Under the Gold Dome | January 12

 WE ARE BACK IN SESSION AT THE CAPITOL! 

 The Georgia General Assembly started the first day of the 2026 legislative session on Monday, January 12, 2026. The House of Representatives along with the Senate, make up our state lawmaking body called the Georgia General Assembly. 

MONDAY, January 12th

The House celebrated the first day with a special performance by Audrey Kittila - Miss Georgia 2025. Kittila delivered a violin rendition of “Georgia on My Mind”. The performance was a great way to begin session and set the tone before the House took up the business for the day. 

The House voted to adopt the Adjournment Resolution House Resolution 998, establishing the 40-day legislative calendar for 2026 legislative session. Georgia’s Constitution requires the Georgia General Assembly to convene for 40 non-consecutive legislative days. The final day of this year’s session (known as “Sine Die”) is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026. 

TUESDAY

Several bills received first readers on the House floor. 

We also recognized Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for 113 Years of Service and recognized January 13, 2026, as Founders Day. The Sorority's first public act was its participation in the historic 1913 Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., underscoring its legacy of civic engagement and social action. 

WEDNESDAY

Members of the General Assembly attended the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs & Issues breakfast where Governor Kemp gave a preview of some of his priorities for the year. 

THURSDAY

A joint session of the House & Senate gathered in the House Chamber to hear Governor Kemp deliver his final State of the State Address. We were also joined by the Justices of the Supreme Court & the Judges of the Court of Appeals. Governor Kemp’s final address centered on

• lowering the cost of living for Georgians

• prioritizing education

• workforce training

• school safety

• strengthening retirement security for law enforcement

• intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking

• gang-related crime across Georgia. 

VERDA COLVIN - Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court 

First African American woman to be named to either court by a Republican Governor 

FRIDAY

At the Capitol, a celebration of service was held to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His legacy challenges all elected officials to lead with compassion and unity to ensure that our work at the Capitol continues to serve every Georgian. 

Also, on Friday - along with union members, elected officials and others, I attended the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast before the House gaveled in for session. 

My colleagues and I will return to the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to begin work on one of the most important responsibilities of this session -- the state budget. 

During this “budget week,” we will hear directly from Governor Kemp and state agency leaders as they present their budget requests to the joint House and Senate Appropriations Committees. 

The General Assembly will return on Monday, January 26, for Legislative Day 6. I invite you to attend the legislative session and the committee meetings in person -or- watch the House live streams at https://www.legis.ga.gov/schedule/house. 

Committees:

• Appropriations

• Health

• Judiciary Juvenile (Secretary)

• Transportation

• Ways & Means 

• House Democratic Caucus (Deputy Whip)

• Women Caucus(Secretary) 

As your State Representative, I work on issues important to you, your family, our community and the state of Georgia. I can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws. I will continue to work on behalf of our community and serve the needs of my constituents. 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Representative~