Georgia lawmakers are returning to Atlanta for the opening of the 2026 Legislative session. The House will be gaveled into session at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Democratic Senator Harold Jones represents Georgia’s 22nd Senate District, covering Augusta and parts of Richmond County, Georgia, as the Minority Leader in the Georgia Senate, told ABD he expects reducing or eliminating the personal income tax will be one of the session’s key issues.
“Other than that, things have been kind of quiet as far as what the major issues are going to be out there,” he said. “Last year, we knew that tort reform would be a major issue. We also knew that we probably had some cultural issues last year, like dealing with transgender issues, and both of those came up. This year, the big thing we’re hearing about, it’s really just been the income tax bill.”
MORE BACKGROUND
ABD Publisher Neil Gordon and AU Hull College Professor Dr. Rick Franza previously compared what the net effects of the state income tax elimination was in Washington State so Georgians would know what to expect. Click HERE.
Over in the House, Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) unveiled his policy agenda for the 2026 Legislative Session. He said it will focus on affordability and quality of life challenges for Georgia families.
“This year, the House is not taking our eyes off of what Georgians across the state have told us matters most, and we’re laser-focused on making life more affordable for our fellow Georgians,” said Burns in the news release announcing his priorities.
His recommendations include cutting through government red tape and reducing regulatory barriers to make housing more affordable.
Jones agrees there is a need to address housing affordability. He said some of the solutions may be a technical approach.
“One of the things you can look at is lot sizes. May not be a sexy kind of headline, but it’s real,” he said. “You can look at lot sizes, because a lot of times your lot sizes that have to be in a particular neighborhood can actually stop homeownership. You can also look at potential zoning issues where you could maybe have some more exceptions.”
His thoughts echo the comprehensive housing need study released last fall by the SRS Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO). It found that common barriers are zoning codes restricting what types of housing can be built.
Jones is also concerned about rising costs to rent a home or apartment. A potential solution is to give counties the authority to impose rent controls.
“Right now, the state says you can’t do it at all. We forbid counties from even looking at the issue,” he explained. “All our legislation would do is just open up the possibility, and that would be to have a choice, to make that decision. They would have to make that decision based on their economic development, and if they think it is in their best interest to do that.”
Last week, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced his Senate floor leaders for the 2026 session. They are Sen. Drew Echols (R-District 49) and Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-District 50).
Jones said he has been comfortable working with them in the past.
“So, I think it’s good. I think it will help continue what I believe is a camaraderie standpoint, from a leadership standpoint,” he said, adding, “I think that’s the key thing, where we talk through some issues and if there’s room to work. I feel comfortable that those are two guys that you can work with.”
Kemp also announced his floor leaders in the state house. Rep. Soo Hong (R-District 103), Rep. Will Wade (R-District 9), Rep. Matthew Gambill (R-District 15), and Rep. Devan Seabaugh (R-District 34).
“Over the last seven years, this administration has worked with the General Assembly to pass historic policies and investments that put Georgians first,” Kemp was quoted in a news release.
One change Jones will see in the house is the loss of a familiar face. Rep. Lynn Heffner (D-District 130) announced her resignation on January 5th. She said damage to her home by Hurricane Helene forced her to move into a different district.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of House District 130, which has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Heffner in a news release. “However, the ongoing discourse surrounding the rebuilding process has reached an impasse, creating uncertainty that has led me to make the difficult but necessary decision to step aside.”
“She was a great asset to our delegation,” said Jones. “I enjoyed working with her. I’m glad she was there and was looking forward to working with her this year. I think the key thing about her was she was always willing to work with everybody.”
A livestream of the legislative meetings is available at: https://www.legis.ga.gov/
