Gov. Brian Kemp is set to sign Georgia’s amended fiscal year budget at the State Capitol, closing weeks of negotiations under the Gold Dome.
The revised budget delivers roughly $2 bn in income and property tax relief. It also allocates funding for transportation projects and provides one-time bonuses to teachers, university staff and state employees.
Kemp will be joined at the signing ceremony by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns.
At the same time, the Georgia House is advancing a package of insurance-related bills to the state Senate aimed at moderating premium costs.
- House Bill 1262 would increase fines on insurers for violations including surprise billing and failure to cover mental health treatment.
- House Bill 1263 would shorten the window for insurers to seek refunds related to premium tax payment errors.
- House Bill 1274 would require insurers to reduce rates if profits exceed 5% of projections for three consecutive years.
According to Beinsure analysts, profit-triggered rate adjustment mandates introduce earnings volatility risk for carriers operating in competitive personal lines markets.
House Bill 1344 proposes raising nearly 40 outdated insurance fines and expanding enforcement authority for John King.
The measure also strengthens uninsured motorist provisions by penalizing excluded drivers and vehicle owners who allow them to operate insured vehicles.
Separately, Senate Bill 513, moving to the House, would impose penalties on students who skip class, including restricting participation in extracurricular activities and authorizing the Department of Driver Services to suspend instructional permits or driver’s licenses.
Lawmakers will also recognize Lemon Pepper Day at the Capitol, tied to House Bill 1013, which would designate lemon pepper as Georgia’s official chicken wing flavor.
The lighter note contrasts with a legislative calendar dominated by fiscal and insurance policy debates.
