Georgia Governor Prepares to Sign Flurry of Bills After 2026 Legislative Session

Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto measures passed by state lawmakers before they automatically become law.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:08pm

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Georgia's 2026 legislative session has concluded, and now Governor Brian Kemp must review and sign or veto the numerous bills passed by state lawmakers this year. Kemp has 40 days after the legislature adjourns to take action on the measures, with any unsigned bills automatically becoming law at the end of that period.

Why it matters

The governor's bill signing decisions will have a significant impact on state policy, as Kemp prepares to depart office after his eighth and final term. Controversial bills awaiting his signature include measures to make certain metro Atlanta elections nonpartisan and cut property taxes.

The details

Among the bills awaiting Kemp's signature is House Bill 369, which would make elected positions in five metro Atlanta counties, including district attorneys, nonpartisan. Kemp has historically used his veto power to shape state policy, having vetoed a total of seven bills last year.

  • The 2026 Georgia legislative session has just concluded.
  • Kemp has 40 days after the legislature adjourns, until May 12, to sign or veto the bills passed this session.
  • Any bills remaining unsigned by Kemp at the end of the 40-day period will automatically become law.

The players

Brian Kemp

The current governor of Georgia, who is serving his eighth and final term.

House Bill 369

A bill that would make certain elected positions in five metro Atlanta counties, including district attorneys, nonpartisan.

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What they’re saying

“For those who may think I'm a lame duck, well, I still have a big red pen.”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia

What’s next

Kemp has until May 12 to sign or veto the bills passed during the 2026 legislative session. Any unsigned bills will automatically become law at that time.

The takeaway

Governor Kemp's bill signing decisions in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on Georgia's policy landscape, as he prepares to depart office after his final term. Controversial measures like the proposal to make metro Atlanta elections nonpartisan will be closely watched as Kemp wields his veto power one last time.