for lifelong academic achievement and future success.

Building on our work to expand financial aid opportunities for students pursuing higher education in Georgia, the House passed House Bill 1413 with bipartisan support. HB 1413 would establish the Dedicating Resources to Educationally Advance More Students (DREAMS) Scholarship, a need-based scholarship program administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority. With $325 million appropriated for state-matching funds to support the need-based DREAMS scholarship program already included in the AFY 2026 budget, this scholarship would provide up to $3,000 per academic year, with a duration maximum of up to eight semesters or 12 quarters, to eligible undergraduate students enrolled in institutions within the University System of Georgia or the Technical College System of Georgia who demonstrate unmet financial need. The bill would also create a separate, dedicated endowment fund to support the long-term sustainability of the program, which would include public or private grants, gifts, donations or contributions dedicated to the program. Additionally, the legislation would establish a medical scholarship program to help support students attending medical school in Georgia who commit to practicing medicine in our state for at least four years after completing their residency. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to expand access to higher education by providing financial support to students who might otherwise be unable to attend a post-secondary institution. By equipping more prospective students with this assistance, we can strengthen Georgia’s workforce and create greater opportunities for future success for all Georgians.

Recognizing the importance of protecting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, my colleagues and I unanimously passed House Bill 1187, also known as Trey’s Law, which would prohibit the enforcement of any nondisclosureagreements (NDAs) or confidentiality agreements that seek to silence victims of childhood sexual abuse. The bill would void NDAs—including employment agreements, settlement agreements and other contracts—in situations where these agreements would prevent someone from discussing an act of childhood sexual abuse and any related facts about the abuse. However, this legislation would still allow settlement amounts and other non-abuse-related terms to remain confidential in order to ensure that victim privacy is maintained. Versions of Trey’s Law have been enacted in other states following the story of Trey Carlock, who experienced childhood sexual abuse and was later forced to enter into an NDA during civil litigation against his perpetrator. Because the agreement prevented him from speaking about his experience or seeking closure, Trey was subjected to further trauma and tragically lost his life to suicide. This bill seeks to prevent these tragic events from happening to other victims, while ensuring that survivors’ privacy remains protected.

We continued working to protect individuals who have experienced or may be subjected to sexual abuse with House Bill 1290, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for some of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens—older adults and individuals with disabilities. The bill passed the House unanimously and would revise the definition of sexual abuse as it relates to older adults by clarifying that the offense occurs when conduct is committed without consent, rather than requiring proof of coercion, while also ensuring that serious sexual offenders are properly classified and monitored. This important change would close a dangerous gap in the law and recognize that older adults—particularly those who may suffer from cognitive or physical impairments—are not always able to resist or prove overt coercion. By focusing on the absence of consent, HB 1290 would better reflect the realities faced by vulnerable older adults and those with disabilities and make it easier to hold offenders accountable. In addition, HB 1290 would establish a new category of “dangerous sexual offenses” for convictions occurring after June 30, 2026, within Georgia’s sexual offender registry statute. The State Sexual Offender Registry would also be updated to include the willful sexual abuse of a disabled adult, older adult or long-term care facility resident. By clearly identifying and classifying these particularly serious crimes as dangerous sexual offenses, HB 1290 would strengthen Georgia’s registry system, enhance public awareness and prioritize community safety, ensuring that Georgia’s older adults and disabled individuals are better protected from sexual abuse and exploitation.

To further support victims of abuse, the Georgia House unanimously passed House Bill 1283, also known as the Family Justice Center Act, on Wednesday. The legislation would authorize the creation of Family Justice Centers—multiagency facilities that would provide coordinated services to victims of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking and related crimes. These centers would be established and operated by a county or municipal government, a district attorney’s office or a designated nonprofit organization, with governance requirements tailored to the type of operating entity. When operated by a government entity, the center would be overseen by a governing board of at least five membersrepresenting local government, law enforcement, prosecution, victim services, social services and nonprofit partners. The bill would also allow participating law enforcement officers to respond to emergency calls anywhere within a center’s service area during emergencies, even if it is outside their normal jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council would administer grants and distribute funding to support the centers, prioritizing proposals that demonstrate strong multidisciplinary collaboration, community need, long-term sustainability, service to underserved or rural populations and measurable outcomes in victim safety and offender accountability. Additionally, the measure would include strict confidentiality protections, enforcing that victim information could not be disclosed without informed written consent, except as required by law or court order, and would clarify that records maintained by Family Justice Centers would not be public records and protected under applicable privacy and discovery laws. Under current Georgia law, victims of these crimes often must visit multiple agencies to receive assistance, but HB 1283 would bring these services together under one roof, allowing victims to access support in a single location and reducing the need to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences.

The House took further action this week to enhance public safety, particularly within our state’s correctional facilities. As unmanned aircraft systems become more accessible and sophisticated, they have increasingly been used to surveil secure facilities and, in some cases, to deliver contraband, such as weapons, drugs and cell phones, into prison and jail yards. With that in mind, we passed House Bill 1230 with bipartisan supportin an effort to strengthen security at Georgia’s correctional facilities by addressing unauthorized drone activity. HB 1230 would prohibit the operation of unmanned aircraft systems over these facilities, and it would be illegal to allow another individual to do so from one’s property. The legislation would clearly define an unmanned aircraft system as a powered aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, operates without the possibility of direct human intervention onboard, relies on aerodynamic forces for lift and may be flown autonomously or remotely. Notably, the bill would provide clarity regarding intent. HB 1230 would further classify drones used in violation of the law as contraband, allowing law enforcement to seize, remove, destroy or otherwise dispose of them. Under the legislation, officers would be authorized to take reasonable mitigation measures when there is suspicion that an unauthorized unmanned aircraft is operating over a correctional facility, while still recognizing legitimate operational needs. By addressing the evolving risks associated with rapidly advancingdrone technology, HB 1230 would enhance security, deter criminal activity and reinforce our commitment to protecting both correctional personnel and the communities they serve.

We also passed House Bill 1138, or the Increasing Access to Contraceptives Act, with bipartisan support this week. HB 1138 would increase access to contraception by making various birth control methods more readily available and financially accessible through a pharmacy. The bill would allow Georgia pharmacists to prescribe and dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives, including the pill and patch, as well as administer injectable contraceptives, like progesterone shots. Under the bill, pharmacists would be required to complete a certificate program that has been accredited by the American Council for Pharmacy Education, or a similar health authority approved by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, before prescribing, dispensing or administering any contraceptives. Some contraceptives would be available to obtain in extended supply, and the bill would require insurers to provide coverage for the extended supply of these contraceptives. Likewise, the bill would allow Medicaid and other state-funded programs to cover certain contraceptives in extended supply. This legislation is especially important in underserved areas of our state that lack OB-GYNs by offering a local and alternative method of obtaining birth control through a local pharmacy.

The House continued to lead in our efforts to support new mothers with the unanimous passage of House Bill 1118. HB 1118 would build upon legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session—House Bill 1010—which expanded paid parental leave for state employees. HB 1118 would continue the House’s work to support working families by ensuring new mothers have meaningful time to recuperate following birth and care for their newborn. The bill would provide eligible state employees with 120 hours of paid maternal birth leave to be used within the first three weeks following birth. To qualify, an employee would need to be employed for at least six months prior to taking leave, and for hourly employees, eligibility would require a minimum of 700 hours worked during the six-month period immediately preceding the requested leave date. Importantly, this benefit would carry no direct cost to the state as employees continue to receive their full salary through funds already allocated within the existing maternal birth leave budget. HB 1118 seeks to further strengthen maternal leave benefits for state workers and reinforce the House’s commitment to supporting Georgia’s working mothers and families.

To continue the House’s work to support mental health for our young students, we unanimously passed House Bill 1045, also known as the You Are Not Alone Awareness Act. HB 1045 would require any local school system or public school that issues student identification badges to students in grades six through 12 to include the following message on badges: “9-8-8—You are not alone. Anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis, emotional distress or challenges with substance abuse should call or text 9-8-8. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.” This requirement would apply only to badges issued on or after July 1, 2026, allowing schools to update the text during their normal annual printing cycles without creating additional costs. HB 1045 is designed specifically for middle and high school students, helping address the early onset of mental health challenges by reminding students that help is available. The bill seeks to standardize the presence of crisis resources across all Georgia school districts so that no student is left behind. By including this message on student badges, this legislation serves as a constant reminder that students experiencing mental health challenges have options to seek support and care.

On Crossover Day, the House reaffirmed its commitment to Georgia’s students by advancing legislation to strengthen financial literacy education with the passage of House Bill 1114. The bill would require the State Board of Education to adopt age-appropriate financial literacy standards for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Under the legislation, students in grades nine through 12 would receive instruction in personal budgeting and money management; banking, credit and debt; saving and investing principles; risk assessment and long-term financial planning; digital finance, fraud prevention and consumer protection; as well as the risks associated with gambling and an overview of the state’s gambling laws. For students in grades six through eight, instruction would cover budgeting, the use of digital money and introductory awareness of gambling risks. Students in kindergarten through grade five would learn foundational concepts, such as saving and spending, along with basic ideas about probability and the difference between games of chance and effort. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, each local board of education would require high school students to complete at least a half-credit course in financial literacy. Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, local school systems would be required to also provide grade-level financial literacy instruction to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This legislation would take an important step toward preparing Georgia’s students for the future and the real-life financial decisions they will face. HB 1114 would equip the next generation with the knowledge and confidence needed to make responsible financial decisions.

Efforts to modernize everyday cash transactions in Georgia advanced this week with the passage of House Bill 1112. This legislation comes in response to the United States Mint officially stopping production of new circulating pennies due to high production costs—nearly four cents per coin. HB 1112 would establish a standardized cash-rounding system for purchases made using legal tender, requiring that the total cost of goods and services—including sales tax and any other applicable taxes—be rounded to the nearest five cents. Under the bill, totals ending in one, two, six or seven cents would be rounded down to the nearest five cents, while totals ending in three, four, eight or nine cents would be rounded up to the nearest five cents. These rounding adjustments would not affect the actual sales price of a purchase or the calculation of any taxes owed. The provisions would not apply to transactions paid through electronic methods,such as credit or debit cards, electronic funds transfers or similar instruments, and customers would still be permitted to pay the exact amount due with one-cent coins. Additionally, HB 1112 would clarify that merchants who implement rounding in accordance with the law would not be considered in violation of any state or local laws or regulations and that any gains or losses resulting from rounding would not be subject to state or local taxation. By establishing a clear and consistent framework for cash rounding, the bill would help simplify transactions for both businesses and consumers, while maintaining transparency and flexibility at the point of sale.

Also, this week, the House passed House Bill 1122 with bipartisan support, which would address peripheral artery disease (PAD) and expand access to preventative vascular care. HB 1122 would expand access to screening PAD, a serious circulatory condition that affects blood flow to the lower extremities and can lead to amputations if left undetected. The bill would require insurance coverage for PAD screenings for at-risk individuals between the ages of 50 and 64, helping ensure more Georgians have access to early detection and preventative care. Under the legislation, any health benefit policy amended, delivered, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, would be required to provide coverage for a peripheral artery disease screening test for at-risk individuals every 12 months. Georgia continues to see a high number of amputations each year, particularly in the Atlanta and Augusta areas. These procedures often require individuals to adjust their mobility, living conditions and long-term healthcare needs, sometimes forcing them to move into homes built to accommodate wheelchairs or other accessibility needs. The screening itself is a simple, noninvasive test similar to a traditional blood pressure check but performed at the ankle to measure blood flow and identify early signs of blocked or narrowing arteries. By expanding access to preventative screenings and encouraging earlier intervention, HB 1122 seeks to improve the quality of life for at-risk individuals and reduce the long-term medical costs associated with untreated vascular disease.

We also adopted House Resolution 1000, setting the stage for Georgia’s voters to consider a constitutional amendment that would support the state’s timber industry. The resolution comes at a necessary time, as the state continues to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Helene and recent impacts of several pulp and paper mill closures in the Southeast. HR 1000 would allow standing timber to be assessed at a zero percent ad valorem tax, provided the timberland is placed under a qualifying-use covenant. Should the covenant be breached within 10 years of the harvest or sale of the timber, the tax savings would be recaptured. Standing timber is currently taxed once—at harvest—at 100 percent of fair market value, and the tax functions like a severance tax and can be inconsistent with how other agricultural commodities are treated. HR 1000 would further require the General Assembly to ensure that counties, municipalities and school districts receive full reimbursement for any foregone revenue from timber no longer assessed under this provision. HR 1000 aims to bolster Georgia’s timber industry, which plays a vital role in the state’s economic development and rural communities. By eliminating the harvest tax, we would align Georgia’s tax policy with the economic realities of forestry, while maintaining stable funding for local governments through state reimbursement. If adopted by the Senate, the measure would head to a statewide ballot referendum, where voters would have the opportunity to approve or reject the amendment. If ratified, it would become part of the Georgia Constitution and help promote sustainable timberland conservation across the state.

On Crossover Day, the House also passed House Bill 668, a measure designed to strengthen protections for service dogs and the Georgians who rely on them. HB 668 would update state law to formally recognize service dogs and establish criminal penalties and fines for individuals who interfere with or cause physical harm to a service dog, while also extending protections to their trainers and owners. The bill would provide restitution for veterinary costs, retraining or replacement if a service dog is injured or unable to continue performing its duties. In addition, HB 668 would clarify guidelines for service dog training and create penalties for individuals who falsely claim a need for a service dog. Importantly, the legislation would expand eligibility for service dog assistance in Georgia from individuals who are blind, deaf or physically disabled to those with physical or mental impairments, helping improve the quality of life for more Georgians who could benefit from having a service dog companion. By expanding these eligibility requirements, the bill would ensure that individuals who may not have previously qualified can access the support they need, while maintaining clear standards to prevent misuse. Ultimately, this legislation would strengthen protections—while clarifying and expanding eligibility—so that service dogs and their handlers can safely carry out the crucial work that they perform for people with disabilities across Georgia.

We returned to the State Capitol on Monday, March 9, for Legislative Day 29. With the Crossover Day deadline behind us, the House will begin to take up legislation that passed in the Senate as they review House bills that were passed. As a reminder, I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns about legislation being considered this year before the 2026 session adjourns Sine Die on April 2.Your input is invaluable, and I welcome the chance to connect—whether by phone or during a visit to the Capitol—to discuss the issues that matter most to you and your family. You can reach my Capitol office at 404-656-7850 or via email at Eddie.Lumsden @house.ga.gov.

As always, thank you for the privilege of serving as your state representative.

Eddie Lumsden