Leesa Hagan: - 2026 Legislative Session Week 10 Update
Leesa Hagan:
The Georgia House returned to the Capitol on March 16 for Legislative Day 32 and the start of week 10. After Monday’s session, we held a full committee workday on Tuesday to review Senate bills that crossed over. Throughout the week, we stayed focused on moving bills through committees and onto the House floor. By Friday, we reached Legislative Day 35, leaving only five days in the 2026 session. While the calendar is short, the work ahead is abundant.
Tax Relief for Georgia Families
One of the most immediate actions we took this week provided relief at the gas pump. House Bill 1199 temporarily suspends Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for 60 days. This change comes as families and small businesses face higher fuel costs tied to global instability.
Gas taxes currently stand at 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents for diesel. After we passed the bill, the Senate quickly agreed, and the governor signed it into law. As a result, Georgians will begin seeing lower prices as new fuel shipments reach retailers.
In addition, taxpayers will receive another form of relief. The Senate gave final passage to House Bill 1000, which provides a one-time income tax refund. Eligible taxpayers will receive: $250 for single lers or married individuals filing separately $375 for heads of household $500 for married cou –
ples filing jointly Once a taxpayer files a 2025 return, the Department of Revenue will issue the refund.
Expanding Access to Rural Healthcare Access to healthcare remains a serious concern in rural Georgia. Therefore, we passed Senate Bill 427 to help address provider shortages in underserved areas.
This bill creates a pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in Georgia under a provisional license. To qualify, these physicians must secure full-time employment under a supervising doctor at an approved facility. These facilities include rural practices, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.
Physicians must complete two years of service in underserved areas before receiving full licensure. This requirement ensures that rural communities benefit directly.
As Chairman of the House Rural Development Committee, I have seen how workforce shortages affect patient care. This measure gives us another tool to expand access where it is needed most. Protecting Children and Strengthening Public Safety
We also took steps to better protect Georgia’s children. Senate Bill 383 updates the role of local child fatality review committees across the state. Currently, these committees examine the cause of death and whether it was preventable. Under this bill, they will also focus on prevention by recommending strategies to reduce future tragedies.
The bill also improves reporting timelines. Medical examiners would now submit preliminary reports within seven days, allowing for more complete information gathering.
At the same time, we addressed a growing threat to public safety. Senate Bill 470 prohibits the use of signal jammers that interfere with communication systems. These devices can block signals used by law enforcement and emergency responders.
Under this measure: Signal jammers are classied as contraband Strong felony penalties apply Illegal equipment may be seized By banning these devices, we help ensure that first responders can communicate without disruption during emergencies.
Strengthening Rural Hospital Infrastructure
Reliable healthcare infrastructure is essential, especially in rural communities. Senate Bill 170 addresses that need by creating a grant program for backup generators at rural hospitals.
The program applies to hospitals with fewer than 100 beds in areas affected by a declared state of emergency. The Department of Community Health, working with GEMA will oversee the program.
Priority will go to hospitals that lack backup power systems. Grants will be tailored to meet each facility’s needs. In rural areas, a power outage can mean the difference between access and delay. This program helps ensure that critical services remain available when they are needed most.
Additional Measures Passed The House also passed several other Senate bills this week: SB 177 restricts po litical activity by entities receiving money from foreign adversaries without proper registration SB 284 allows the re turn of funds to investors and updates certain public works rules SB 293 increases penalties for fraud in the used vehicle industry and strengthens oversight. It classifies serious violations, such as issuing fraudulent license plates, falsifying title or lien information, and tampering with odometers, as felony offenses. It also increases the minimum fine for odometer fraud to $10,000. In addition, it raises penalties for improper use or display of license plates and requires temporary operating permits to include a VIN.
SB 384 creates an optional ve-year vehicle regis tration program with compliance safeguards. Drivers may prepay all state and local ad valorem taxes to participate. This option may provide added convenience for drivers who prefer longer registration cycles.
SB 551 updates state law related to egg standards and labeling by eliminating the requirement for an egg candling license. It also provides clearer guidance for producers and retailers, creating consistency across Georgia’s agricultural sector.
Visitors to the Capitol
Pastor of the Day – Rev. Jason Davis of Grace Community Presbyterian Church in Lyons served as the House Pastor of the Day last Wednesday.
House Page – Anna Lynn Hutcheson served as my page last Thursday.
Looking Ahead
We have now entered the final stretch of the 2026 legislative session. The House returned this week for what will be our second-to-last week under the Gold Dome. These remaining days will shape the final outcomes of this year’s work.
I encourage you to stay engaged and follow the progress of bills that affect your family and community. You can track legislation, watch livestreams, and view committee schedules at legis.ga.gov. You may reach me via email at Leesa.Hagan@house.ga.gov.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your state representative.
By Leesa Hagan R-Lyons (District 156, Georgia House of Representatives)
