Special Session Recap
The General Assembly adjourned sine die on Tuesday after ratifying the Governor’s gas tax suspension, passing election reform, and attempting to give citizens across the state an opportunity to vote on property tax relief at the ballot box in November.
Over 80 local bills were introduced that would have enabled voters in communities across the state to vote on much-needed property tax relief. Since these were local ballot referendums, the measures required 120 votes to pass in the House. Democrats blocked their passage three times, forcing families to continue bearing the burden of skyrocketing property taxes.
Homeownership is the foundation of the American dream, and House Republicans are committed to continuing to fight to give Georgia families the relief they deserve.
In addition to our continued efforts to lower property taxes, we ratified the Governor’s extension of the state gas tax suspension, delivering immediate relief to Georgia families while gas prices continued to rise. The suspension saved drivers more than $400 million overall and almost $5 each time they filled their tanks.
Finally, we were proud to enact common-sense election reforms that bring Georgia into compliance with state election law, strengthen election integrity, and provide a responsible path forward as we prepare for future elections.
SB 3EX accomplishes three main goals:
This legislation creates the new Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee, which is tasked with developing recommendations for a new statewide voting system based on hand-marked paper ballots printed on demand. The committee must deliver its recommendations by January 31, 2027, which provides ample time for implementation of the new system before the 2028 election cycle.
SB 3EX requires mandatory hand recounts in close statewide races when the margin is within 0.5%. It also requires the state to reimburse local governments if the recount is completed within 17 days.
Finally, SB 3EX strengthens election audits by expanding the races that are audited automatically, increasing transparency, trust, and integrity in Georgia’s elections.
House Republicans entered this Special Session focused on delivering real relief to Georgia families, and remain committed to lowering costs, protecting taxpayers, and advancing common-sense policies that make Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Addressing the House Chamber as we convened for day three of the Special Session
Dayle and I were surprised with a resolution from our House colleagues in honor of our 50th wedding anniversary which we celebrate today
It was an honor to give Chairlady Lynn Smith the opportunity to adjourn the Special Session on Tuesday. After over 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Georgia, she will be retiring at the end of this year. We wish her all the best in this next chapter
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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