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GeorgiaHB 12772025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Conservation and natural resources; increase project cost threshold for public roads or airports requiring environmental evaluations

Sponsored By: Matt Barton (Republican), Joe Campbell (Republican), Leesa Hagan (Republican), Rick Jasperse (Republican), Lauren McDonald III (Republican)

Signed by Governor

TransportationGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Fewer environmental reviews for transportation projects

Georgia raises the environmental review cost threshold for public road and airport projects from $100 million to $200 million. Projects costing $200 million or less are exempt from these environmental requirements. Officials must still consider an environmental evaluation when serious harm to historic sites, buildings, or cultural resources is likely. Beginning July 1, 2027, annual threshold increases are allowed, capped at the annual Consumer Price Index inflation rate.

More ways to buy surplus road property

Georgia’s transportation department, counties, and cities can negotiate surplus property sales valued at $150,000 or less, up from $75,000. Beginning July 1, 2027, annual threshold increases are allowed, capped at the annual Consumer Price Index inflation rate. The department can negotiate sales to adjacent owners for at least 85% of market value when the property is declared unneeded. It can also use online public auctions and accept the highest offer up to 15% below appraised value. The department does not have to sell the property, and buyers are not guaranteed a discount.

Electric vehicle charging taxes delayed until 2028

The law delays parts of Georgia’s 2023 electric vehicle charging law until January 1, 2028. The delay covers Department of Agriculture oversight and revenue and tax provisions for charging stations and electricity used as motor fuel. This provision does not state tax rates, fees, or specific operating requirements.

More contracting freedom, fewer transportation studies

Georgia’s transportation department and planning director no longer must develop project benchmarks or require value-engineering studies above $50 million. These studies looked for ways to improve project value. The law also removes the design-build cap: 50% of the total value of construction projects awarded in the previous fiscal year. Contracts generally go to the lowest reliable bidder, except those authorized under Code Sections 32-2-80 and 32-2-82. The department can reject bids, advertise again, do the work itself, or abandon the project.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Matt Barton

    Republican • House

  • Joe Campbell

    Republican • House

  • Leesa Hagan

    Republican • House

  • Rick Jasperse

    Republican • House

  • Lauren McDonald III

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Steve Gooch

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 348 • No: 89

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 51 • No: 1 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/2/2026

Agree to Senate Substitute

Yes: 122 • No: 50 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

MOTION TO TABLE REMAINING LEGISLATION ON THE RULES CALENDAR

Yes: 26 • No: 22 • Other: 5

House vote • 2/25/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 149 • No: 16 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026House

  3. Act 454

    5/11/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. Senate Taken from Table

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Senate Third Read

    4/2/2026Senate

  7. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/2/2026Senate

  8. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    4/2/2026House

  9. Senate Taken from Table

    3/31/2026Senate

  10. Senate Tabled

    3/31/2026Senate

  11. Senate Tabled

    3/27/2026Senate

  12. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/25/2026Senate

  13. Senate Read Second Time

    3/25/2026Senate

  14. Senate Read and Referred

    2/26/2026Senate

  15. House Third Readers

    2/25/2026House

  16. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    2/25/2026House

  17. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/20/2026House

  18. House Second Readers

    2/17/2026House

  19. House First Readers

    2/12/2026House

  20. House Hopper

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1277/AP* (v8)

    PDF

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