My colleagues and I returned to the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, February 9, to kick off the fifth week of the 2026 legislative session. This week, we were in session for four legislative days, and the House Rules Committee remained busy throughout the week, placing several bills on the Rules Calendar each day for consideration on the House floor. As a result, we were highly productive, passing and adopting a total of 23 bills and resolutions. As the legislative session continues, our days on the House floor will get busier and longer as we work toward the critical deadline of Crossover Day—Legislative Day 28—which marks the final opportunity for bills and resolutions to pass out of their originating chamber and remain eligible to be signed into law during this legislative session.
I am happy to report, House Bill 1215, which I sponsored, would increase the number of superior court judges in the Middle Judicial Circuit, which consists of Candler, Emanuel, Jefferson, Toombs and Washington counties, from two to three. The third judge would be appointed for a term beginning January 1, 2027, continuing through December 31, 2028. A successor would be elected at the nonpartisan judicial election in 2028
On Monday, the Georgia House passed House Bill 657—a meaningful step toward enhancing mental health and substance use recovery services in our state. This bipartisan bill would formally define certified peer specialists in state law as those who have lived experience and are trained to provide ongoing support to individuals and families receiving mental health or substance use recovery services. HB 657 would require peer specialists to be certified through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), helping to ensure consistency and quality of care statewide.
Modernizing and streamlining the licensing and credentialing process for Georgia’s medical professionals was also a priority this week as we unanimously passed Senate Bill 162. The bill would require the Georgia Composite Medical Board to implement an automated licensing data management software system for physicians, physician assistants and anesthesiologist assistants, with the goal of getting qualified providers into Georgia’s workforce much faster. By streamlining credentialing and removing barriers to practice, the system would enable Georgia’s medical workforce to reach patients more quickly, especially in rural Georgia where a critical shortage of healthcare professionals continues to limit access to necessary care.
On Wednesday, we unanimously passed House Bill 383, bipartisan legislation that would regulate Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation for prospective and current Georgia high school student athletes. This bill seeks to expand opportunities for high school student athletes, while providing clear guidance to students, their families, their high schools, and high school associations and also protecting young athletes from long-term exploitation.
This week, we also unanimously passed legislation that seeks to improve educational outcomes and graduation rates in Georgia.
House Bill 907 would make several updates to the Completion Special Schools Act by revising certain procedures for Georgia’s completion special schools—formerly known as alternative schools. These public, non-traditional schools are designed to help students in grades nine through 12 who have dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out, earn their high school diploma. These schools provide supportive programs and offer flexible, self-paced learning options, including evening and weekend classes, to meet students where they are.
Senate Bill 195 also passed out of the House Chamber this week to modernize and increase access to HIV prevention medications by allowing pharmacists to dispense preexposure (PrEP) and postexposure (PEP) prophylaxis under certain conditions. PrEP is preventative HIV medication taken before potential exposure, while PEP is medication taken after possible exposure. By allowing trained pharmacists to administer these medications, the bill would reduce barriers to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to medical care and physicians is limited.
The House took additional steps this week to strengthen transparency and accountability in state government by passing House Bill 903 with bipartisan support. HB 903 updates existing law to clarify that all executive branch agencies must follow the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act (APA) when adopting certain rules. The APA governs how state agencies propose and issue regulations and allows for judicial review of final agency decisions in Georgia. Specifically, state boards, commissioners, departments and public authorities with rulemaking authority would be subject to the same public notice, comment and procedural requirements that govern formal rulemaking. By reaffirming that these standards apply broadly across the executive branch, the bill would ensure consistency and transparency in the rulemaking process, while preserving the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and safeguarding the General Assembly’s legislative oversight.
We also gave final passage to two measures this week by agreeing to Senate substitutes, sending both bills to the governor’s desk for consideration. House Bill 117 would require food service establishments that serve imported foreign shrimp to clearly disclose that information on menus or place cards visible to the public. The bill reflects Georgia’s continued commitment to supporting its coastal economy and seafood heritage.
House Bill 414 also received final passage. This measure would allow the State Ethics Commission to request documentation or information related to government transparency and campaign finance from an individual located outside of Georgia. If that person refuses to comply, the commission would be authorized to petition a superior court to obtain the requested materials.
The following House bills and resolutions were also passed and adopted during the fifth week of session:
· House Bill 948, which would require notices of foreclosure to include a notice of the mortgagor’s right to initiate a claim for any surplus funds after the foreclosure sale, as well as instructions on how to make an initial claim for surplus funds. The notice would contain language stating that surplus funds may be considered abandoned property and may be returned to the state if funds are not claimed within the currently prescribed timeline of five years
· House Bill 983, which would allow for additional notice and permit requirements for prescribed burning by counties and municipalities, provided it does not restrict prescribed burning. The bill would revise the definition for “prescribed burning” and would define “silviculture” as the science and practice of managing the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests
On Tuesday, February 17, we will return to the Georgia State Capitol following the President’s Day holiday. In the coming weeks, the House’s work will be fast-paced and consequential as we approach our Crossover Day deadline. I will be sure to keep you updated with our progress in the coming weeks.
