As the Georgia General Assembly approaches Crossover Day on March 6, legislative activity has intensified as lawmakers work to advance Senate bills to the House. Senator Mike Hodges (R–Brunswick) highlighted key legislative developments and budget priorities in a recent update.
Senator Hodges welcomed Sen. Steven McNeel of Macon as the newest Republican member, noting his commitment to faith, family, and free enterprise.
The Senate has sent the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the Governor after extensive review and negotiations with the House. “After weeks of detailed review, tough questioning, and negotiations with the House, we produced a budget that will protect the rainy-day fund and return excess revenue to the taxpayers who earned it,” Hodges stated.
According to Hodges, over $1 billion in income tax relief and $850 million in homestead property tax relief have been delivered. The budget also allocates more than $400 million for constructing a new state mental health hospital—the first since the 1960s—aimed at easing pressure on county jails and supporting law enforcement. “Supporting our men and women in uniform means giving them the tools to do their jobs effectively,” he said.
Additional funding is directed toward a residency program for Southeast Georgia Health Systems to increase medical training opportunities locally. Funds are also allocated for St. Marys Elementary School in Camden County following its closure due to a natural emergency.
Legislative measures advanced this week include Senate Bill 392, known as the “Waste Reduction Act of 2026.” This bill requires state agencies to use zero-based budgeting at least once every eight years. “This reform demands accountability and ensures that every dollar reflects today’s priorities,” Hodges explained.
The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 433 (“Rio’s Law”), which aims to improve protections for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities by introducing voluntary special license plates and enhanced law enforcement training. Another measure, Senate Bill 513 (“Every Day Counts Act”), targets chronic absenteeism in schools by providing clearer intervention tools for educators.
Hodges also announced progress on his own legislation: “I am proud to announce that my bill, Senate Bill 500, passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. This bill will expand the Behavioral Health Care Workforce Data Base to include data from licensed health care professionals.”
He added that ongoing collaboration with banking industry representatives and the Georgia State Treasurer may result in further legislation focused on constituent interests.
As Crossover Day nears, Hodges emphasized continued efforts by Senate Republicans: “Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering results that strengthen Georgia’s economy, safeguard our communities and protect your hard-earned income.”
Senator John F. Kennedy has played an active role during his tenure as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He chaired several committees including Administrative Affairs and served ex-officio roles on others such as Ethics, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Rules according to his official profile. Kennedy represented Georgia’s 18th District since being sworn into office on January 12, 2015 (source). His responsibilities included legislative sponsorship throughout his service (source). Kennedy maintained an office at 305-B CLOB in Atlanta (source).
Hodges serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting representing Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh counties as well as part of Ware County.