The Georgia General Assembly adjourned its 2026 special session on Tuesday, June 23, after completing legislative work outlined in Governor Brian Kemp’s special session proclamation.
Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.
According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.
One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.
Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.
Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.
The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.
You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.
Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns has informed Governor Brian Kemp that the Georgia House will not take up congressional or legislative redistricting during the state’s upcoming special legislative session.
Georgia lawmakers have approved a plan to cut the state’s income tax rate, but a broader effort to overhaul property taxes fell short before the end of the legislative session.
Today is Sine Die at the Georgia State Capitol, the final day of the legislative session when lawmakers must give final approval to bills if they are to become law this year. The term “Sine Die” is Latin for “without a day,” meaning the General Assembly adjourns without setting a date to return for the current session.
State Representative Eddie Lumsden of Armuchee says lawmakers are entering the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session, with just five days remaining after completing Legislative Day 35 last week.
A Georgia state senator has stepped down from office to focus on her campaign for lieutenant governor.
Democratic Sen. Nabilah Parkes, who represented part of Gwinnett County, announced her resignation in a public statement Friday. Parkes first launched a campaign for Georgia insurance and fire safety commissioner in January before shifting to the lieutenant governor’s race on March 5.
Parkes now joins state Sen. Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs and Richard Wright in the Democratic field for lieutenant governor. In her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp, Parkes sharply criticized the Georgia Legislature, calling it “a place where good ideas go to die and where extremists continue to attack our freedoms.” Georgia’s primary election is scheduled for May 19.
Georgia lawmakers worked down to the final hours on Crossover Day, one of the most important deadlines of the legislative session, as they rushed to move bills through the House and Senate before time ran out.
The Georgia Association of Educators says a House subcommittee has passed HB 1244, legislation aimed at protecting educators’ right to a duty-free lunch and a planning period during the school day.
According to the GAE, the bill would prohibit school districts from waiving duty-free lunch and planning periods except in “extreme emergencies” or when a teacher voluntarily agrees to give up that time in exchange for additional compensation.
Supporters say the measure is intended to reinforce professional working conditions and ensure educators have dedicated time to prepare lessons and recharge during the school day. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Akbar Ali.
GAE President Lisa Morgan, a kindergarten teacher, addressed the subcommittee in support of the proposal prior to the vote. The association noted that another educators’ organization urged the committee to send the bill to a study committee shortly before the measure was approved.
HB 1244 now moves forward in the legislative process as lawmakers continue debate under the Gold Dome.
A group of mostly Republican Georgia state senators is moving quickly to advance legislation that would reduce the state’s personal income tax, marking the first step in a long-term plan to eliminate the tax entirely by 2032.