GeorgiaHB 9732025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Sponsored By: Jon Burns (Republican), Chuck Efstration (Republican), Matt Hatchett (Republican), Jan Jones (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationsGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

99 provisions identified: 87 benefits, 7 costs, 5 mixed.

Bigger 2026 property tax break for homeowners

The state sets aside $850 million for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant in 2026. For the tax year starting January 1, 2026, each qualified homestead uses an $18,000 assessed value for this relief. Counties and school districts apply the relief to lower your taxable value. This reduces property tax bills for eligible homeowners.

More need-based college aid for students

The state adds $300 million to match the DREAMS Scholarship endowment and $25 million for scholarships. This expands need-based aid so eligible students can get more help paying for college.

Stronger prison security and capacity

The state invests about $174 million to replace locking controls, alarms, cameras, and perimeter security at prisons. It adds $125 million and redirects $25 million to build a new modular correctional unit and two transition centers. It also provides $5.0 million to hire more correctional officers.

I-75 express lanes expansion funded

The law funds the extension and bi‑directional expansion of I‑75 express lanes in Clayton and Henry counties. It commits well over $1.6 billion in state funds for construction and related work. Drivers should see added capacity and improved traffic flow on this corridor.

More money for roads and bridges

The law pours new funding into highways, local roads, and bridges. It adds $250 million for local transportation projects and $200 million to convert SR 316 interchanges. Rural bridges get $85 million for construction and $100 million for maintenance. Another $100 million from surplus goes to road resurfacing, plus added motor fuel funds for maintenance, local grants, and traffic signal equipment. This expands project capacity and speeds up repairs across the state.

Build new 480-bed private prison

The law authorizes using undesignated surplus to build a new 480-bed private prison. One section sets $220 million for this project, while other enacted materials reference different amounts or modular units. The Department of Corrections implements the expansion.

Faster driver licensing and records

The state upgrades the DRIVES computer system used for registrations, titles, and driver records. It also adds funds to keep more staff in license issuance. This helps cut wait times and improve reliability for people getting IDs and renewing licenses.

Medicaid waiver for therapeutic care

The law requires the health department to submit a Medicaid 1915(i) waiver to expand services for people in the Therapeutic Care Model. After federal approval, more services can be covered as Medicaid benefits for enrolled members. This expands access to needed care once approved.

More help for foster kids and care

Funding for Out‑of‑Home Care rises by $41.5 million in state funds plus federal support. The state restores support contracts and helps place foster youth closer to their families. A new integrated child welfare reporting system is funded. Out‑of‑school care grants also increase to expand after‑school options. Child Support IT systems get maintenance funds to keep payments flowing.

SNAP system fixes to cut errors

The state invests $19.2 million to upgrade the Gateway eligibility system for SNAP. The goal is to lower payment error rates and meet federal rules. This helps reduce wrongful denials or disruptions for SNAP families.

$2,000 one-time for school nurses

Eligible school nurses receive a one‑time $2,000 salary supplement. This payment adds to take‑home pay for the year. The law targets the supplement to school nurses only.

One-time $2,000 for K–12 staff

The law pays a one-time $2,000 supplement to formula-earned Pre‑K teachers and assistant teachers. Certified K–12 educators and qualifying administrative staff also get $2,000. Eligible school custodians receive a $2,000 supplement too. Funding includes $17.2 million from Lottery proceeds for Pre‑K and over $300 million in state funds for K–12 staff.

One-time $2,000 for state and school staff

The law pays a one-time $2,000 to many public workers. Active, full-time, benefit-eligible state employees on July 1, 2025 get it, except jobs listed in O.C.G.A. 45-7-3. K–12 certificated staff and listed administrators, covered part-time school staff, school nutrition workers, and school bus drivers each get $2,000. University System faculty and staff, public librarians paid through the Public Libraries appropriation, and Technical College System faculty and staff also get $2,000.

One-time $2,000 for state employees

Full-time, regular state employees get a one-time $2,000 payment. Examples include workers paid from the Federal Eligibility Benefit Services, Residential Child Care Licensing, Council on Aging, and Vocational Rehabilitation program budgets. These are single payments issued from the listed agency appropriations during FY2026.

One-time bonuses for school staff

Eligible bus drivers and school nutrition workers get a one-time $2,000 payment. The law funds $24,307,370 for bus drivers and $28,613,370 for nutrition workers. These are flat, one-time bonuses.

One-time bonuses for state employees

Full-time, regular state employees receive a one-time bonus, generally $2,000. Some lines show a $1,250 one-time payment. Examples include Departmental Administration ($38,754) and Military Readiness ($531,791), and employees paid from Regional Investigative, Community Service, and Environmental Protection budgets. Payments are funded across agency budgets.

Better gear, radios, and training for police

The law funds a new statewide public safety radio network ($4.285 million for GBI and $124,000 for training). It buys ballistic helmet radio patches ($180,000) and hearing protection for officers ($750,000). It expands simulated firearms training ($900,000). It also provides $55 million to build GBI’s Region 10 Investigative Office and Crime Scene Garage in Conyers.

Guard readiness and veteran facilities

The law funds $863,812 for Military Readiness operations. It provides $28 million to build a National Guard readiness center in Monroe and $4 million for site work in Forest Park. It adds $1 million (with other listed amounts) for a new veterans cemetery in Augusta. These projects support service members and veterans’ families.

More money for county elections

The state provides $15 million in grants to county election offices. Counties use the money to run elections and cover local election needs.

More state patrol and prison vehicles

The state replaces and outfits vehicles across public safety and corrections. It funds $4.5 million for 75 vehicles, $13.11 million for 252 vehicles, and $16 million for 215 vehicles. These purchases support daily operations and response times.

Rail and airport upgrades funded

The state funds repairs and upgrades on shortline rail lines. It also provides $15 million for airport planning, development, and upkeep. These investments support safer rail service and stronger airport operations in Georgia communities.

Rail, transit, and road funding moves

The state funds rail planning, development, and maintenance with state totals such as $8.6 million and $20.18 million listed in budget columns. It moves $332,871 from Transit to Rail to match federal safety oversight for MARTA. It redirects motor‑fuel savings from lower state health plan costs into construction projects and lets budget steps start earlier for interstate work.

State pension funding gets boost

The law adds state funds to the Employees’ Retirement System to strengthen pension finances. The goal is to improve the system’s funded ratio and long‑term stability. This helps protect earned benefits for state workers and retirees.

Statewide upgrade to 911 mapping

The state provides $9.97 million plus $5 million already on hand for Next Generation 911 mapping. It may also use federal broadband funds. This improves emergency response mapping for everyone.

Grants for mental health billing and rural clinics

Districts get $750,000 in pilot grants to improve how they bill and get paid for mental health services. Rural areas get $4.8 million to open new medical and dental clinics. These funds aim to bring in more reimbursement and expand local care.

More doctors and mental health training

The state funds new and expanded medical training programs, with a focus on rural areas. It adds money for rural surgery, internal medicine, and child and adolescent psychiatry training. South Georgia graduate medical education grows, and rural residencies are promoted. Training programs also get portable ultrasound machines for student learning.

Matching grants to reduce homelessness

The State Housing Trust Fund gets a one‑time $50 million boost. The money is matching grants to local governments and nonprofits to prevent and reduce homelessness. Funds support services and projects, not direct cash to households.

Career Navigator website and system funded

The state funds the Georgia Career Navigator. It provides $6 million to support the website and services, and $9 million to start up the system in the Technical College System. Job seekers and students can find training and jobs, and employers can post needs.

College buildings and labs funded

The state makes large one-time investments in college facilities. It funds a new aerospace engineering building at Georgia Tech ($88.2 million), major rehab for technical colleges ($48 million), and major rehab across campuses ($40 million, plus redirected prior funds). It adds $29.8 million to build a College of Optometry at Georgia Southern, $5.6 million to design a UGA School of Nursing, $11.43 million for UGA medical equipment, and $7 million for Research and Education Centers. These projects expand classrooms, labs, and training space.

More K‑12 funding for students

The law sends more money to public schools and student services. It adds $43,468,888 to the K‑12 formula for mid‑year enrollment growth and $26,864,376 for State Commission charter schools. It fully funds school social work grants ($1,378,375) and updates mental health grants for middle and high schools ($1,300,000). It grows Special Needs Scholarships by $14,479,551 to match enrollment. It also provides $591,965 to repair FFA camp storm damage so programs can continue.

More grants for rural projects

The state provides $50 million for rural infrastructure in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. It adds $15 million for rural site development. Rural fire departments receive $250,000 to strengthen local fire response. These funds help rural communities prepare sites, build infrastructure, and improve safety.

Natural gas infrastructure financing program

The state creates a $35 million program to finance natural gas infrastructure. Eligible Non-Universal Service Fund providers can get support for projects under SB13.

Tourism push and event security

The Department of Economic Development gets $3 million for tourism marketing, plus another $3 million in the tourism budget. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority receives $10 million for 2028 Super Bowl infrastructure and security. The state also funds $2.61 million for Stone Mountain Park repairs and $1.25 million for life-safety repairs at the RiverCenter. These actions aim to draw visitors and keep major venues safe and open.

Grants for forestry, farms, and startups

The state funds $10.9 million for a Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative with Georgia Tech to develop new timber products and partnerships. It adds $500,000 for blueberry breeder research. It provides $100,000 to support small business entrepreneurship. These grants aim to grow industry and help small businesses.

State cuts its health-plan share

Starting June 1, 2026, the state lowers its employer contribution to the State Health Benefit Plan. The rate drops from 29.454% to 20.264%. Agency budgets fall to match. Your premiums or out‑of‑pocket costs may change based on your plan.

Cuts to reinsurance and county health grants

The law cuts health funding in several places. It reduces state support for the reinsurance program by $25 million. It cuts $2 million from county public-health grants tied to telehealth costs, removes $56,379 for Council on Aging personnel, and reduces graduate medical education by $6,844,122 due to a delayed State Plan Amendment.

State cuts employer share of health plan

On June 1, 2026, the state's employer share for the State Health Benefit Plan drops from 29.454% to 20.264%. Agency budgets are lowered to match the new rate, including specific program lines. This cuts what the state pays, and employees may see changes in premiums or plan funding.

Fund for people wrongly convicted

The state creates a trust fund to pay people who were wrongly convicted and imprisoned. It deposits $5 million to start the fund. Claims are paid under SB244 and Chapter 22 of Title 17.

School emergency response pilot at five schools

The law provides a one-time $550,000 grant to start an emergency response system pilot at five named schools. Families at those schools may see improved on-campus safety.

Victim address confidentiality program starts

The state provides $250,000 to start an address confidentiality program for eligible victims under SB324. The program protects a qualifying victim’s address information.

Flexible funding across HOPE awards

State officials can raise funding for each listed HOPE program by up to 10% if they reduce the others so the total stays the same. This helps move money to the HOPE grants and scholarships with the most demand. It does not increase the overall HOPE total.

More Summer 2026 Pre-K classes

The state adds 25 new Rising Pre‑K classes for Summer 2026. It uses $881,000 already appropriated. Parents get more Pre‑K slots without a new cost line.

Pay funded for new judges

The state funds six months of the new salary schedule for new Superior Court judges starting January 1, 2026. This covers the Alapaha, Augusta, and Douglas circuits. It pays the revised salaries for the first half‑year.

Raise for Katie Beckett caseworkers

Katie Beckett Medicaid caseworkers get a $3,000 salary increase. The raise takes effect on April 1, 2026. This targets caseworkers who support children with significant medical needs.

Funds to pay authorized tax refunds

The state sets aside money, as needed, to pay refunds that law already allows. This includes farmer gasoline‑tax refunds and refunds of taxes or fees collected in error. Refunds are paid when claims are due.

Agency facility projects get funding

The state adds $1.15 million for facilities under Business and Finance Administration. The funds pay for agency facility projects and do not create direct payments to households.

Coastal protection and permit upgrades

Coastal areas get targeted funding. The state gives $1 million for emergency dune stabilization at Tybee Island North Beach. It adds $500,000 to replace the coastal permitting database to speed permit reviews. It sets aside $1.25 million for Crooked River State Park erosion control, only if FEMA approves a hazard‑mitigation grant. It provides $5 million to pave roads on Sapelo Island.

Design money for new veterans cemetery

The state moves $800,000 to design a new veterans cemetery in Augusta. The shift comes from delayed nursing‑home beds. Federal reimbursement is expected for design and construction.

Driver’s license operations and security funded

The state funds driver services to keep up with demand and safety. It adds $1.34 million for higher license card production and uses $635,437 for federal SAVE verification fees. It provides $150,000 to meet federal CDL registry rules and $150,426 for armed guards at high‑traffic centers.

Election equipment and 2026 recounts funded

The state funds election operations. It pays to deploy text-based ballot scanning to comply with SB189. It also provides $5 million for hand recounts in statewide races during the 2026 election cycle.

Funding for Capitol-area security

The state adds $500,000 to pay for security services that support legislative ancillary activities. This funding helps keep Capitol-area operations secure.

Funding for prison food and facilities

The law covers higher food and facility costs in prisons. It pays $182,375 for food at four modular units and $2.45 million for higher contracted food costs. It adds $1.08 million to buy meat during equipment upgrades and $1.02 million for food and farm equipment and software. It provides $1.05 million to fully use available prison beds, $725,992 for repairs, and $400,000 for a ladder truck at Hays State Prison.

Funds for state property planning

The state transfers $2.6 million to the Properties Commission. The money supports long‑range planning for state buildings and land.

Funds keep air emissions program running

The law provides $1 million one time to support air emissions program operations. This preserves current services and delays a budget shortfall while revenues are addressed.

Funds to operate wildfire helicopter

The state adds $107,000 to operate a helicopter bought in FY 2025. The money pays for wildfire and forest-protection flights.

More grants for arts and battlefields

Community arts and preservation projects get more support. The law adds $250,250 one time for community art grants. It also provides one‑time money for the Vince Dooley Battlefield Fund, listed at amounts such as $1 million and up to $2 million.

More money for disaster response

Georgia boosts emergency readiness. The Governor’s Emergency Fund gets $3.5 million more for disasters. The state adds $5.70 million to meet federal matching needs and $500,000 for GEMA emergency services.

More money for nonprofit security grants

The state transfers $1 million to the emergency management agency for nonprofit security grants. Total grant funding lines rise up to $3 million to help nonprofits improve safety.

More state help for local jails

The state increases payments to local jails. It provides $6.24 million to raise jail subsidies for housing state inmates. It also sets aside $1.5 million to reimburse rural jails where over 20% of beds hold detainees who cannot post bail on contraband or drone charges.

More support for farms and pest control

The state funds farm and pest control upgrades. It adds $100,000 for plant inspection software and $105,000 for structural pest inspection software. It provides $250,000 one time to respond to avian flu. It gives $300,000 for the Agricultural Exposition’s facilities and $2.4 million for one‑time agricultural improvements.

More support for parks and forestry

The parks system receives added funding for recreation programs. Starting April 1, 2026, Forest Protection staff also get on‑call pay supported by $532,293. These funds help keep outdoor services running and support the staff who protect forests.

New Metro police training academy funded

The state provides $582,527 to start a new Metro Academy in Austell. The public safety training center begins on November 3, 2025.

Parks, wildlife land, and invasive control

Georgia invests in outdoor resources. It increases funding to buy land and expand wildlife management areas, with amounts including $2 million. It adds $150,000 to fight invasive plants in southwest Georgia. It also provides $100,000 to replace the dock at Fort Yargo State Park.

Prison security tech and call monitoring

The law funds prison security technology. It provides $13.39 million for managed access and drone detection to stop contraband. It adds $764,220 to keep offender call monitoring running and $1.9 million for data intelligence system upkeep.

State must cover agency lease payments

The law requires state agencies to pay annual lease bills first. If a program’s set-aside is not enough, the agency must use other appropriated funds to cover the lease payments.

State replaces aging employee laptops

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state provides $1.09 million to replace aging laptops through the Georgia Technology Authority. This funds device updates for state employees and centralizes support.

State takes over K-12 school audits

Audit and Assurance Services takes over public school system audits over three years. The office uses existing funds and fills vacancies to handle the work.

Stronger child welfare and crime data tools

The state invests in public safety and child welfare systems. It provides $14 million to build an integrated child welfare reporting system. It adds $618,170 to replace software that connects to the federal DNA database. It also fully funds three human trafficking investigator positions each year with $294,420.

Support for defense and justice claims

Public defenders get $5.52 million to replace expiring ARPA funds so they can keep handling large multi‑defendant cases. The Office of State Administrative Hearings gets $200,000 to hear wrongful conviction claims. The law also pays $61,594 to cover one-time leave payouts after closing the Georgia Tax Tribunal.

Support for police training facilities

The law funds operating needs for public safety training. It adds $60,000 to start up a safety and compliance specialist. It pays rent for POST headquarters ($9,180) and covers POST’s content management service ($24,587). It also pays rent for training sites in Columbus ($14,025), Tifton ($25,931), and Rome ($22,445).

Support for survivors and youth detention

Survivor services and detention staffing get added funds. The law gives $4.53 million one time to certified domestic violence shelters and sexual assault centers. It adds $2.54 million to fund secure youth detention staff as turnover declines.

Upgrades to DOT and license centers

The law pays $10.38 million one time to keep DOT’s enterprise system supported during a longer rollout. It also provides $2.43 million to improve driver services centers with new timeclock and ticketing machines, security equipment, and counters. These upgrades aim to make services steadier and safer for visitors.

More staff for consumer protection

The Georgia Department of Agriculture gets $1,052,444 to retain and pay consumer protection staff. This strengthens inspections and enforcement work. It does not make direct payments to households.

New software for food and animal safety

The law funds $234,000 for new licensing and inspection software in Food Safety. It adds $250,000 to upgrade Animal Health inspection software. These tools help the Agriculture Department track licenses, inspections, and animal health risks.

Bond funds finish state dam repairs

The state uses $3.74 million from earlier bonds to complete dam repairs at state parks. Projects include Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park and other DNR‑maintained dams.

Driver Services offices and systems upgraded

The law covers higher rents to keep Driver Services offices open in several cities ($139,865). It funds security and staffing support through the state technology authority ($185,437). It invests $428,499 to move the DRIVES licensing system to the cloud. These steps aim to keep licensing and records services reliable.

More staff for utilities oversight

Starting April 1, 2026, the state funds one utilities engineer ($36,125) and one financial analyst ($31,875). A small payroll saving reflects a later start for a pipeline inspector. This modestly boosts regulator capacity.

Child welfare funds shifted to prevention

The state moves $371,500 from Out‑of‑Home Care to Child Welfare Services. The money supports community action teams that help keep families out of deeper child welfare involvement.

More flexibility to shift Medicaid funds

The state can raise each listed Medicaid program’s state funding by up to 10%. If one program gets more, others give up the same fund source so totals stay even. This helps officials direct money where patient need is higher.

More funding for inmate health care

Corrections health contracts get more money to cover higher per‑diem costs and outside medical care. The state also funds added staffing for inmate mental health and dental services. Residential substance abuse treatment centers receive new funds starting April 1, 2026.

More grants for health training programs

The state allows $734,438 in existing funds for Graduate Medical Education grants once Medicaid approvals are in place. It also renames and expands a program to include nursing education. This supports new residencies and training slots.

New forensic mental health hospital beds

The state funds a 40‑bed forensic restoration facility at East Central Regional Hospital in Augusta. This one‑time money pays for design and construction. It expands inpatient behavioral health capacity for court‑involved patients.

Targeted funding for local health services

The law funds several local health needs. It supports hospital infrastructure and backup power, rural colorectal screenings, and charitable dental care. It expands healthcare access in parts of East Central Georgia and backs a brain injury clubhouse. It also adds money for assistive devices for vocational rehab clients.

Use prior funds for prison health

The state uses $20.40 million from prior‑year funds to pay physical health obligations. This covers Department of Corrections health costs without creating a new recurring line.

Georgia Tech Savannah robotics academy funded

The state provides a one-time $10 million to create a robotics academy at Georgia Tech’s Savannah campus. The funding sets up the academy and supports programs that build local workforce and research capacity.

Job centers stay open, recruiting up

The state pays $611,691 in rent to keep the Athens and Thomasville career centers operating. It also adds $75,000 for workforce recruiting and outreach. Job seekers keep access to services while locations stabilize.

More support for libraries and GALILEO

Public libraries and statewide digital access get more support. The law adds $146,233 for the PINES library network and $67,000 to support GALILEO. This helps keep library and research tools available across Georgia.

Small boosts for youth and literacy

The law makes two small, one-time investments. It gives $50,000 for youth leadership programs. It gives $300,000 for America250 literacy work run by the Georgia Council on Literacy (the document also lists $300,250 in an existing-funds line).

Upgrades to tax and audit systems

The state funds $12.5 million to upgrade the Department of Revenue’s Integrated Tax System. It invests $236,282 in data analytics and AI tools for state audits. It adds $323,000 to migrate and run the State Board of Accountancy’s licensure database. These changes modernize tax, audit, and licensing operations; they do not change tax rates.

More flexibility for road, rail, airports

Transportation officials can raise funding for road construction, maintenance, and local road aid by up to 10% each, with equal offsets so totals stay flat. Airport aid, ports and waterways, and rail can rise by up to 20%, also with offsets. This lets the state shift money to higher‑priority projects without new spending.

Stronger banking oversight and data protection

$125,843 funds two new examiners for merchant acquirer banks. $169,439 pays for a new data backup system at the banking regulator. These steps boost supervision and protect critical records.

Cuts to public safety staffing and tech

The budget removes $983,785 tied to vacant jobs at the Department of Public Safety. It cuts $3.22 million for vacant training positions, including trooper schools. It also cancels $800,000 for statewide gang case system connectivity.

Forestry and disaster recovery funds cut

Grant funding for Hurricane Helene recovery falls by $11.15 million. A small $60,000 move shifts money from Forest Management to Forest Protection to help fight fires.

Judicial funding trimmed in several areas

The state lowers one‑time equipment money by $15,125 for each new judge in the Houston and Tifton circuits. It also reduces appropriations where judges did not opt into the new salary structure.

Cuts one unfilled workforce job

The state eliminates funding for one unfilled workforce development position. This saves $225,000. It may slightly reduce program capacity.

Schools and programs face budget trims

The law trims several education budgets. It ends $268,157 for camp‑affiliated staff. It cuts student advocacy grants by $6.16 million and literacy research by $976,239. It lowers funds tied to universal dyslexia screening and youth services matches. It also reduces the state’s public school pension payment by $2.83 million and makes small timing savings at university and extension programs.

Agencies get more flexible federal funds

Agencies can use federal and other non‑state funds more broadly for lawful purposes within their powers. They cannot use this flex for administratively attached agencies. This changes how officials move money, not who qualifies for benefits.

Insurance regulators swap to fee funding

The state replaces $2.59 million in general funds for Insurance Regulation and $582,923 for Enforcement with higher appointment‑fee revenue. This changes who pays for these programs without changing public eligibility rules.

Teacher pension employer rate capped in 2026

Lawmakers state their intent that the Teachers Retirement System employer contribution rate not exceed 21.91% in State Fiscal Year 2026. This holds employer costs down for that year. It does not change member benefits or the contribution formula.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Blake Tillery
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 482 • No: 7

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

ADOPT CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2026

Immediately Transmit to Governor

Yes: 169 • No: 0