Legislative Day 21 | 2026 Legislative Session | 02/19/2026 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with the Senate being called to order, and unauthorized individuals were asked to leave. A group of pages, including children of members, was welcomed. The journal was read and confirmed, and senators introduced several bills and resolutions. Notable Senate bills introduced included: - SB 522: Amending excise taxes on rental motor vehicles. - SB 523: Addressing anti-Semitism in education. - SB 524: License plates for certain agencies. - SB 525: Recording juvenile court proceedings. - SB 526: Licensing recovery residences. - SB 527: Qualifications for sheriff candidates. - SB 528: Health benefit plans in insurance. - SB 529: Exempting certain negligent security cases. - SB 530: Amending tax-related codes. - SB 531: Voter registration qualifications. - SB 532: Service and default judgment provisions. - SB 533: General provisions regarding elections. - SB 534: Georgia Baby Bond Savings Plan. - Senate Resolutions 800, 810, 811, and 813: Related to family farms, transparency, constitutional amendments, and public health studies. House bills introduced included: - HB 419: Amending university system regulations. - HB 541: Definitions regarding equalization grants. - HB 943: Programs for children and youth protection. - HB 964: Tax exemptions. - HB 970: Educational program amendments. - HB 1096: Provisions for the Department of Public Health. - HB 1182: Soil amendments regulations. - HB 1202: Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board amendments. Reports from standing committees recommended several Senate bills to pass by substitute. The Secretary read bills and resolutions for the second time, including those related to retirement, waste reduction, and professional licensing. During the morning roll call, some senators were excused for business outside the Capitol. Special guests, including a fourth-grade class from Westfield School, were acknowledged. Pastor Tim Chaney led a morning devotion, emphasizing focus and perspective. Dr. David Blake was introduced as the doctor of the day, highlighting his commitment to serving Georgia citizens. A resolution recognizing February 19, 2026, as Lupus Advocacy Day was adopted unanimously, acknowledging the impact of lupus on Georgians. Personal tributes included a moment of silence for Caleb Abney, a young police officer who lost his life in the line of duty. The senator from the 38th recognized members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the senator from the 23rd acknowledged Georgia State University Day. The senator from the 55th discussed Senate Bill 536, the Voting Rights Act, urging support for protecting voting rights. Several senators addressed the importance of voting rights and civic engagement, with one senator highlighting the significance of the right to vote and another discussing the proposed Voting Rights Act named after Neal Turner. Concerns were raised about violence in prisons and the need for intervention. The American Academy of Pediatrics was recognized for advocating firearm safety measures. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and announcements of upcoming committee meetings, with the Senate adjourned until the following Friday.