Leesa Hagan: - 2026 Legislative Session Week 4 Update

Leesa Hagan:

The Georgia House returned to Atlanta last Monday to begin a busy fourth week of the 2026 legislative session. We are now more than a quarter of the way through, and the pace continues to increase. While policy debates move forward on the House floor and in committees, much of our attention remains on the budget.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I spent much of the week reviewing House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This amended budget funds state operations through June 30, the end of the current fiscal year. It passed with bipartisan support and was immediately transmitted to the Senate for review. The AFY 2026 Budget

The House based the amended budget on a revised revenue estimate of $42.3 billion. That figure includes $3.3 billion in surplus funds, which results in an 11.9% increase over the original estimate.

Key highlights include: • $850 million for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant program to reduce property tax burdens in 2026 • $9 million to develop a statewide Career Navigator System to connect students and employers • $10.9 million for the Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative to support emerging timber markets • $85 million for rural bridge rehabilitation and replacement • $250 million for re surfacing roads through the Local Road Assistance Administration Program As Chairman of the House Rural Development Committee, I pay close attention to how these allocations affect small towns. For example, forestry remains one of Georgia’s strongest industries. In fact, our state leads the nation in forestry production. After Hurricane Helene caused significant damage and recent pulp and paper plants shut down, targeted support for research and product development helps communities recover and grow responsibly.

Additionally, rural bridge funding matters more than many people realize. Farmers, school buses, and businesses depend on safe bridges to move about efficiently. When a rural bridge closes, local commerce slows immediately.

The House also allocated funds for graduate medical education expansion. These residency slots help address provider shortages that affect many rural counties. Furthermore, the budget directs funding to design and construct a new regional psychiatric hospital, which will reduce long wait times for critical care.

Also advancing the good health of Georgians, the amended budget proposal includes funding for a College of Optometry at Georgia Southern University. A local training pathway increases the likelihood that graduates remain in Georgia, particularly in rural communities.

After House passage, the Senate will conduct its own review. If differences emerge, a conference committee will reconcile them before the final bill goes to the governor. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations Committee continues work on the Fiscal Year 2027 proposal.

More Bills Passed

Beyond the amended budget, the House advanced several measures last week that reflect practical priorities.

First, we passed HB 659 to expand loan repayment assistance to optometrists who serve in rural areas. This proposal originated in the Rural Development Committee after we identified clear shortages in vision care. Access to eye care affects education outcomes and workforce productivity. Therefore, strengthening that pipeline benefits entire communities.

We also passed HB 946 to address the growing feral hog problem. These invasive animals cause an estimated $150 million in annual agricultural damage statewide. Many of you know personally that it is a problem. The bill allows landowners to trap feral hogs without a license and permits drone use to locate them on private property. For farmers, this legislation offers a practical tool to protect crops and land.

Additionally, we passed HB 350 to update Georgia’s Safe Place for Newborns Act. This bill allows eligible facilities to install newborn safety devices funded by donations. It provides mothers a secure, anonymous option while ensuring facilities remain staffed and equipped.

Literacy is a Priority

Education also remained a focus this week. Literacy is foundational to success. The ability to read creates opportunity and long-term stability, yet today only about one in three Georgia students reads at grade level by the end of third grade. House members joined Speaker Burns to introduce the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. The proposal would provide funding for literacy coaches in every publicschool serving kindergarten through third grade. As a former classroom teacher, I know how important early reading skills are. When students read confidently, they perform better in every subject. Good Policies for Families House Republicans held a press conference introducing several bills targeted at improving the quality of life and safety of Georgia’s women and families. Among them, a bill I am proud to sponsor creates a domestic violence offender registry in Georgia much like our sexual offender registry. Upon a second conviction for domestic violence, an offender would be placed on the registry which will be maintained by the GBI.

When someone shows a repeated pattern of abuse, we take that behavior seriously. A second conviction will be recognized for what it is, a demonstrated pattern of violent behavior. Placement on this registry sends a clear message that Georgia will not tolerate repeat domestic violence and that survivor safety is prioritized. Other bills in this package include: Allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraception. 36 other states already permit this.

Providing a paid 3-week recovery period immediately after delivery for birth mothers who are state employees. This is in addition to current family leave policy.

Requiring public schools that already provide after-school care for 5-year-olds to allow 4-yearolds to participate.

Visitors to the Capitol

Shane Curry, Executive Director of the Vidalia Onion Business Council, visited the Capitol earlier this week with the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

Tattnall County Student Government and Career Technical Student Organization students and sponsors visited the State Capitol last Thursday.

Shonda McFadden, School Nutrition Director and FACS Teacher at Wheeler County High School was in Atlanta to advocate for school nutrition programs.

Trish Poole, Chair of the Toombs County Republican Party, and her counterpart in Emanuel County, Lisa Parham, visited.

Conclusion

I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of District 156, and I look forward to sharing further updates as session progresses. Please see my constituent services page at LeesaHagan.com for answers to frequently asked questions.

Rep. Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons) and Shonda McFadden, Wheeler County Schools.

By Leesa Hagan R-Lyons (District 156, Georgia House of Representatives)