Accomplishments during this year’s legislative session were a result of years of hard work and collaboration. House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration highlighted these legislative achievements and more during this month’s On Topic Luncheon presented by Porter Steel.
The legislative session ended Friday, April 4th, and Governor Brian Kemp has until May 14 to sign or veto bills that passed through the House and Senate. If no action is taken, the bill automatically becomes law. The General Assembly is constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every year, and the $38 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget included critical funding built on prior years’ budgets. Leader Efstration noted some of the most significant ones below:
- $1.1 billion for new and critical infrastructure projects throughout the state
- building on additional capital project funding from last year’s budget
- $14.7 billion full funding of the Quality Basic Education (QBE) program
- $162 million additional school safety grant
- building on $50,000 safety grants per school in 2023 and 2024; and $45,000 school resource officer grant per school in 2024
- $22.7 million for statewide K-5 literacy initiative
- $900 million in Hurricane Helene disaster relief
Leader Efstration also highlighted important bills that support Georgians and Georgia businesses, including HB 111 which would reduce the state income and corporate tax rates from 5.39 to 5.19 percent and HB 360 that would accelerate the use of tax credits for the redevelopment of downtown Atlanta in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Leader Efstration noted that the two playoff matches hosted in Atlanta will each have the economic development impact of a Superbowl. The lead up games will have an economic development impact of a World Series game.
The passage of comprehensive tort reform legislation was a significant win for Georgia businesses this session. SB 68 and SB 69 would address several tort laws including premises liability, phantom damages, seatbelt admissibility, and regulation of third party litigation funding, among others. Leader Efstration shared that frivolous lawsuits contribute to rising insurance premiums and these reforms aim to mitigate jackpot settlements and restore balance in the courtroom. Passing meaningful reform has been the top priority for Governor Kemp and chambers of commerce in Georgia.
Leader Efstration reminded the audience that contrary to what many may read, hear, and believe about the divisiveness at the Capitol, the overwhelming majority of the bills passed each session is done so in a bipartisan manner. Leader Efstration credits the strength of leaderships in both caucuses and chambers and their ability to respect and work out different viewpoints.
Majority Leader Efstration represents House District 104, which covers parts of Barrow and Gwinnett counties. He was elected in 2013 and has served as Majority Leader since 2022.
