The Holland Report - 2026, Week 10

Sara Fuchs

I joked with a group of church members visiting the Capitol this week that while they may think it’s the season of Lent, under the Gold Dome it’s really the season of Christmas trees. A few weeks ago on Crossover Day, I explained that bills had to pass one chamber to remain eligible for consideration in the other. That might make it seem like no new legislation can emerge after that deadline—but you’d be mistaken. There’s a long-standing practice in the legislature of either “stripping” bills—removing all original language and replacing it entirely—or turning them into “Christmas tree” bills, where amendments are hung on like ornaments. Take HB 61, for example: it left the House as a measure dealing with license plates for ambulances and hearses, but arrived in the Senate only to be stripped and rewritten to address how extended-stay hotels can evict tenants. While a bill like this still requires an “agree” vote when it returns to the House, it bypasses the usual committee hearings and floor debate. As a result, we’re all on high alert as these amended bills come back across the rotunda.

Meanwhile, the past few legislative days have been relatively quiet. Many believe that’s because the House and Senate leadership have yet to align on which bills to prioritize—or even on the budget itself. The result is a bit of a stalemate: slower days now, paired with a growing sense of anticipation (and maybe dread) about just how packed the final stretch of the session will be.

The good news is that we have passed a few strong bills—see below for a summary.

The Governor signed two bills into law this week to provide relief to Georgia taxpayers.

HB 1000Income tax; one-time tax credit for individual taxpayers who filed income tax returns for the 2024 and 2025 taxable years; provide
This bill authorizes a fourth, one-time special income tax rebate of up to $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of household, and $500 for couples filing jointly. The Department of Revenue (DOR) expects to begin issuing these rebates for eligible taxpayers who filed state income tax returns for the 2024 and 2025 taxable years.

HB 1199Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code and Internal Revenue Code of 1986; revise terms and incorporate certain provisions of federal law into Georgia law
I voted no on the first version of this bill that came to the floor of the House as it did not adequately align us with federal tax policy. However, many of my concerns have been fixed and, more importantly, it now allows for the suspension of the state motor fuel tax for 60 days, thanks to pressure from the Democratic caucus. Prices at the pump will begin to reflect this change in the coming days and weeks 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.

While these temporary measures are welcome, Georgia House Democrats will continue to advocate for a broader, more comprehensive strategy to lower everyday costs and support working families over the long term.

I delivered a morning order this week recognizing my church, Morningside Presbyterian, for their 100th anniversary, and to welcome Presbyterians for a Better Georgia for their Lobby Day at the Capitol and to thank them for their advocacy work.

Notable Bills

SB 570"Georgia Human Trafficking Prevention Training Act"; enact
This bill is part of a broader push to increase safety and awareness within the hospitality and rental industries in Georgia by requiring training for employees at short-term rental platforms and properties. It ensures that employees are trained to identify and handle human trafficking, particularly in anticipation of events like the World Cup.
This bill passed the House with my yes vote.

SB 285Emergency Communications Authority; increase in the percentage of all 9-1-1 charges to be remitted to the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; increase
This bill takes the taxes paid to counties on insurance companies and premiums and dedicates a portion to the Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, a retirement fund for police officers.
This bill passed unanimously in the House.

SB 384 Motor Vehicle; optional five-year motor vehicle registration and revalidation for certain motor vehicles; provide
This bill creates an optional five-year vehicle registration program starting July 1, 2027, requiring annual emissions inspections and ongoing compliance during the registration period. It would be administered by the Department of Revenue, with electronic reporting by inspection providers and no refunds if registration ends early. The bill also eliminates the current two-year registration option, certain extensions, and penalties for failure to register.
This bill passed the House with my yes vote.

Join me as I predict which bills we'll hear on the last day of session! I’ll also be there to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and hear what matters most to you.

Pre-register for the Zoom link here:
March 29th, 4 - 5 pm

If you haven’t already, please browse my website, betsyforgeorgia.com.

As your Representative, your concerns are important to me. Please contact me at betsy.holland@house.ga.gov or 404-656-0116 with questions, concerns, or solutions you may have regarding legislation or other happenings in District 54.

To stay updated, follow me on Instagram and Facebook, and follow the Georgia House of Representatives @GAHouseHub on Twitter. Additionally, in-depth information regarding current bills, Georgia's annual and supplemental budgets, committee meetings, and livestreams from the General Assembly can be accessed via www.legis.ga.gov.

I encourage you and your family to visit our State Capitol and my office, where all constituents are welcome. I look forward to connecting with you!

My office is located at:
18 Capitol Square, SW
409-B Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.