Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1199, sponsored by Rep. John Carson (R-Marietta), into law Friday, March 20, 2026, temporarily suspending Georgia's motor fuel tax amid soaring fuel prices.
This decision comes after the price of oil skyrocketed after the United States and Israel bombed Iran, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for much of the world's oil.
Democrats in both chambers have heavily called on Kemp to provide relief for Georgians struggling to pay the increased gas prices.
The bill unanimously passed in the Senate Thursday, March, 19, 2026, and received 163 votes in the House the day before.
The tax suspension will be in place for 60 days, and will lead to lower gas prices for millions.
Georgians can expect to see a 33 cent per gallon price drop at the pumps once the tax suspension goes into effect.
Speaker of the House Jon Burns supported the bill's passage throughout its run in Congress.
The Georgia House just passed HB 1199, which proposes a 60-day gas tax suspension.
We look forward to delivering this meaningful, timely relief to millions of Georgia drivers and families when and where it’s needed most. pic.twitter.com/o7prOOYZfr
— JonBurnsGA (@JonBurnsGA) March 18, 2026
Kemp signed the bill at the same time as an income tax rebate bill sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), which will return $1.2 million to Georgians in income tax refunds, according to a press release published by Kemp's team.
He praised the passage of the bills with an X post.
Proud to sign two bills today to give quick and meaningful tax relief to hardworking Georgians.
We’re suspending the gas tax AND returning almost $1.2B to taxpayers, because Georgia families know best how to spend their money, not the government! https://t.co/Lf77W4Luww pic.twitter.com/AHuhfGsYx5
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 20, 2026
