Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) is praising the Senate Committee on Finance after it approved Senate Bill 382, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome). The bill is a Senate Majority Caucus priority for the 2026 Legislative Session.
Capitol Beat News Service contributed to this story
A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution could eliminate sales taxes on timber, a move supporters say would help stabilize a forestry industry that has been hammered by mill closures and storm damage. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration of Mulberry is sponsoring House Resolution 1000, saying the bipartisan effort is meant to protect what he called a cornerstone of Georgia’s rural economy.
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:
Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his final State of the State address this week at the Georgia Capitol, using the annual speech to lay out what he wants lawmakers to prioritize as he enters the home stretch of his second term. In front of a joint session of the General Assembly, Kemp struck an upbeat tone about Georgia’s economy and growth, while arguing the next set of decisions should center on affordability for families, long-term competitiveness for the state, and keeping Georgia “open for business” in a changing national landscape.
