Georgia CommonsGeorgia General Assembly
Meetings on February 12, 2026
Machine-readable: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-12.md
Senate Rules Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved a substitute for SR 744, correcting a hometown spelling and clarifying that the recognition concerns an event at the Capitol. It unanimously moved SB 437 to the standing committee for changes. After hearing presentations on several proposals, the committee unanimously selected SB 143, SB 369 and SB 452 for the Senate calendar. Other presentations covered retirement benefits, medical cannabis program communication, magistrate court claims, insurers’ use of aerial images, school mask policies and bingo rules. A member questioned support among magistrate judges for raising the court’s claim limit. A question about which state law enforcement officers would qualify for increased retirement contributions remained unanswered.
Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee held hearings on SB 458, which would license home inspectors, and SB 34, which would protect electricity customers from costs associated with serving data centers and other large electricity users. Members questioned the home inspector bill’s training and education requirements while expressing interest in liability insurance and other consumer protections. The sponsor agreed to work on revisions. Discussion of the electricity bill centered on whether contract requirements alone would protect customers or whether a broader restriction on shifting costs was needed. The chair postponed a decision to review competing substitutes and obtain further input from Georgia Power and the Public Service Commission. Neither bill received a vote.
Senate Government Oversight Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee unanimously approved HB 485, which the sponsor described as updating state law and removing unfunded or unconstitutional provisions without changing policy. The committee also approved a Senate substitute for HB 377 requiring local governments to select certain design professionals based on qualifications before negotiating fees for projects of at least $1 million. Supporters argued the process would improve safety and prevent costly gaps in project plans. Witnesses for ACCG and Fayette County opposed making it mandatory, citing local flexibility, staffing limits and the value of comparing prices. The chair counted two opposing votes; the number in favor was not stated. The chair also announced an upcoming review of an audit concerning the State Victims’ Services Commission.
House Education Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved three measures: HB 1193, a substitute expanding early literacy instruction and support, passed unanimously; HR 145, a resolution urging expanded school vision and hearing screenings, passed by voice vote; and HB 310, a substitute creating a pilot program of grants for eligible student teachers and incentives to teach in Georgia public schools, also passed by voice vote. Members discussed literacy staffing and costs, student promotion and retention, coordination of health screenings, and whether teacher incentives should target high-need subjects or locations. No further amendments were adopted during the meeting.
House Natural Resources & Environment Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved a substitute to HB 320, which the sponsor said would require recycling solar panels at the end of their useful lives. The substitute removes a proposed recycling-facility directory maintained by the Environmental Protection Division. The committee also received a briefing from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) on water and energy financing. GEFA’s executive director described loan programs, home energy rebates and plans for natural gas infrastructure loans. Members asked about PFAS treatment costs, access to funding for metro Atlanta communities and whether GEFA could meet local demand. Agency representatives said available resources cannot cover all requests and discussed other financing options. No action was taken on the briefing.
Senate floor session, February 12, 2026 (legislative day 18)
Summary by Georgia Commons: The Senate passed two income-tax proposals and matching versions placed into House bills. SB 476 passed 32 to 18 after extended debate over tax deductions, business incentives, state revenue and the absence of a written fiscal analysis. SB 477, an alternative based on gradual rate reductions, passed 31 to 14. The Senate also passed HB 134 and HB 463 after replacing their original provisions with the respective income-tax proposals. Supporters said the plans would help families meet rising costs. Opponents warned of budget shortfalls, reduced services and future tax increases. The Senate approved committee reassignment of SB 282, read and referred other legislation, and adopted recognitions for the Georgia Aquarium and a retiring Feeding Georgia executive director. The chamber adjourned until February 17 at 10 a.m.
House floor session, February 12, 2026 (legislative day 18)
Summary by Georgia Commons: The House marked Georgia Day and the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence with historical presentations and guest recognitions. Members adopted HR 999, encouraging anniversary observances, 162 to 0. The House passed HB 998 on rural telephone service, 161 to 2; HB 983 on prescribed burning, 162 to 0; HB 948 on foreclosure disclosures, 161 to 0; and SB 195 on pharmacists providing HIV prevention medicines, 155 to 7. Members also passed 13 uncontested local bills together, 158 to 0, heard first and second readings and committee reports, and adopted a group of honorary resolutions without objection. The House adjourned until February 17 at 10 a.m.
House Economic Development & Tourism Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard a joint discussion of HB 1039 and HB 1098 about economic development funding and OneGeorgia eligibility. Members discussed unmet needs in metro communities, while the commissioner described OneGeorgia's rural infrastructure mission. The chair called for further work, and no vote was recorded on either bill. The committee postponed HB 490 until the following week while revised language was being prepared. The committee also held a hearing on HB 1217, which the sponsor said would provide lifeguards at busy public beaches and create a student lifeguard training program. Members supported the safety goal but requested clearer definitions, cost estimates and attention to funding. No vote was taken on that bill.