Legislative Report Week 12
Legislative Report Week 12
March 28, 2026
In this Issue:
- Week 12 Under the Gold Dome - SINE DIE
- General Assembly Provides Timber Market Relief
- CUVA Bill Clarifying Certain Provisions Goes to Governor
- Dramatic Finish for Homestead Property Tax and Income Tax Reform
- FY27 Budget Passes at Late Hours of the Night
- Lay of the Land
- Apply Now - Hurricane Helene Block Grants
- Action this Week
- Bill Tracker
Week 12 Under the Gold Dome - SINE DIE
Around 1am Friday morning, April 3rd, the Georgia General Assembly adjourned Sine Die, concluding the 2026 legislative session. We applaud the work of the General Assembly this year and their continued support for Georgia agriculture.
Thursday evening, Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and their family addressed the House and Senate chambers for the final time. This is Governor Kemp's final legislative session leading the state as he prepares to end his second term. We appreciate his leadership over the years and look forward to working with him throughout the bill review process. Governor Kemp now has 40 days to decide whether he will sign or veto legislation. This is the final step for a bill that passed both chambers to become law. The bill review period will end May 12th.
This week's report will highlight important bills impacting farmers that passed both chambers. At the end of bill review, we will provide a final report recapping which bills were signed into law and which provisions of the budget the Governor kept in place.
Photo Credits: House Media Services
General Assembly Provides Timber Market Relief
This year, Georgia Farm Bureau has been working alongside the Georgia Forestry Association and other industry groups to pass HB 1085, Keep Georgia Forested Act, by Representative Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah). This bill would enhance the Jobs and Investment Tax Credits for forest product manufacturers. By enhancing these credits, it gives the state more tools to attract new investment in the forest industry, increasing the demand for timber. This bill was a direct response to the closure of multiple large paper mills in 2025.
The language from HB 1085 was amended to HB 134, which passed both chambers this week. We applaud the General Assembly for passing this historic investment in Georgia's forest industry. The enhanced credits prioritize investment in rural communities, supports both existing industries and new emerging markets, and is narrowly tailored to benefit forest markets. These transferable tax credits are available for qualified investments or jobs created over the next 5 years and is capped at $250 million for the total program.
We applaud the leadership of Speaker Jon Burns, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, Representative Petrea, President Pro Temp Larry Walker, and many others who supported this bill through final passage.
CUVA Bill Clarifying Certain Provisions Goes to Governor
On Thursday evening, SB 306 by Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) made its final passage on the Senate floor and now heads to Governor Kemp's desk. This bill is a composite including the original language of HB 547 by Representative Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie). It clarifies that landowners can trade carbon credits on land enrolled in CUVA, revises the notification requirements at the end of the covenant to allow landowners the option to receive an email or certified mail notice of expiration, allows landowners to merge covenants under one timeline, and allows a 180-day grace period for the conversion between a CUVA to FLPA covenant at the time of acquisition.
We appreciate Representative Cannon and Senator Robertson's work on this bill. It addresses a few simple clarifications that were preventing some landowners from utilizing the preferential treatment or helped landowners who were experiencing administrative difficulties.
Dramatic Finish for Homestead Property Tax and Income Tax Reform
On Thursday afternoon, HB 463 by Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire) was stripped and amended on the house floor to become the compromised bill for the state income tax reduction. This bill will reduce the income tax to 4.99% in 2026 and lower the rate year by year until it reaches 3.99%, assuming the state hits certain fiscal targets. The bill also includes increases to the standard deduction and deductions for dependents.
To offset forgone revenue, the bill eliminates certain income tax credits used to attract businesses to Georgia. While none of the credits directly affect farmers, the repeal of two export tax credits that reward businesses who increase port traffic and the headquarters tax credit for businesses who establish their headquarters in state are ones of particular concern for future growth of the agribusiness and forestry industry. Forestry and agribusiness are two of the largest exports from the Port of Savannah and these tax credits have been utilized in the past to encourage businesses to increase their participation in Georgia markets. The bill passed both chambers and heads to Governor Kemp for his consideration.
The finale of the homestead property tax reform ended in a dramatic fashion. HB 1116 by Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), the HOME Act, has been heavily debated all year and undergone multiple iterations. On the final vote by the Senate to send the bill to the Governor, the bill failed 24 yeas to 28 nays, killing HB 1116. The concerns were rooted in the negative impact this bill could have on rural communities that rely on homestead property tax as their main revenue. But within the blink of an eye, the Senate stripped the language on another bill in their chamber, SB 33, replacing it with compromised language to address some of the concerns with HB 1116. A party line vote passed the bill and ultimately the House agreed to the compromise. SB 33 will mandate the statewide base year homestead exemption and created an optional LHOST that communities can adopt to offset homestead property taxes. The bill now awaits Governor Kemp's consideration.
FY27 Budget Passes at Late Hours of the Night
The conference committee report to HB 974 by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington), the fiscal year 2027 budget, was agreed to by both chambers late into the night on Thursday. The budget is the only constitutionally mandated requirement for the General Assembly before they can adjourn Sine Die. This year, rumors were swirling if it would be done by the end of Day 40, but the chambers were able to land on a compromise.
The fiscal year 2027 budget had important investments in agriculture and rural Georgia. Below, you will find a comprehensive review of those items. The budget will now have to go to Governor Kemp for his consideration. He may approve, veto, redirect, or disregard certain provisions of the budget. This gives him the power to decide item by item how he wants to see appropriations utilized. After bill review, we will provide his input on the budget.
Department of Agriculture
- $450,000 to address emerging threats impacting the agricultural industry.
- $80,000 for emerging pepper weevil threat.
- ($2,672,277) reducing funds from the Consumer Protection program to transfer to the Agriculture Protection, Response, and Enforcement program to ensure appropriate resources and funding to protect farmers and consumers and address emerging threats and natural disasters impacting agriculture.
- ($150,000) transfer funds from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Natural Resources to consolidate the Feral Hog Task Force.
- $1,600,000 increase funds for one-time funding for agricultural projects.
- $293,000 for the operation and maintenance of new Food Safety division inspection software.
- $2,104,888 funds for personnel to reflect increased retention of Consumer Protection positions.
- $372,015 for the Agricultural Trust Fund to reflect FY 2025 collections of GATE card fees.
Soil & Water Conservation Commission
- $166,386 for two plan reviewer positions and increase funds ($20,000) to evaluate and implement process to accept digital submissions of plans.
- $114,240 for retention of existing plan reviewers.
- $200,000 Provide funds to initiate a feral hog eradication incentive program.
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
- $2,000,000 in one-time matching funds for a study and implement findings related to the levels and causes of Geosmin, Methylisoborneol (MIB), and algae/bacteria in Lake Lanier.
Department of Community Health
- $1,000,000 for one-time grants for emergency preparedness in rural Georgia.
- $4,000,000 to develop and implement a solvency evaluation process for rural hospitals.
- $3,000,000 to pilot a pediatric residency with a rural training track at Mercer School of Medicine.
Department of Education
Agriculture Education:
- $591,965 in one-time funds to complete storm damage repairs at FFA camps.
- $325,051 for annual major repairs and rehabilitation at youth camps.
- $498,206 for support staff to prioritize private funds for direct student services.
- $706,885 to fully-fund. one-time funding to address data reporting errors for extended year and extended day programs and move to improve reporting accuracy in future years.
Quality Basic Education Program
- $70,416,120 to begin implementation of literacy coaches in schools with students grades K-3 per HB 1193 (2026 Session)
Forestry Commission
- $2,136,739 for personnel to promote retention.
Department of Natural Resources
- $1,000,000 for a public-private feral hog management pilot program.
University System of Georgia
- $160,000 to support the peanut breeding program and the cotton breeding program at the University of Georgia.
- $345,115 for five agriculture and natural resources county extension agents.
- $500,000 for Georgia Tech Research Institute research on post-harvest technology to support the peanut industry.
- $200,000 to research polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) removal and remediation.
- $450,000 for two College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences faculty members and one staff position to support sustainable bioeconomy through the University of Georgia's Synthetic Biology initiative.
- $2,000,000 to provide one-time state matching funds for two Eminent Scholar endowments.
Department of Revenue
- $1,000,000 to Forestland Protection Grants based on projected expenditures to avoid a shortfall.
Georgia Student Finance Commission
- $300,000 increase of funds for veterinary student loan repayment.
State Bonds
- Provide $8,035,000 in 5-year bonds to purchase vocational and agriculture education equipment, statewide.
- Provide $3,000,000 in 5-year bonds to fund equipment for the Science and Ag Hill Modernization Phase III - Poultry Science Building Renovation, University of Georgia, Athens, Clarke County.
- Provide $34,500,000 in 5-year bonds to fund construction for the Science & Ag Hill Modernization, Phase IV (Biological Sciences - North Wing), University of Georgia, Athens, Clarke County.
- Provide $1,200,000 in 20-year bonds to fund design, construction, and equipment for the commercial driver's license training center, Athens Technical College, Elbert County.
- Provide $2,760,000 in 20-year bonds to fund design, construction, and equipment for the Commercial Truck Driving Building renovation and expansion, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Rock Spring, Walker County.
- Provide $30,455,000 in 20-year bonds to construct the new regulatory laboratory at Atlanta Farmers Market, Forest Park, Clayton County.
- Provide $985,000 in 5-year bonds to fund renovations and equipment at Tifton Laboratory for recommissioning, Tifton, Tift County.
Across Georgia and Alabama, growth, policy, and market demand are reshaping how land is used and what it's worth. The challenge, and the opportunity, is positioning for what comes next.
Our friends at Saunders Land are holding their Lay of the Land® Conference on April 23rd in Columbus. Georgia Farm Bureau's State Affairs Manager, Adam Belflower, will join legislators, economists, and developers to provide the data and context you need to make informed decisions in changing markets. This is a great opportunity for farmers to learn more about land and asset management to better understand trends in real estate markets in the state.
Apply Now - Hurricane Helene Block Grants
Starting Monday, March 16th, the Georgia Department of Agriculture began accepting applications for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant program. We encourage everyone in the affected area to file their applications as soon as possible. Applicants will have six weeks to apply, from March 16th to April 27th.
We applaud the Georgia Department of Agriculture for its continued collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture to secure a strong block grant program that maximizes available funds and ensures we do not send a dollar back to Washington, DC. To view the full press release, click here, and to find all the information about the block grant program, visit farmrecovery.com.
Reps. Camp, Jasperse, Burchett, Corbett, Williams, and others
This bill was amended to include new language for the Jobs and Manufacturing Tax Credit for forestry manufacturers, defined as any company that uses domestic wood in the manufacturing process, allowing the transferable job and investment tax credits to be used by new forestry manufacturers investing in Georgia. It is set at $250 million total for 5 years.
Sent to Governor (04/03/26)
Reps. Jenkins, Huddleston, Campbell, Ridley, and Byrd
This bill deals with transfer-on-death deeds by adding new procedures and also strengthens state preemption to prevent local governments from regulating or attempting to regulate agricultural practices.
Sent to Governor (03/31/26)
Reps. Blackmon, Burns, Hatchett, Gilliard, Stephans, and others
This bill was amended to include new income tax reform legislation that lowers the income tax to 4.99% this year with the goal of eventually reaching 3.99% and raises personal deductions for single and joint filers. It also eliminates certain tax credits used for economic development.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Reps. Burns, Jones, Efstration, and Hatchett
This bill is the budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Reps. Blackmon, Burns, Efstration, Hatchett, Cannon, and others
This is the large homestead property tax bill focused on providing homestead property tax relief through multiple new local-option sales taxes. Due to constant changes and the nature of the bill, a comprehensive description will be available once the bill is finalized.
Passed House and Failed to Pass Senate (04/02/26)
Reps. Ford, Dickey, Meeks, O'Steen, Williams, and others
This bill would designate cotton as the official state fabric.
Sent to the Governor (04/02/26)
Reps. Ford, Cannon, Hatchett, Jones, Greene, and others
This resolution honors former longtime legislator Ms. Penny Houston by naming a roundabout in her honor.
Sent to Governor (04/03/26)
Rep. Gullett
This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Gamecock Fighting in Georgia to study potential criminal penalties and avenues for deterrence related to gamecock fighting.
Assigned to House Special Rules Committee (03/31/26)
Sens. Kirkpatrick, Watson, Cowsert, Watson, Parent, and others
This bill includes language from the Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization or HOME Act, this is the House of Representative's property tax legislation.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Sen. Robertson
The bill clarifies landowners can trade carbon credits on land enrolled in CUVA, revises the notification requirements at the end of the covenant to allow landowners the option to receive an email or certified mail notice of expiration, allows landowners to merge contiguous covenants under one timeline, and allows a 180-day grace period for the conversion between a CUVA to FLPA covenant at the time of acquisition. This bill was amended to add language related to clarifying how tax credits are awarded for low-income housing developments.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Sens. Dixon, Still, Anavitarte, Goodman, Echols, and others
This bill changes the permitting standard for soil erosion permits by establishing a 45-day decision deadline, requiring that all unanswered permit applications be approved immediately, and streamlining definitions to make permit applications easier to complete.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Sens. Watson, Anavitarte, Walker III, Anderson, Goodman, and others
This bill extends the sunset provision to the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund and allows the state to dedicate 60% of the sales tax collected on sporting goods, rather than 40%.
Sent to Governor (03/31/26)
Sens. Williams and Robertson
This bill was amended beyond its original purpose to include language that would give local sheriffs the option to donate impounded livestock to a nonprofit or other organization deemed competent by the sheriff, rather than only having the option to sell the animal.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Sens. Still, Dickerson, Summers, Albers, Hufstetler, and others
This bill would create a state-wide animal cruelty database for the purpose of being able to identify individuals attempting to adopt that have previously committed offenses related to the abuse of animals. The bill also includes language to help contact disabled and elderly residents if a wellness check does not identify the individual.
Sent to Governor (04/02/26)
Sens. James, Kemp, Wicks, Jones II, Harrell
This resolution honors Freddie Powell Sims for her service as a senator
Adopted by the Senate (04/02/26)
To stay updated on all the bills GFB is tracking, check out our updated bill tracker under the Action Center on the Georgia Farm Bureau website. There you will be able to find all the bills that we are following, a summary of the bill, the bill sponsors, and the most recent action. Click the button below to be redirected to our bill tracker.
Thank you for taking an active role in staying up-to-date and informed on the developments at our State Capitol. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to any of our Public Policy Department Staff and we will be happy to assist you.
Alex Bradford, Director
Adam Belflower, State Affairs Manager
Raynor Churchwell, Agricultural Programs Manager
ElizaJane Glover, Agricultural Programs Specialist
Renee Jones, Operations Coordinator
Amelia Junod, Advocacy and Policy Development Specialist
Chase McClure, Governmental Affairs Specialist
Ben Parker, National Affairs Coordinator