Georgia lawmakers face final full day of 2026 legislative session

ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers are preparing for the final day of the 2026 legislative session on Thursday as they work to finalize the state budget and major tax reform before the midnight deadline.

What we know:

The Georgia General Assembly is entering its final day of business, known as Sine Die, with a $38.5 billion state budget at the top of the calendar. 

Significant progress has already been made since January, including the passage of a signature literacy bill championed by House Speaker Jon Burns. 

This legislation will place specialized literacy coaches in classrooms statewide to improve student outcomes.

What we don't know:

While the budget is the primary focus, the final outcome of property tax relief for homeowners and the specific path for state income tax legislation remain uncertain. 

It is not yet clear if the House and Senate will bridge their remaining gaps before the final gavel falls or if certain measures will fail to meet the deadline.

What they're saying:

Speaker Burns described the literacy bill’s passage as a "generational change" that will provide Georgia’s children with the tools they need to succeed. 

Governor Brian Kemp underscored the progress made, noting that the 2026 session has been defined by a shared vision for the state's future. 

Kemp continues to urge legislative leaders to focus on fiscal responsibility during final negotiations.