Governor Kemp signed a new set of bills, following through on promises made. Some legislation cut spending, while others increased it in necessary areas. The bills concern government spending and bureaucratic management.
First, House Bill (HB) 113 was signed as a way to limit the power and authority of state agencies. The bill prohibits the state or its agencies from purchasing goods from certain foreign countries or related entities.
HB 113 provides a list of goods and repeals certain provisions related to China.
Second, Senate Bill (SB) 96 acts as a blanket bureaucracy bill. The bill modernizes and updates provisions regarding certain boards, centers, commissions, committees, councils, and task forces.
In effect, SB 96 decreases the burden of agencies by reducing the number of boards that are inactive or redundant.
Finally, Kemp officially signed the budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The budget invests more in education, public health, and public safety.
For education, it allocates $300 million towards enrollment and expense growth for K-12 education. It allocates $267 million to fund higher education growth for the university and technical college systems.
For public health, the budget allocates $257 million for Medicaid and Peachcare for Kids. It allocates $10 million for state hospitals and a $5 million salary increase for social workers.
For public safety, the budget allocates $1.7 million for additional positions at the GBI crime lab. It also allocates $1 million towards a gang case management system and another $1 million for more technical leaders and forensic investigators.
Kemp took to X to celebrate the passage of this budget. He lauded it as balancing the need to cut spending and increase it at the same time.
Kemp commented, “Proud to sign the State Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 today, making important investments across Georgia to meet the needs of our growing state WITHOUT growing government or adding any long-term liabilities.”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones weighed in as well. He framed the budget as an outstanding achievement.
Jones commented, “In Georgia, we are continuing to keep government spending in check, while giving money back to taxpayers – where it belongs.”
