Georgia Lawmakers Wrap Up 2026 Legislative Session

State budget and tax bills passed in final hours before midnight deadline

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:12am

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A serene, cinematic painting of the Georgia State Capitol building, its grand facade and dome illuminated by warm, angled sunlight that casts deep shadows across the scene, creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The Georgia State Capitol stands as a symbol of the state's legislative power, its stately presence casting long shadows as the 2026 session comes to a close.Atlanta Today

The Georgia legislature concluded its 2026 session on Sine Die, the final day of the legislative calendar. In the final hours before the midnight deadline, lawmakers passed the state's $38.5 billion budget for 2027, which includes funding for literacy coaches and the state employee retirement system. They also approved a bill to gradually reduce the state income tax rate from 5.19% to 3.99% and exempt some tip and overtime pay from taxation. However, a property tax relief bill and a data center tax bill failed to pass before the session ended.

Why it matters

The end of the legislative session marks a key milestone for Georgia politics, as lawmakers finalize the state's budget and enact new laws that will impact residents and businesses across the state. The passage of tax reform and the failure of property tax relief highlight the ongoing debates around taxation and government spending in the state.

The details

With less than an hour before the midnight deadline on Sine Die, the Georgia House and Senate passed the state's $38.5 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year. The budget includes $70 million for literacy coaches in every K-3 school and $100 million for the state employee retirement system. Lawmakers also gave final approval to House Bill 463, which will gradually reduce the state income tax rate from 5.19% to 3.99% and exempt up to $1,750 in tips and overtime pay from taxation. However, a property tax relief bill (House Bill 1116) and a data center tax bill (Senate Bill 410) both failed to pass before the session ended.

  • The Georgia legislature was required to pass the 2027 state budget before the midnight deadline on Sine Die, the final day of the legislative session.
  • House Bill 463, which reduces the state income tax rate, passed both chambers just before the midnight deadline on Sine Die.

The players

Governor Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia, who must now sign or veto any bills passed by the legislature during the 2026 session.

Representative Dale Washburn

A co-sponsor of House Bill 1075, which would allow certain facilities to install newborn safety devices.

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What’s next

Governor Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto any bills passed by the legislature during the 2026 session.

The takeaway

The conclusion of Georgia's 2026 legislative session highlights the ongoing debates around taxation, government spending, and economic development in the state. While lawmakers were able to pass a state budget and some tax reform measures, the failure of property tax relief and data center tax legislation suggests there are still unresolved issues that will likely carry over into the next session.