HAPPENINGS AT THE STATE CAPITOL

General Assembly Days 36–38: Legislature Scheduled to Adjourn Next Week

The General Assembly convened for Legislative Days 36–38 this week, with action on bills accelerating as Sine Die approaches. As Georgia’s legislative session enters its final week, lawmakers are moving quickly to advance key proposals before adjournment. On Wednesday, the Senate unveiled its version of the FY27 budget HB 974 by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington). See the Senate’s budget proposal. The Senate’s version substantially differs from the House proposal, and negotiations between the chambers are already underway. The Senate version was passed on Friday and now goes back to the House for agreement. It is very likely they will not agree, and the budget will be decided by a conference committee next week.

House Speaker Jon Burns

Meanwhile, HB 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 by Rep. Chris Erwin (R-Homer) and a priority for Speaker Burns, was modified this week in the Senate. The most notable change shifts the nearly $70M cost of statewide literacy coaches from local school boards to the state. The Legislature will reconvene Tuesday next week for Legislative Day 39. Sine Die is scheduled for Thursday, April 2.

Clarifying LIHTC Language Adopted in House, Needs Agreement in Senate, Gold & Silver Bill Stalls

Language specifying the intent of legislation related to Georgia’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program was added to SB 306 by Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) and adopted by the House Wednesday. The bill must now go back to the Senate for agreement. The provision clarifies that $100 million in new state-issued LIHTC credits will be available for each year in 2026, 2027 and 2028. GBA requested this clarification after receiving feedback from members suggesting it was needed to provide certainty and ensure the program remained viable for bank participation.

Another bill closely monitored by GBA stalled Thursday in the House Banks & Banking Committee. SB 424 by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone), which dealt with transactional gold and silver, was overwhelmingly rejected, effectively ending its chances for passage this year.

Committee members raised concerns about the potential cost to the state over time, as well as the overall need and practicality of the bill’s provisions. Questions also remain about what additional costs consumers might face when using gold and silver for payment transactions.

A substitute of the original bill was presented that removed the provision to create a state-level gold depository and shifted oversight from the Office of the State Treasurer to the Securities and Commodities Division within the Secretary of State’s office. Despite these changes, the committee did not advance the bill.

Remote Online Notarization Still Alive, Severe Penalties for Unauthorized Practice of Law Remain

Legislation that could authorize remote online notarization (RON) in Georgia remains in play, with possible implications for banks involved in loan closings. SB 8 by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) originally dealt with juvenile court procedures but has been replaced with a substitute that creates a framework for RON. The substitute, presented by House sponsor Rep. Joseph Gullett (R-Dallas) in the House Judiciary Juvenile Committee Monday, outlines requirements for identity verification, remote appearance, notary recordkeeping and establishes standards to be developed by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority.

Rep. Joseph Gullett

The bill also raises the penalty for the unauthorized practice of law from a misdemeanor to a felony. Concerns were raised that the language may be overly broad and could expose bank employees involved in loan transactions to potential liability if interpreted as providing legal advice. GBA is monitoring the bill closely as it continues to move through the process, and we continue to share our concerns with legislators. The bill was passed by the House and now heads to the Senate for agreement.

Thanks to Retiring House Banking Committee Member Emory Dunahoo

Following Thursday’s meeting of the House Banks & Banking Committee, GBA wishes to extend its appreciation to Rep. Emory Dunahoo (R-Gillsville), who has announced he will retire at the end of this year’s session. First elected in a 2011 special election, Dunahoo served his entire legislative tenure on the House Banks & Banking Committee. During his time in office, he also held leadership roles as Vice Chairman of the Game, Fish & Parks and State Properties committees, and served on Appropriations, Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, and Human Relations & Aging. GBA thanks Rep. Dunahoo for his years of service and commitment to Georgia’s banking community and wishes him well in retirement.

Rep. Emory Dunahoo

Updates on Other Legislation GBA is Tracking

Be sure and set a web browser bookmark for the State Issues page on the GBA website to track details about specific bills during the session. Clicking a bill number link gives you the text of the bill and its current status as it moves through the process. GBA is tracking many bills on the State Issues page that will be reported on during the session if action is taken on them and they are relevant to the banking industry. This week, we want to note the following:

Sen. John Albers

Data Privacy/Rural Hospital Tax Credit

SB 111 by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), originally dealt with consumer data privacy. That language was removed and replaced with language from HB 662 by Rep. Angie O’Steen (R-Ambrose), that adds rural emergency health care entities to the state’s rural hospital tax credit program. It also adds rural facilities licensed to provide labor and delivery services. The bill was favorably reported by the House Judiciary Committee. The House sponsor is Rep. O’Steen.

Rep. Leesa Hagan

Criminal Records

HB 162 by Rep. Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons) would provide for the restriction and sealing of First Offender Act sentences until such status is revoked. The bill includes GBA's requested language from last session to exempt federally insured financial institutions. The House agreed to the version passed by the Senate and the bill now heads to the Governor for his consideration. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens).

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick

Unclaimed Property

SB 403 by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) would have established new procedures for virtual currency abandonment and liquidation. Additionally, it would authorize automatic payments for small unclaimed property amounts and streamline the claims processes. A substitute version of the bill, reported by the House Judiciary Committee, removed all language related to cryptocurrency and escheatment to the state. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate for agreement. The House sponsor is Rep. Matt Reeves (R-Duluth).

Rep. Bill Yearta

Vendor Compensation/Property Tax

HB 439 by Rep. Bill Yearta (R-Sylvester) originally increased vendor compensation for collecting and remitting sales taxes to the state and included recommendations from the 2024 House Study Committee on Interchange. The bill was substituted with HB 1156 by Rep. Gary Richardson (R-Augusta), which authorizes local governments to establish voter-approved homeowner incentive programs that provide property tax relief to qualified homestead properties. It requires referendum approval and creates dedicated grant funds, using surplus revenues to help offset homeowner tax liabilities. The bill passed the Senate and the House agreed to the Senate substitute. The bill now heads to the Governor for his consideration. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown).

Sen. Marty Harbin

Local Government Investment Pools

SB 441 by Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone) requires new investment pools for local governments to obtain State Depository Board approval prior to establishment. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Governor for his consideration. The House sponsor was Rep. Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge). GBA supports this measure.

Rep. Chas Cannon

Conservation Use Valuation Assessments (CUVA)

HB 547 by Rep. Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie) is an omnibus bill related to Conservation Use Valuation Assessments (CUVA), that clarifies carbon credits for timber, allows property owners to combine multiple conservation covenants into single ten-year agreements and provides transfer options between different conservation programs. The bill was favorably reported by the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula).

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler

Property Tax

SB 566 by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome) originally dealt with the acceptance of tax digests in the event publication errors made by a newspaper. Substitute language that revises Georgia's property tax assessment and homestead exemption procedures, including enhanced disclosure requirements on tax bills and assessment notices. It establishes penalties for failing to report homestead exemption ineligibility and creates a statewide database for tracking homestead exemptions. The bill passed the House and now heads to the Senate for agreement. The House sponsor is Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe).

Rep. Joe Campbell

Real Estate Disclosures and False Liens

HB 618 by Rep. Joe Campbell (R-Camilla) requires sellers of residential real property in Georgia to disclose any flood damage history during their ownership to potential buyers. It also establishes a $1,500 fine for frivolous mechanic liens filed without substantial justification or in bad faith. As of publication, the bill is on the Senate Rules Calendar but has not been heard. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Steven McNeel (R-Macon).

Rep. Soo Hong 

Bankruptcy Exemption

HB 1024 by Rep. Soo Hong (R-Lawrenceville) increases the homestead exemption for bankruptcy and insolvent estates from $21,500 to $50,000 for individuals and from $43,000 to $100,000 for married couples. It establishes automatic annual inflation adjustments beginning July 1, 2031, based on rates determined by the state revenue commissioner. The bill passed the Senate and now heads to the Governor for his consideration. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Marty Harbin (R-Tyrone).

Lee Vaughn

Lee Vaughn Recognition

SR 1050 by Sen. Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown) recognizes Northeast Georgia Bank president Lee Vaughn for his commitment and time serving on the Elbert County board of commissioners. Vaughn was first elected in 2015 and then elected to serve as chairman in 2019. The resolution was read and adopted.

Rep. Jesse Petrea

Forestry Tax Credits

HB 1085 by Rep. Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) creates tax credits for forestry manufacturing facilities in Georgia, ranging from 3% to 15% of qualified investment property, depending on county tier designation. It allows forestry manufacturers to transfer or sell these tax credits to other Georgia taxpayers, subject to reporting requirements. The Senate amended the bill to place a $250M cap on the total amount of credits available during the five-year period before sunsetting. It also narrowed the types of manufacturers eligible for the credits. The House agreed to the version passed by the Senate and the bill now goes to the Governor for his consideration. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Larry Walker (R-Perry).

Rep. Carter Barrett

Transaction Rounding

HB 1112 by Rep. Carter Barrett (R-Cumming) requires merchants to round cash transaction totals to the nearest five cents when customers pay with coins or currency. Applicable sales tax must be charged on the full sales price before rounding. The bill was amended in the Senate Finance Committee and passed by the full Senate. It now goes back to the House for agreement. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome).

Financial Literacy

HB 1114 by Rep. Bill Yearta (R-Sylvester) requires Georgia public schools to provide financial literacy instruction to all students K-12, with a mandatory half-credit course for high school graduation. It prohibits schools from partnering with or accepting materials from gambling enterprises while requiring gambling risk education in financial literacy curriculum. The bill was amended in the Senate Education and Youth Committee to include state-level requirements for digital literacy and online safety education for students K-12. As of publication, the bill is on the Senate Rules Calendar but has not been heard. The Senate sponsor is Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell).

Rep. Lehman Franklin

Tax Credit for Charitable Housing

HB 1132 by Rep. Lehman Franklin (R-Statesboro), would establish a state and local sales tax exemption for construction, renovation and rehabilitation of affordable housing by public charities like Habitat for Humanity. The bill was favorably reported by the Senate Finance Committee. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro).

Rep. Kimberly New

Vehicle Repossession

HB 1134 by Rep. Kimberly New (R-Villa Rica) revises notice requirements for motor vehicle repossessions regarding personal property found in repossessed vehicles. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that repossession is complete when the vehicle is attached to a tow truck, entered by the repossessing party or moved by the repossessing party. As of publication, the bill is on the Senate Rules Calendar but has not been heard. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Tim Bearden (R-Carrollton).

Rep. Matt Reeves

State Agencies and Red Tape Rollback

HB 1247 by Rep. Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) prohibits courts and administrative officers from deferring to state agency interpretations of laws and regulations. The bill was amended by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week to include SB 28 by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), which establishes procedures for small-business impact analyses of legislative bills and creates periodic sunset reviews of state agency rules. The bill passed the Senate and now goes back to the House for agreement. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia).

Rep. Todd Jones

Stablecoin

HB 1272 by Rep. Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth) would authorize the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance to license and regulate stablecoin issuers under a framework similar to the federal GENIUS Act. The bill was favorably reported by the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming).

Rep. Trey Kelley

ADA Website Accessibility

HB 1470 by Rep. Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) allowing defendants to recover damages from plaintiffs and their attorneys who bring unsuccessful ADA website accessibility lawsuits. The bill was favorably reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Brian Strickland (R-McDonough).

Rep. Lauren McDonald

Study Committee on Local Government Financial Audits

HR1831 by Rep. Lauren McDonald (R-Cumming) creates a House study committee to examine local government audit compliance issues. It seeks to address local governments failing to submit required annual or biennial financial audit reports to the state auditor. The resolution was favorably reported by the House Special Rules Committee.

Study Committee on Local Government Fee Assessment and Collection

HR1832 by Rep. Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) creates a House study committee to examine local government fee assessment and collection practices. It directs the committee to study litigation issues related to local government fees and recommend necessary legislation. The resolution was favorably reported by the House Special Rules Committee.

GBA Represented at the Capitol

The association’s advocacy team is hard at work representing the interests of banking at the State Capitol. Reach out to any of them if you need information about a bill, contact information for your representatives or tips on where to park if you’re coming for a visit. Here’s their contact information:

• Elizabeth Chandler, executive vice president, government relations and advocacy: echandler@gabankers.com, 404.372.7893
• Bo Brannen, senior vice president, member services and advocacy: bbrannen@gabankers.com, 404.731.9886
• Steve Bridges, government relations consultant: sbridges@gabankers.com, 770.789.5605
• Tripp Cofield, president and CEO: tcofield@gabankers.com, 617.909.9530.

We will publish future editions of the Legislative Update after the General Assembly adjourns each week. Please let us know if you have questions or comments on issues of interest to you.