Editor’s Note: The week referred to in this column is March 23-27, 2026.
With just one week left under the Gold Dome, we are not slowing down. The results we are seeing in Georgia stand in stark contrast to what we are seeing from Congress in Washington and across many Democrat-led states. While others continue to spend recklessly, raise taxes and grow government, we’ve taken a different path rooted in discipline and respect for your hard-earned money.
That approach is on full display in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
This week, the Senate took up House Bill 974, a $38.5 billion budget that reflects both the strength of Georgia’s economy and our commitment to conservative financial stewardship. Unlike the other states, we passed a balanced budget and continue to return surplus funds to our taxpayers.
We are making targeted investments in education and our future workforce, including $70 million to place a literacy coach in every K-3 classroom. At the same time, we are expanding the Georgia PROMISE Scholarship to give families more options and greater control over their child’s education, because we trust parents, not bureaucracies, to make those decisions.
We’re also standing by the people who have dedicated their lives to public service. By contributing $100 million to the Employees’ Retirement System, we are ensuring that Georgia’s retirees can remain here, continue contributing to our communities and live with the dignity they’ve earned.
We are continuing to cut through government overreach and protect your wallet through a variety of measures that have also passed through the Senate this week.
House Bill 1247, the Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act, and the Red Tape Rollback Act send a clear message that unelected agencies do not get to make up rules that hurt your bottom line without accountability. For too long, government has expanded through regulations that never faced a vote. We are putting a stop to that and restoring power where it belongs, with the people.
At the same time, we are making practical, common-sense updates to keep Georgia the best place to live and do business. House Bill 1112 allows businesses to round to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out, a small but meaningful step to reduce inefficiencies and reflect the realities of today’s economy.
In our classrooms, Senate Republicans are choosing focus and safety over distraction. House Bill 1009 establishes a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in high schools. Parents and teachers alike have seen the impact of constant screen time, less engagement, more distraction and fewer real conversations. This legislation helps restore discipline in the classroom, improve academic outcomes and ensure students are attentive in emergency situations.
We are also continuing to stand up for Georgia’s rural communities and the industries that keep them strong. The Keep Georgia Forested Act supports our forestry manufacturers, protects jobs and helps stabilize an industry that has been hit hard by economic pressures and storm damage. This session, we’ve made sure that every corner of Georgia, from our largest cities to our smallest towns, has a path forward.
Finally, I am proud to tell you that several meaningful bills I sponsored are in the final stage of the legislative process.
Senate Bill 433, also known as “Rio’s Law,” has been one of my main priorities this session. This legislation is designed to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with developmental disabilities by creating a voluntary license plate designation and requiring specialized training for officers. The goal is to promote safer, more informed responses during traffic stops and other encounters. This bill passed unanimously in both chambers and is now headed to the Governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 547 strengthens penalties for pimping and pandering by making these offenses felonies, helping hold those who exploit others more accountable and improving safety in our communities. This bill has also passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
As we approach our final legislative day, I encourage you to stay engaged and reach out with any questions or concerns. Your voice matters, and it continues to shape the work we do here under the Gold Dome.
Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes Morgan County and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0508 or by email at Brian.Strickland@senate.ga.gov.
