2026 Legislative Update – Week One

Legislative Update — Several bills of interest have been introduced this first week in the session. Once introduced, they are referred to a committee for fact finding hearings, discussion, possible amendments and the like. Keep in mind that many bills die in committee, so the introduction of a bill does not necessarily create an urgent need to call our representatives—sometimes it’s worth watching to see what evolves. That said, some Republican bills will be pushed through if they have enough support without a lot of discussion.

Democrat sponsored–

• SB 390–Restricts the deployment of armed military forces from other states into Georgia unless the Governor of Georgia gives explicit permission. The bill reinforces state sovereignty and civilian control, ensuring that Georgia’s governor retains authority over when and how armed forces from other states can operate within Georgia’s borders. Referred to the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee
• SB 389 — Requires certain immigration enforcement officers operating in Georgia to be clearly identifiable to the public while performing immigration enforcement duties, prohibits masks. Referred to the Public Safety Committee
• SB 391–Restricts immigration enforcement activities in certain locations unless law enforcement has a judicial warrant. These areas include schools, hospitals, places of worship, libraries, and family violence shelters to protect due process, child safety, and community stability. Referred to the Judiciary Committee
• SB 397— Creates a civil cause of action against federal officials who violate constitutional rights–people harmed can sue ICE for damages. Now in the Judiciary Committee.

Republican sponsored–

• HB 994 — This bill proposes to significantly increase criminal penalties for the offense of riot in Georgia, making rioting a felony. Referred to the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
• SR 563 — Urges the Georgia Secretary of State to immediately and fully comply with a request from the U.S. Department of Justice to securely produce Georgia’s voter registration list. Referred to the Ethics Committee
• SB 214 — Allows voters to cast a physical (paper) absentee ballot on request as an alternative to other authorized methods of in-person voting–this one passed the Senate in 2025 and has been brought before the House this week.