ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are preparing for a long final day at the State Capitol as they work to wrap up the 2026 legislative session.
After 40 days of negotiations, lawmakers are still working to finalize key pieces of legislation, including the state budget, which is the only measure they are constitutionally required to pass before adjournment.
Governor Brian Kemp says he is closely watching the budget as discussions continue.
“I think we’re going to have a good budget, I’m just trying to make sure that we keep fiscal sanity around here,” Kemp said.
Kemp also noted the challenges of reaching agreements during an election year.
“I know the general assembly is in an election year, so there’s lots of people that want to spend a lot of money, and we’re kind of working through making sure that we do the things that we need to do to support our citizens and fund our priorities,” he said.
House Speaker Jon Burns says lawmakers are working through final negotiations as time runs out.
“It is going down to the wire,” Burns said. “We’re going to get there.”
Burns added that agreements on major issues are expected.
“I believe we will have a property tax, and I’ll go ahead and tell you that we have an income tax agreement as well too,” he said.
In addition to the budget, lawmakers are working on measures involving property and income taxes, insurance premiums, school safety and data centers.
Kemp says he is also monitoring efforts to further reduce the state income tax.
“I just want to make sure that we leave us in a good fiscal place when I walk out of here,” Kemp said. “I just want to make sure when we get done with session that we leave the budget especially in a really good place for our citizens.”
Lawmakers must reach agreements before adjourning on Sine Die, marking the final day of the session under the Gold Dome.
WSB Radio’s Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.