Georgia Rep. Williamson Highlights Legislative Week 5 Accomplishments

Legislation passed to support mental health, streamline medical licensing, and more

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In his weekly update, Georgia State Representative Bruce Williamson recapped the key bills and resolutions passed by the House during the fifth week of the 2026 legislative session. Highlights include legislation to support mental health and substance recovery services, modernize medical licensing, and regulate name, image, and likeness compensation for high school student-athletes.

Why it matters

Rep. Williamson's update provides insight into the legislative priorities and actions of the Georgia General Assembly, which have significant impacts on healthcare, education, and other important issues affecting the state's residents.

The details

Among the bills passed by the House this week were HB 657, which defines and establishes standards for certified peer specialists to support mental health and substance use recovery services, and SB 162, which streamlines the licensing and credentialing process for Georgia's medical professionals. The House also passed legislation to update regulations for personal delivery robots, the Completion Special Schools Act, the definition of incest, and transparency requirements for the origin of shrimp served in restaurants.

  • The 2026 legislative session is currently underway.
  • National Guard Day was held at the Georgia Capitol on February 11, 2026.
  • The House passed 23 bills and resolutions during the fifth week of the session.

The players

Rep. Bruce Williamson

A member of the Georgia House of Representatives who represents the state's 116th district.

Major General Wilson

The commander of the Georgia National Guard, which has over 15,000 soldiers, airmen, and state employees.

Melinda Murray Dally

A representative from Great Oaks Assisted Living who testified on ways to improve protections against fraudulent advertising of assisted living services.

Stan Gunter

A fellow state representative from Union County who recently received a cancer-free diagnosis.

Alex Ross

An Emory University anesthesiology student who visited the state capitol.

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What they’re saying

“Georgia's Army National Guard was recognized as the best National Guard Command by the Association of the United States Army in 2025.”

— Major General Wilson, Commander, Georgia National Guard

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This legislative update highlights Georgia's efforts to support mental health services, streamline medical licensing, and protect high school student-athletes, demonstrating the state government's focus on healthcare, education, and consumer protection issues.