The Week In Review

The Georgia House of Representatives reconvened on Monday, March 16, for Legislative Day 32 and the start of the 10^th week of the 2026 legislative session.  One of the most notable measures that the House championed last week was House Bill 1199, which will temporarily suspend Georgia’s excise tax on motor fuel for 60 days. This suspension comes at a critical time as Georgians have faced sharp increases in gas prices amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, placing added financial strain on families and business across the state. Prices at the pump will begin to reflect this change in the coming days as retailers receive new shipments of motor fuel. Georgia’s excise tax on gasoline is currently 33.3 cents per gallon and 37.3 cents per gallon of diesel. After the House overwhelmingly passed HB 1199 with our gas tax suspension provision included, we immediately sent the amended legislation to our colleagues in the Senate, where they later agreed to the House’s version of HB 1199, giving it final passage.

 Some local legislation our delegation passed last week:

• HB 1339 addresses concerns over extended vacancies on the Columbus City Council. If enacted, HB 1339 would require a special election to fill a council vacancy if it occurs more than 90 days before a general election. The measure also mandates that the election be called within 30 days after the vacancy is declared.
• House Bill 1460 would revise compensation for the Muscogee County State Court solicitor general, assistant solicitors, and related positions.
• House Bill 1461 proposes adjustments to compensation for the clerk and chief deputy clerk of Muscogee County.
• House Bill 1462 would establish the Columbus Music Commission to support and promote the city’s music and cultural economy.

All measures now await action in the Senate.