As the calendar turns to 2026, a slate of new state laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly last year will begin to take effect, bringing changes that could affect how Georgians buy homes, drive cars, access health care, and participate in elections.

Starting January 1, 2026, key changes include:

• Homeowner protections: Warranties on HVAC systems will automatically transfer to new owners when a house is sold, eliminating the need for registration to maintain coverage.

• Insurance reforms: Home insurers must now provide 60 days’ notice before canceling or non-renewing a policy — double the previous requirement.

• Vehicle and driver updates: Third-party vendors will be able to issue temporary license plates electronically, and motorists may see new specialty plates, including an “America First” design available under the law.

• Elections and ethics: Ethics investigations cannot be opened within 60 days of an election, and financial disclosures for local officials will be filed with the state rather than locally.

• Digital access and professional licensing: Certain court hearings may be digitally recorded instead of transcribed, and pathways to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are being expanded.

• Healthcare and telemedicine: Licensed dentists can now offer teledentistry, and insurers must provide better online scheduling or call-back systems for patients.

Many of these laws are designed to improve consumer protections, streamline state systems, and expand access to services as Georgians begin the new year. Additional changes to education policy, tax incentives, and environmental rules may also roll out as 2026 continues.

Residents are encouraged to review specific provisions and implementation guidance through official state resources to understand how the changes might affect them in daily life.