Leesa Hagan: - 2026 Legislative Session Week 7 Update

Leesa Hagan:

Last week, the Georgia House returned to the State Capitol for week seven of the legislative session. We dedicated Monday as our first full committee workday of the year. Throughout the day, we reviewed bills in detail, debated provisions, and voted to move measures forward. These committee days matter because they ensure careful review before any proposal reaches the House floor. As someone who values thorough discussion, I appreciate that process. The Amended Budget

The most significant action this week was final passage of House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Passing a balanced budget remains our only constitutional responsibility. This budget prioritizes taxpayer relief, major investments in the state’s prison system, expanded mental health services, and transportation infrastructure improvements.

The amended budget includes: • $850 million for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant program • A one-time $2,000 salary supplement for state employees including educators • $20.7 million for a

40-bed forensic restoration facility in Augusta • $409 million for a new 300-bed facility at Georgia Regional Hospital in Atlanta • $29.8 million to es tablish a College of Optometry at Georgia Southern University • $250 million for lo cal road improvements through LMIG and Local Road Assistance • $8.4 million for short line rail upgrades • $81 million to ad dress the DFCS deficit and restore foster care contracts • $5 million to assist homeless veterans • $100 million to strengthen the Employees’ Retirement System These allocations reflect extensive collaboration. For rural Georgia, funding for local roads and short line rail carries particular importance. Reliable infrastructure supports agriculture, forestry, and small business growth in District 156. Additionally, expanding optometry education at Georgia Southern addresses workforce shortages in South Georgia. Access to eye care affects both education and employment outcomes. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee requires close attention to detail. I am proud of the careful work that shaped this budget.

Literacy Policy

On Tuesday, the House focused heavily on education. One of our priorities this session, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, passed with strong bipartisan support.

The bill provides QBE funding for literacy coaches in all public schools serving kindergarten through third grade. These coaches will work directly with classroom teachers to implement consistent reading strategies. In addition, the bill requires local systems to offer full-day kindergarten. It also clarifies early grade readiness by requiring kindergarten attendance before first grade entry. Students identified as at risk for reading difficulties would receive targeted intervention.

Currently, a majority of Georgia’s third graders are not reading on grade level. Reading proficiency is foundational to success across all academic subjects and is a key determinant of students’ future academic and professional achievements. The Georgia Early Literacy Act would make substantial strides toward ensuring that Georgia’s students are equipped for lifelong success. As a former classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand how early literacy shapes future opportunity, so strengthening reading instruction and outcomes remains a priority.

The House also unanimously passed House Bill 1123 to expand after-school program access. Schools offering after-school care for kindergarten students must extend the same option to their pre-K students. Most schools already do this. However, this bill ensures broader consistency statewide.

We also passed several other education-related bills last Tuesday that aim to strengthen opportunities for Georgia students and support our educators. House Bill 385 would allow students who are concurrently pursuing an undergrad degree and a first professional degree or who begin a graduate program at an eligible institution within 18 months of earning an undergrad degree to fully use their HOPE scholarship eligibility.

We also passed House Bill 372 which would extend the sunset for retired educators to return to the classroom until June 30, 2030. It would require teachers who return to work in literacy-related subjects to hold a current dyslexia or reading endorsement approved by the Professional Standards Commission. Insurance Affordability

Later in the week, we addressed insurance affordability through House Bill 1344. The bill increases fines within Georgia’s insurance code and strengthens enforcement authority for the Insurance Commissioner.

Specifically, the measure: • Establishes felony penalties for steering accident victims to specific attorneys or medical providers to generate insurance claims • Clarifles insurer time lines for claims processing after disasters • Authorizes deadline extensions following declared emergencies • Requires insurers to report uninsured drivers • Requires law enforce ment to cite uninsured drivers • Creates penalties for knowingly allowing uninsured operation of vehicles In addition, the bill creates the Georgia Storm Damage Mitigation Program Act. This program would establish grants to help eligible homeowners and certain local governments strengthen properties against storm damage.

Our goal with this legislation is to provide stronger consumer protections, increase accountability in the insurance industry, and support Georgians recovering from catastrophic events. Visitors to the Capitol

• Members of the Vi dalia Onion Festival Committee • Evan Hardeman, Montgomery County High School FFA and Georgia FFA Vice-President • Toombs County High School FFA leaders, and sponsors Kasey Jack- son and Abigail Zerwig • Toombs County School Superintendent Barry Waller • Montgomery County 4-H leaders and sponsor Lauren Stanley • Chris Moore, Geor gia DNR and Georgia Fraternal Order of Police, for Law Enforcement Day at the Capitol Session Progresses

Friday is Crossover Day when bills must pass one chamber to remain eligible for passage this year. Committee meetings and extended floor sessions will continue throughout the week. If you have questions about bills under consideration, please reach out. I value hearing directly from residents of District 156. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your state representative.

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