Leesa Hagan: - 2026 Legislative Session Week 8 Update

Leesa Hagan:

Last week at the Capitol brought another round of floor votes and committee discussions as the session moved forward through week eight. While a few issues often grab headlines, much of our work involves steady progress on policies that affect families, businesses, and communities across Georgia. As your representative, I try to keep the focus on practical decisions that support rural communities while strengthening our state’s economy.

Several measures advanced this week that address taxes, education, public safety, and responsible oversight of state programs. Each one touches a different part of daily life for Georgians, and they reflect an effort to support working families while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Tax Relief and Economic Stability The House approved several proposals designed to ease the tax burden on Georgia families and homeowners. These measures recognize that many households continue to face rising costs.

Last week, the House attempted to give voters the opportunity to eliminate property tax on homestead property (primary residences) with HR 1114. However, since this would involve a constitutional amendment, 120 votes were required for it to pass. Every Republican voted to provide this relief to homeowners, but the measure failed. The vote count was 99-73 with all but one Democrat voting no.

In response, on Friday the House passed HB 1116, known as the Georgia HOME Act. This proposal also focuses on property tax relief for homeowners across the state. Specifically, it caps property tax increases at three percent while allowing local governments the option to offset those taxes through an existing sales tax structure. In addition, local governments must report revenues annually to the Department of Revenue and notify property owners when taxes increase. While it does not give the relief we know homeowners need, it is a start and only required a majority vote. It passed 98-68 and moves on to the Senate.

HB 880 would gradually lower the state income tax rate from 4.99 percent to 3.99 percent. In addition, the bill increases the dependent personal exemption to $6,000. It also raises the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly to $36,000 and increases the deduction for single filers to $18,000. Meanwhile, the income exclusion for retirees age 65 or older would rise from $65,000 to $70,000 per eligible taxpayer. It passed 102-69 and moves on to the Senate.

Meanwhile, HR 1000 addresses relief for one of Georgia’s most important industries. Forestry has supported rural communities across our region for generations. HR 1000 proposes a constitutional amendment that would reduce the assessment rate for qualifying timber to zero percent at harvest or sale. For districts like ours where forestry remains a major economic driver, that relief can help landowners continue managing productive forests while sustaining rural jobs. It passed the House 166-4 and moves on to the Senate.

Standing Up for Survivors of Domestic Violence One of the most serious issues we addressed this week involves domestic violence. Sadly, abuse continues to harm families across our state, and patterns of violence escalate before meaningful intervention occurs. Survivors deserve protection.

I am so proud to be the sponsor of HB 1142 which takes an important step in that direction. The bill creates Georgia’s first registry of repeat domestic violence offenders. Like the sex offender registry, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will manage it and maintain the records. The registry would be online, searchable, and free to users.

This measure focuses specifically on individuals who demonstrate repeated patterns of abuse. By identifying repeat offenders, law enforcement and the public gain better awareness of potential threats. That awareness can help prevent future harm. It’s my goal with this legislation to stop domestic violence before it starts.

Domestic violence leaves lasting scars on victims and families. Many survivors live with fear long after the immediate danger has passed. Therefore, policies that strengthen protection and accountability remain essential. HB 1142 sends a clear message that Georgia will not ignore repeated violence. Instead we will stand with survivors and take steps to ensure greater safety for families across our state. I greatly appreciate the input and help of the many people who helped in the formation of this legislation, particularly Betty Dell Williams and Heather Williams with The Refuge Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center.

HB 1142 passed unanimously out of the House with a vote of 163-0. It now moves over to the Senate. Supporting Early Learning and Student Success Another measure focused on the youngest students in our schools, and I am proud to be the sponsor. The House passed HB 1402, which requires vision and hearing screenings for children in pre-K through third grade.

For young students, the ability to see and hear clearly determines how well they learn in the classroom. As a former teacher, I saw many children struggle simply because a vision or hearing issue went undetected.

Early screenings can identify these challenges before they affect academic progress. Once schools identify the problem, families can take steps to address it. As a result, students gain a stronger chance to succeed during those critical early years. Responsible Oversight of Public Programs The House also passed House Bill 947 to strengthen oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. For older readers like me, you may know the program as food stamps.

Federal law requires states to manage SNAP carefully and reduce fraud whenever possible. Unfortunately, Georgia has struggled with fraudulent applications for several years. If that trend continues, the state could face penalties of roughly $500 million each year.

HB 947 directs the Department of Human Services to review applications more carefully to confirm eligibility. By strengthening verification procedures, the state can protect taxpayer dollars while ensuring benefits reach families who truly need assistance.

Programs like SNAP provide critical support during difficult times. At the same time, responsible management protects the integrity of those programs.

Visitors to the Capitol

Kasey and Beau Jackson visited on Young Farmers Day.

Jason Colbert was recognized by Governor Kemp for being the Technical College of Georgia’s student of the year.

Michael Johnson brought his group of Young Gentlemen from Sally D. Meadows Elementary to visit and tour the Gold Dome.

Anna Lynn Hutcheson served as a Senate Page.

Looking Ahead

As the session continues, we will keep reviewing proposals that shape Georgia’s future. The focus of the House now becomes reviewing and considering Senate bills.

I remain grateful for the opportunity to represent District 156 under the Gold Dome. As always, please reach out if you have questions about issues moving through the House. It remains an honor to serve our community.

Rep. Leesa Hagan and Jason Colbert