Legislative Day 20 | 2026 Legislative Session | 02/18/2026 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a welcome and acknowledgment of the pages present, followed by the confirmation of the journal without objection. Senators were invited to introduce bills and resolutions. Several Senate bills were read for the first time, including Senate Bill 513, which amends education laws, and Senate Bill 514, addressing ethics. Other bills covered topics such as finance, public safety, and economic development. House bills focusing on children and family, health and human services, and state and local government were also introduced. Reports from standing committees included recommendations for several bills to pass, notably Senate Bill 392 from the Appropriations Committee and Senate Bill 487 from the Education and Youth Committee. The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities reported on multiple bills, recommending them for passage. The morning roll call was conducted, and a motion to excuse certain senators was approved. The majority whip led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Billy Andrews delivered a devotional message on leadership and integrity. The meeting recognized realtors from Georgia and designated the day as Georgia Tech Day, with an evening event planned. A resolution was adopted recognizing Eden Pethel for winning a license plate design competition for the United States' semi-quincentennial anniversary. The senator from the 23rd district introduced her, highlighting the importance of recognizing young Georgians. The meeting also discussed the case of Tara Baker, a young woman whose cold case was reopened due to the Coleman Baker Act, leading to an arrest and closure for her family. This highlighted the significance of recent legislation on cold cases. Several individuals and resolutions were recognized, including Eden Pethel for her design contest win, the 52nd anniversary of the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, and Breanne Drake for her achievements as the first Black president of the Georgia Association of Realtors. A senator recognized Statesville-Bullitt County Day at the Capitol, while another acknowledged Ramadan for its importance in the Muslim community. Concerns were raised about Fulton County's election practices, prompting a defense of the county's election integrity. The meeting included discussions on Senate Bill 432, which aims to extend the authorization for the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia to use strategic reserves for another five years, and Senate Bill 446, which seeks to allow Georgia to participate in a federal tax credit program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations. The discussion on Senate Bill 446 included concerns about accreditation requirements for schools receiving funds and the implications for accountability. Despite skepticism, the bill passed amid support for its potential to empower parents and promote equity in education. A proposed federal program aimed at expanding educational opportunities for students was discussed, particularly for those attending schools like Cristo Rey. Concerns about the permanence of certain components of the bill were raised, but the speaker clarified that it expresses intent to participate in the federal program without codifying anything into law. The meeting also addressed the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, with discussions on school choice and accountability for private schools receiving public funds. A vote on the bill passed with a majority, and procedural motions included the introduction of a new senator and announcements of various committee meetings. The session concluded with reminders of the legislative timeline and upcoming deadlines for bill submissions.