Special Session
It was a fast-paced and productive week for the Georgia House as we celebrated Republican victories in Tuesday's runoff elections and convened for a Special Session to address several important issues affecting taxpayers, voters, and families across our state.
First, I want to congratulate our statewide Republican nominees who won in Tuesday’s runoff election.
Rick Jackson - Governor
Greg Dolezal - Lieutenant Governor
Tim Fleming - Secretary of State
Mike Collins - U.S. Senate
Richard Woods - State School Superintendent
Georgia’s future depends on our unity as a party and our collective dedication to electing conservative candidates up and down the ballot in November. The House looks forward to working alongside our nominees to share our winning message with voters across Georgia, earn their support, and continue advancing common-sense policies that make life better for every Georgian.
On Wednesday, the General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome for a Special Session. Under Georgia law, legislative business during a Special Session is limited to the topics outlined by the Governor in his official call. The items listed in the Governor’s call include:
Property Tax Relief
During the 2026 Legislative Session, the Georgia House delivered historic property tax relief by passing legislation to cap property tax assessment increases and establish the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST), an optional tool that enables local governments to reduce, or even eliminate, property taxes on primary residences.
Ratification of the Gas Tax Suspension
Governor Kemp extended the suspension of Georgia's motor fuel tax from May 20 through June 2, saving drivers 33 cents per gallon and more than $400 million over the course of the suspension. Under the Georgia Constitution, the General Assembly is required to ratify the tax suspension during the first legislative session following its implementation.
Election Reform
The call also included a request for lawmakers to address the July 1, 2026, deadline to eliminate QR codes as the official ballot-counting mechanism in future elections. The House looks forward to working alongside our colleagues in the Senate to pass a responsible path forward that continues strengthening the security, integrity, and transparency of Georgia's elections.
Senate Confirmation of Governor’s Appointments
The Senate was asked to consider appointments made by Governor Kemp following the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session.
Reapportionment
Finally, the Governor’s call included a request for the General Assembly to take up redistricting for the 2028 election cycle in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais.
As we continue throughout the Special Session, the House’s sole focus is on the policies that matter most to Georgia's future and the hardworking people who call our state home. From advancing historic property tax relief to ratifying the extension of the state gas tax suspension, this work reflects the House’s shared commitment to responsible, conservative governance that puts taxpayers first and helps ensure Georgia remains the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.
That is why on Wednesday, House and Senate Republicans announced our decision not to take up redistricting during this legislative session. The General Assembly has always conducted redistricting with considerable time for public input and with careful attention to constitutional requirements and the interests of every Georgia community. Since this process has the potential to impact every voter, it deserves the same responsible, fact-driven approach that guides every policy we consider as lawmakers, especially as we seek to understand the full implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais and other pending litigation.
You can read the full letter from House leadership to Governor Kemp outlining this decision below:
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at (404) 656-5020 or jon.burns@house.ga.gov. I hope everyone has a great weekend!
My best,
Speaker Jon Burns