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February 3, 2026

Rep. Eddie Lumsden Reports Busy Start to 2026 Georgia Legislative Session Amid Winter Storms

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In his latest legislative report, State Rep. Eddie Lumsden says the Georgia House returned to full work after Winter Storm Fern prompted a State of Emergency and briefly slowed the start of the 2026 session. Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Lumsden says House Appropriations subcommittees resumed meetings to review the AFY 2026 and FY 2027 budget proposals, while the House Rules Committee met for the first time this session and the chamber passed its first legislation of 2026. He also noted lawmakers recognized utility crews, first responders, and agencies for storm response and power restoration efforts across North Georgia.

Among key actions, the House passed HB 443 to create offshore fishing endorsement fees to support Georgia-based fisheries surveys, and unanimously adopted HR 1008 to update the state’s water planning council structure. Lumsden also cited final passage of SB 148, which would update public school policies including hunting safety lessons, outdoor learning, expanded personal leave, and changes to AED program requirements. He added that House Speaker Jon Burns introduced the Georgia HOME Act, a proposal aimed at phasing out homestead property taxes by 2032.

You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:

January 28, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rep. Eddie Lumsden – Week 2 Legislative Report: Highlights Georgia “Budget Week,” Kemp Proposals, and Weather Preparations

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, who represents Chattooga County and part of Floyd County, says the second week of the Georgia legislative session focused on “budget week,” as lawmakers reviewed Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposals for the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Lumsden highlighted a proposed one-time $1 billion tax rebate, a $2,000 supplement for state employees and school personnel, investments in rural economic development and timber industry recovery, increased funding for higher education and HOPE scholarships, and the creation of the state’s first need-based aid program through the DREAMS scholarship. He also noted funding for behavioral health housing support, public safety, transportation projects, and workforce development, along with updates on Georgia’s revenue outlook and preparations for winter weather, including a statewide State of Emergency. Lumsden said budget subcommittees will continue their work in the coming weeks and encouraged constituents to stay informed and engaged. See his complete report below:

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rep. Eddie Lumsden Recaps Week One Under the Gold Dome as 2026 Session Begins

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below:

January 9, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lawmakers Return to Atlanta Monday as 2026 Georgia Legislative Session Gets Underway

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The 2026 Georgia Legislative Assembly will convene Monday, January 12, 2026, bringing state lawmakers back to the Capitol to begin the annual session. Over the coming weeks, legislators are expected to take up a wide range of issues that affect Northwest Georgia, including the state budget, public safety, education, health care access, and insurance-related policy.

Representing the area will be State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who serves House District 12, covering Chattooga County and parts of Floyd County. During the 2026 session, Lumsden is serving as Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, and he also holds assignments on the Appropriations, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Governmental Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Rules, and State Properties committees.

Constituents who want to share concerns or follow legislative developments can reach Rep. Lumsden by email at eddie.lumsden@house.ga.gov, by phone at (404) 656-7850, or by mail/visit at 220-A State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334.

April 2, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Weekly Legislative Report From State Rep. Eddie Lumsden

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State Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) shared his weekly report for the 11th week of the legislative session. As the Sine Die deadline approaches, lawmakers are focused on passing many bills, including those on chronic absenteeism, support for foster youth, and tougher penalties for fentanyl trafficking. “We returned to the Capitol determined to provide meaningful solutions for our communities,” said Rep. Lumsden, noting significant progress on issues affecting the state, from helping students to protecting citizens from fentanyl dangers. One important bill passed this week was Senate Bill 123, which addresses chronic absenteeism in public schools by defining it, introducing strategies to improve attendance, and focusing on support for struggling students. Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 85, which establishes the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act to assist current and former foster youth with higher education costs. The House passed Senate Bill 72, providing a legal safe harbor for hospitals offering specialized care for individuals with rare diseases. Additionally, Senate Bill 42 and Senate Bill 79 were passed to address crime involving minors and strengthen penalties for fentanyl trafficking. Other bills, including those on electronic device bans in schools and tax reductions, have also passed and are awaiting the Governor’s decision. As the session ends, lawmakers are finalizing key legislation to meet the needs of Georgia’s citizens. You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below: