Georgia Lawmakers Race to Pass Budget, Legislation Before Session Ends

The state legislature's final day is Thursday at midnight, with key bills and the $38 billion budget still unresolved.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:19am

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A cinematic, moody painting of the Georgia State Capitol building at dusk, with a single figure standing on the steps, conveying a sense of political tension and the weight of the legislative process.As the legislative session nears its end, the Georgia State Capitol stands as a silent witness to the high-stakes negotiations unfolding within its walls.Atlanta Today

As the Georgia General Assembly's legislative session nears its end on Thursday at midnight, lawmakers are scrambling to pass a state budget and other key legislation before the deadline. Governor Brian Kemp and House Speaker Jon Burns are working to finalize the $38 billion budget, which has been the subject of disputes between the House and Senate for weeks. The passage of the Georgia Literacy Act, which requires $70 million in funding, is also a priority before the session concludes.

Why it matters

The end-of-session rush to pass legislation and the state budget is a common occurrence, but this year's session is particularly high-stakes as many lawmakers are running for higher office or reelection. The budget negotiations have been complicated by competing priorities for spending, and failure to reach an agreement could force the governor to call a special session.

The details

Governor Brian Kemp, who is serving his eighth and final Sine Die session, is focused on passing the $38 billion state budget and leaving the state's finances in a strong position before he leaves office in 10 months. However, the House and Senate have been at odds for weeks over the budget details, with many lawmakers pushing to increase spending. Kemp's office is working to maintain fiscal discipline amid the political pressures. House Speaker Jon Burns is also prioritizing funding for the Georgia Literacy Act, a $70 million initiative he championed, as part of the budget negotiations.

  • The last day of the legislative session ends at midnight on Thursday, April 4, 2026.
  • Governor Brian Kemp will be leaving office in 10 months.

The players

Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia, who is serving his eighth and final Sine Die legislative session before leaving office in 10 months.

Jon Burns

The Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, who is focused on passing the Georgia Literacy Act and securing its $70 million in funding as part of the state budget.

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What they’re saying

“I just want to leave the budget, especially, in a really good place for our citizens. And that's what I'm focused on the next 24 to 36 hours.”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia

“We'll continue as we always do. We'll continue down the road. We'll work on funding to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the funding. These changes we're putting in place will be sustainable.”

— Jon Burns, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives

What’s next

If the House and Senate are unable to reach a budget agreement before the session ends at midnight on Thursday, Governor Kemp will have to call lawmakers back for a special legislative session to resolve the impasse.

The takeaway

The final days of Georgia's legislative session are marked by a high-stakes scramble to pass a state budget and other key bills before the clock runs out. The budget negotiations have been complicated by competing spending priorities, but Governor Kemp and House Speaker Burns are working to find a compromise that will leave the state's finances in a strong position.