Media release from the Georgia Senate Press Office:
By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R–Rome)
Crossover Day is almost here, which means the pace under the Gold Dome has intensified as we work to move Senate legislation to the House before the March 6 deadline. These final days before crossover are always long, but they are focused on advancing the priorities you’ve sent us to Atlanta to accomplish.
Before diving into policy, I want to welcome our newest Republican colleague, Sen. Steven McNeel of Macon. He now represents families from Fort Valley to Forsyth and joins us with a strong commitment to faith, family and free enterprise. I’m grateful to have another voice working to protect conservative values under the Gold Dome.
This week, we sent the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Governor’s desk, which is one of our biggest responsibilities as legislators. After weeks of detailed review, tough questioning and negotiations with the House, we produced a budget that will protect the rainy-day fund and return excess revenue to the taxpayers who earned it.
We’ve governed with discipline, delivering more than $1 billion in income tax relief and $850 million in homestead property tax relief. That is real, meaningful relief for families who are feeling the strain of rising insurance premiums, higher grocery bills and increased property assessments. Instead of growing government, we are shrinking its burden on you.
The budget also makes a long-overdue investment in public safety and mental health by dedicating more than $400 million to construct the first new state mental health hospital in Georgia since the 1960s. For too long, county jails have shouldered the responsibility of housing individuals struggling with serious mental illness. This facility will help ensure eligible individuals receive proper treatment while relieving pressure on local law enforcement and taxpayers. Supporting our men and women in uniform means giving them the tools to do their jobs effectively.
In addition to passing a responsible budget, we advanced Senate Bill 392, the “Waste Reduction Act of 2026.” This legislation implements zero-based budgeting practices, requiring state agencies to justify their expenditures from the ground up at least once every eight years. Too often, the government relies on last year’s spending as a starting point. This reform demands accountability and ensures that every dollar reflects today’s priorities, not yesterday’s habits. Families and businesses regularly reevaluate their finances; state government should operate with the same level of scrutiny.
We also moved forward on important public safety and education measures. Senate Bill 433, “Rio’s Law,” passed unanimously and strengthens protections for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. By creating a voluntary special license plate and requiring additional law enforcement training, this bill promotes safer interactions and greater understanding across our communities.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 513, the “Every Day Counts Act,” addresses chronic absenteeism in our schools. Students who miss significant classroom time face long-term academic and economic consequences. This legislation gives schools clearer tools to intervene early, encourage accountability and reinforce the expectation that education is not optional. If we want a strong workforce and vibrant economy tomorrow, we must insist on responsibility and engagement today.
I also have several bills of my own that are moving through the legislative process. Senate Bill 94 was recently passed by the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities and has received strong bipartisan support because it provides clarity to Georgia ratepayers about their power bills. We pride ourselves here in America on providing representation alongside taxation. Ratepayers deserve the same representation as power bills continue to fluctuate in our state.
I am also advancing multiple pieces of legislation to improve healthcare quality and access in Georgia. Senate Bill 162 would implement an automated credentialing system for state healthcare providers that streamlines data management and enables quality physicians to start working without delay. Physicians regularly practice at facilities across the state for various reasons. This legislation ensures they can deliver quality care efficiently, no matter where they practice.
Finally, Senate Bill 195 would allow pharmacies to provide certain medications that help prevent HIV. In simple terms, this bill lets pharmacists dispense medicine to people who do not have HIV but want to lower their risk, as well as to those who believe they may have recently been exposed to the virus. Instead of waiting days for a doctor’s appointment, Georgians could go directly to a pharmacy and get the care they need. This is a practical, commonsense step that expands access to healthcare, especially for those who cannot afford or quickly schedule a doctor’s visit. This bill has the potential to save lives and keep more Georgians healthy and safe.
As we approach Crossover Day, Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering results that strengthen Georgia’s economy, safeguard our communities and protect your hard-earned income. It is an honor to represent you, and I will continue fighting for a safer, more affordable and more prosperous Georgia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or concerns as we continue through the second half of the 2026 legislative session.
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Sen. Chuck Hufstetler serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He represents the 52nd Senate District, which includes portions of Bartow, Floyd and Gordon counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0034 or by email at Chuck.Hufstetler@senate.ga.gov.
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