As Georgia enters the 2026 fiscal year on Tuesday, July 1, a wide range of new state laws will go into effect, impacting everything from taxes and education to healthcare and consumer protections. While some laws have already taken effect and others will roll out in January 2026, here are key highlights of legislation becoming active this week.
Finance & Employment
Income Tax Cut (HB 111): Georgia’s flat income tax rate drops from 5.39% to 5.19%, with plans to reach 4.99% over time.
Expanded Child Tax Credit (HB 136): A $250 per-child credit for children under 6 and expanded dependent care credits are now in place.
Fair Pay for Workers with Disabilities (SB 55): Subminimum wages for workers with disabilities are now banned in Georgia.
Law & Criminal Justice
Fentanyl Sentencing (SB 79): Harsher penalties are now in place for fentanyl trafficking.
Wrongful Conviction Relief (SB 244): Compensation and legal fee recovery available for the wrongly convicted.
Survivor Justice Act (HB 582): Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking can seek sentence reductions if crimes were committed under duress.
Education & Child Welfare
Fairness in Sports (SB 1): School sports teams must align with students’ sex assigned at birth.
Home Study Testing Access (SB 63): Homeschooled students must be offered access to standardized testing.
Updated Child Neglect Definition (SB 110): Protects parents allowing kids safe, independent activities.
No Expulsion for Truancy (SB 123): Students can’t be expelled solely for excessive absences.
China-Funding Transparency (HB 150): Public colleges must report funding from Chinese entities.
Daycare Background Checks (HB 175): Stricter screening for early childhood workers.
Ban on Phones in Grades K–8 (HB 340): Personal electronic devices must be stowed during school hours.
Boost to Education Funding (HB 371): Increases public education funding from $300 million to $375 million.
Healthcare
Fentanyl Test Strips Legalized (SB 6): Legal to carry test strips to detect fentanyl in drugs.
Birth Certificate Access for Adoptees (SB 100): Adult adoptees may now access their original birth certificates.
Expanded Experimental Treatment Access (SB 72): Broadens eligibility for investigational medical treatments.
Diabetes Coverage for Pregnant Women (HB 352): Insurers must better cover gestational diabetes care.
IVF Protection (HB 428): In vitro fertilization is now legally protected in Georgia.
High-Deductible Health Plan Option (HB 422): State employee health plans must offer a high-deductible option.
Veterans
Veteran Cemetery Access (HB 53): More veterans now qualify for state burial benefits.
Military Retirement Tax Exemption (HB 266): Retirement income for veterans is now tax-exempt.
Infrastructure & Technology
Drone Port Planning (HB 156): Georgia will begin planning for future drone and air taxi hubs, or “vertiports.”
Heavier Trucks Allowed (HB 164): Non-interstate trucks may now weigh up to 84,000 pounds.
Digital Licenses Legal (HB 296): Mobile driver’s licenses are valid, but physical copies are still required.
Consumer Protections
Insurance Cancellation Notices (SB 35): Insurers must notify homeowners before canceling policies.
Catalytic Converter Sales Regulation (SB 40): Tighter rules for resale to curb theft.
Contractor Oversight (SB 201): New rules for post-disaster contracts and insurance assignments.
Storage Auction Notices (HB 131): Only one public notice required before auctioning storage units.
Mortgage Privacy (HB 240): Limits unsolicited contact from mortgage brokers.
Rideshare Driver Classification (HB 339): Exempts drivers from motor carrier laws, limiting company liability.
Homemade Goods Protection (HB 398): Legalizes cottage food, drug, and cosmetic sales.
Landlord Requirements (HB 399): Out-of-state landlords must designate an in-state agent.
Animal Protection
Pets in Protective Orders (HB 177): Allows pets to be included in family violence restraining orders.
Roadside Pet Sales Ban (HB 331): No more pet sales from cars, parking lots, or gas stations.
Hunting Regulation Changes (HB 491): Bans air guns for hunting; updates catfish bowfishing rules.
End-of-Life & Burial Options
Human Composting Legalized (SB 241): Eco-friendly burial by composting is now allowed in Georgia.
Miscellaneous
Blaze Pink Legal for Hunters (HB 167): Hunters can now wear fluorescent pink for visibility.
Official State Stew (HB 233): Brunswick stew is now Georgia’s official state stew.
New License Plates (SB 291): Includes a new “America First” specialty plate.
Historic Preservation
Vince Dooley Battlefield Trust (HB 454): Creates a grant fund to preserve Georgia’s historic battlefields.
For a full list of bills signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, visit the official Georgia General Assembly or Governor’s Office website.
