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1. February 5, 2026 · Senate Judiciary Committee · 55 min

   Senate Judiciary Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee unanimously approved both bills and sent them to Rules. Members approved SB 405 without further discussion of its substance, following testimony at an earlier subcommittee meeting. For SB 398, members reviewed a narrower substitute addressing AI-generated obscene images and adopted two amendments. One concerned sexually explicit chatbot responses to children; the other limited certain probation restrictions to felony violations. The committee then unanimously approved the amended substitute. The chair also outlined a process of generally taking public testimony on Mondays and considering full committee votes on Thursdays.

2. February 5, 2026 · House Judiciary Committee · 1 h 23 min

   House Judiciary Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved five bills: HB 1121 on court-term dates in the Cordele Judicial Circuit, HB 948 on notices about surplus foreclosure proceeds, HB 979 on state jurisdiction over juvenile offenses at military installations, HB 545 on ordering appeal transcripts, and HB 1215 on adding a judge to the Middle Judicial Circuit. The committee also discussed a substitute for HB 1042, covering judicial privacy, special-master eligibility and foreclosure payments. Members questioned whether its payment changes would limit cash buyers or disadvantage smaller bidders. The chair deferred that bill until Monday to allow further work on the language. The five approvals were by voice vote, with no opposition heard.

3. February 5, 2026 · Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee · 1 h 39 min

   Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved a substitute for SB 301, concerning protections for monuments, by a 3-1 vote. Members then held a lengthy hearing on SB 437, concerning private building inspections, virtual inspections and shorter review deadlines. Supporters described potential time and cost savings, while members and local-government witnesses raised concerns about safety, oversight and deadlines for complex projects. No vote was taken, and the chair said the committee would return to it at the next meeting. The committee postponed SB 447 until the following week without hearing a presentation.

4. February 5, 2026 · Senate Urban Affairs Committee · 32 min

   Senate Urban Affairs Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered a substitute for SB 166, which the sponsor said would strengthen local enforcement against repeat rental-property violations while letting local governments choose whether to use its provisions. Discussion focused on whether rental registration should apply to all property owners or only owners with at least 10 properties. A proposed amendment lowering that threshold to five received no second. The committee approved the substitute unchanged, with the chair describing the vote as unanimous and noting no opposition.

5. February 5, 2026 · House Economic Development & Tourism Committee · 18 min

   House Economic Development & Tourism Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee discussed three bills and postponed action on all three. For HB 490, members reviewed a revised human-trafficking training proposal and discussed who should be responsible for training at short-term rentals. The chair said another revision would address local law enforcement and deferred action until the next meeting. The sponsor presented HB 1098 and HB 1039 together as ways to expand access to economic-development funding in underserved areas. After questions about OneGeorgia funding eligibility, the chair suspended consideration of both bills so program administrators could explain eligibility, spending and the program’s original purpose. No votes on the bills were recorded.

6. February 5, 2026 · House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee · 1 h 09 min

   House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard presentations on HB 1003, which would increase lawmakers’ expense reimbursements and create a separate security account, and a substitute for HB 733, which would create an insurance consumer advocate and strengthen review of insurance rate increases. Members discussed eligible security expenses, equipment ownership and protection outside formal legislative duties. On insurance, members discussed public access to rate information, the advocate’s independence and workload, legislative oversight, and the costs behind premium increases. The chair requested more information on insurance costs, and both sponsors indicated willingness to continue discussions. No votes were taken on either bill.

7. February 5, 2026 · Senate Rules Committee · 14 min

   Senate Rules Committee, February 5, 2026

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered four measures for a children and families-themed floor calendar: SB 383 on child fatality reviews, SB 431 on prompt school enrollment for foster students, SR 622 on studying foster care costs, and SB 402 on expanding an autism pilot program for foster youth. After brief presentations and no substantive questions, the committee unanimously approved placing all four measures on the next day's calendar.

8. February 5, 2026 · House floor · 2 h 39 min

   House floor session, February 5, 2026 (legislative day 13)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The House passed HB 985, expanding and clarifying eligibility for burial in Georgia veterans cemeteries, by 173 to 0. The House also passed the committee substitute for HB 973, the amended state budget, by 167 to 5 and ordered it sent immediately to the Senate. The budget presentation highlighted homeowner property-tax relief, employee and school staff payments, transportation, education, health care and prison spending. Members received first and second readings and committee reports on other measures, reassigned HB 1119 to the Industry and Labor Committee, and allowed a first reading of a proposal for a third Middle Judicial Circuit judge. The House also honored a baseball Hall of Fame inductee, welcomed community and advocacy groups, and adopted a group of recognition resolutions before adjourning.

9. February 5, 2026 · Senate floor · 2 h 50 min

   Senate floor session, February 5, 2026 (legislative day 13)

   Summary by Georgia Commons: The Senate passed SB 239, which separates funeral director and embalmer licensing, and SB 403, which changes how the state handles and returns unclaimed property, both by 50-0 votes. It also passed HB 414, expanding campaign-finance enforcement involving out-of-state people and groups, by 50-1 after questions about investigations and safeguards. Senators advocated for health insurance affordability, Medicaid expansion and tobacco cessation measures, without votes on those proposals. The chamber received HB 973 from the House and referred it to Appropriations, heard bill readings and committee reports, adopted an unidentified consent calendar of resolutions, and confirmed a Judicial Qualifications Commission appointment by 48-0. Senators also recognized visitors and discussed Black History Month, health and community services. The Senate adjourned until 9 a.m. February 6.

10. February 5, 2026 · House Rules Committee · 45 min

    House Rules Committee, February 5, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard presentations on recovery support, medical licensing and hospital credentialing, commercial vehicle rules, electronic window tinting and license plates, school emergency response supplies, and ketamine clinic oversight. Members questioned sponsors about licensing delays, hospital participation, vehicle technology restrictions and protections for existing clinic owners. The committee placed HB 629, HB 945 and HB 980 on Friday’s calendar without opposition. No calendar action was shown for the other listed bills presented. The chair announced that there would be no Rules Committee meeting the following day and that the next meeting would be Monday at 9 a.m.

11. February 5, 2026 · House Special Rules Committee · 22 min

    House Special Rules Committee, February 5, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved three resolutions: HR 1049, establishing an annual fentanyl awareness observance in October; HR 1177, urging pedestrians to wear bright or reflective clothing at night; and HR 999, encouraging Georgians and local governments to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. A student witness explained the research and school outreach behind the fentanyl proposal. Members also discussed making reflective vests available to warehouse workers through a proposed grant-supported effort. All three resolutions passed by voice vote, with no opposition heard.

12. February 5, 2026 · House Natural Resources & Environment Committee · 47 min

    House Natural Resources & Environment Committee, February 5, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered HB 956, which would give the Environmental Protection Division more flexibility to use Solid Waste Trust Fund money, and HB 983, which would clarify protections for prescribed burning. A voice vote on HB 956 drew ayes with no audible opposition, although the chair did not explicitly announce the result. The committee approved HB 983 by voice vote. The Department of Natural Resources commissioner then presented updates on agency operations, storm response, outdoor accessibility, park fees, oyster farming, fishing, food donations, feral hog control and chronic wasting disease in deer. A member asked about expanding efforts to address beaver damage, and the commissioner offered to increase education and technical assistance.

13. February 5, 2026 · House Banks & Banking Committee · 1 h 05 min

    House Banks & Banking Committee, February 5, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard testimony and approved HB 934, which the chair, serving as sponsor, said would transfer securities and commodities regulation from the Secretary of State to the Department of Banking and Finance. Secretary of State officials urged a study and cost estimate before a transfer. Members questioned those officials about the response to First Liberty and debated whether moving oversight would improve investor protection. Supporters favored placing regulation under an appointed commissioner rather than an elected official who can receive campaign contributions. Other members raised concerns about costs, political appointments and whether a transfer would solve the problems discussed. The committee approved the bill by voice vote, with opposition heard and no count announced.

14. February 4, 2026 · Senate Health and Human Services Committee · 1 h 00 min

    Senate Health and Human Services Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee unanimously recommended passage of two measures, both with substitutes. SR 684 recognizes American Heart Month and was revised to refer to the State Capitol rather than the State of Georgia. SB 427 would create a supervised licensing pathway for internationally trained physicians. Members discussed qualifications, immigration concerns, physician shortages, oversight and eligible workplaces. Medical board representatives answered questions, and two witnesses supported the physician licensing proposal.

15. February 4, 2026 · House Governmental Affairs Committee · 1 h 05 min

    House Governmental Affairs Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved two bills. HB 1066 would protect established racing facilities from certain nuisance claims within five miles. Members debated the size of that area, residents’ access to courts and whether protection should cover nuisances other than noise. Amendments to reduce the radius and limit protection to noise claims failed, and the bill passed by voice vote. HB 1027 would allow participating local governments to make retail electricity contracts lasting up to 20 years rather than 10. The sponsor said longer contracts would help recover infrastructure costs from large customers. It passed with no opposition voiced. The chair initially announced HB 166, but the presentation that followed concerned HB 1066; no substantive discussion of HB 166 followed.

16. February 4, 2026 · House Industry and Labor Committee · 1 h 18 min

    House Industry and Labor Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard testimony on HB 574, which would remove state workers’ compensation coverage for workers covered by the federal maritime program. Supporters said requiring only one system would reduce employers’ insurance costs and support port growth. Opponents said losing access to Georgia’s system would leave injured workers waiting much longer for disputed benefits and asked for more study. Members questioned witnesses about delays, insurance savings, attorney fees and employers’ protection from lawsuits. A motion to table the bill failed, with four members voting in favor of tabling. The committee then approved a do-pass motion by a show of hands. The final vote count was not announced.

17. February 4, 2026 · House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee · 43 min

    House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee considered two bills. HB 949 would restrict unauthorized drone launches and landings on agricultural land. Members questioned how it would interact with existing trespass law and federal control of airspace. The chair held it until the following Wednesday so those questions could be addressed. HB 986 would raise the permitted speed of personal delivery devices from 4 to 7 miles per hour and require sound throughout movement rather than only when approaching. Members asked about injuries, insurance and noise. The committee approved a do-pass motion by voice vote, with no opposition heard.

18. February 4, 2026 · Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee · 48 min

    Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee approved SB 435, which the sponsor said would restore “Agricultural” to the Georgia Development Authority’s name to reduce confusion about its lending role. The vote was unanimous. The committee also approved HB 163 after changing its proposed restaurant disclosures. Members voted 5–3 to remove plant-based meat alternatives from the bill, then approved language covering printed menus, electronic menus and placard displays. The discussion focused on consumer information, restaurant compliance burdens, inspections and enforcement. The chair announced unanimous passage of the amended bill and said it would go to the Rules Committee, although a voice expressed opposition during the final vote.

19. February 4, 2026 · House Judiciary Juvenile Committee · 42 min

    House Judiciary Juvenile Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard two bills and took no votes. Members questioned why HB 434 would move provisions on selling children into the criminal code, how it would affect adoptions, and whether recent prosecutions showed a need for the change. The chair tabled it pending more information. The committee also heard HB 943, which the presenter described as a five-year autism screening and evaluation pilot for children in foster care. Members discussed earlier progress reports and support for families before children enter foster care. The chair requested work on reporting language and said the bill would return at a later meeting.

20. February 4, 2026 · House Higher Education Committee · 1 h 13 min

    House Higher Education Committee, February 4, 2026

    Summary by Georgia Commons: The committee heard an update from the Georgia Student Finance Commission and held a hearing on HB 1064, which would add the Classic Learning Test (CLT) to state education and scholarship provisions. The commission’s president reviewed financial aid, direct admissions, college completion grants and the Promise Scholarship. The chair deferred questions on that presentation because of limited time. The bill’s sponsor and supporting witnesses emphasized testing choice and alignment with classical education. Committee members and witnesses raised questions about score comparisons, scholarship eligibility, research and test security. No vote was taken. The chair said the committee would resume discussion the following Wednesday and reopen testimony.

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