With the new year upon us, we’re tracking the key laws passed during the 2025 Georgia General Assembly session that take effect on January 1, 2026 or later in the year.

These changes, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, impact areas like taxes, homeownership, insurance, vehicles, courts, health services, and more.

They generally focus on consumer protections, government efficiency, and professional standards.

New Georgia Laws for 2026

Here are some of the most notable ones affecting Georgians:

Tax and Financial Changes

  • State income tax rate reduction — Georgia’s flat individual income tax rate continues its phased decrease (as part of multi-year reform), dropping further toward a target of 4.99% by January 2027. This applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
  • Catastrophe savings accounts — All Georgia taxpayers can now open a single designated “catastrophe savings account” for disaster-related expenses, with contributions and interest deductible from state taxable income.

Homeownership and Consumer Protections

  • Automatic HVAC warranty transfer (Georgia Act 285) — Manufacturer warranties on certain HVAC systems will automatically transfer to new homeowners when a house is sold. This applies to units sold or installed starting January 2, 2026, and manufacturers cannot require registration for validity.
  • Extended insurance notice period — Homeowners receive stronger protections: insurers must provide 60 days’ notice (up from 30 days) before canceling or non-renewing a policy.

Vehicles and Transportation

  • “America First” specialty license plate — A new tag featuring the U.S. flag and phrase “America First” becomes available, with proceeds benefiting the state’s general fund.
  • Updated temporary operating permits and vehicle booting rules — Private property owners gain authority to boot trespassing vehicles (if local rules allow), with required warning signs posted. Businesses also get streamlined digital access to Department of Revenue vehicle data for faster temporary plates and reduced fraud.
  • Digital recording in courts — Certain court proceedings can now use digital recordings instead of live court reporters for transcripts, aiming to improve efficiency.
  • Litigation financing regulations (Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act) — Third-party litigation funders must register with the state, with prohibitions on involvement from foreign adversaries and new consumer protections (full requirements effective January 1, 2026).

Health, Professional Services, and Other Updates

  • Teledentistry authorization — Dentists can provide care via telemedicine, with dental benefit plans required to cover it (regulated by the Georgia Board of Dentistry).
  • Public Accountancy Act of 2025 — New pathways created for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), including easier transfers for out-of-state professionals.
  • Solid waste facility rules (Georgia Act 259) — Outdated definitions removed, and applicants for new or modified waste facilities (e.g., landfills) must prove compliance with local zoning/land-use rules.
  • Behavioral health oversight shift — Responsibility for substance abuse and behavioral health programs transfers from the Department of Community Health to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Additionally, updated building codes (including the 2024 International Building Code, Residential Code, and others with Georgia amendments) take effect January 1, 2026, impacting construction and permitting statewide.

Many other changes streamline state systems or update professional licensing, but these stand out for their broad impact on everyday Georgians. Note that several major updates (e.g., school device restrictions, further tax tweaks) take effect later in 2026, often July 1.

For the full list of enacted bills, check the Georgia General Assembly website or the Governor’s Office signed legislation page. If you’re affected by any of these (e.g., buying a home, filing taxes, or dealing with insurance), consult a professional for personalized advice.

Stay tuned for more Atlanta-focused coverage as these laws roll out! What change are you most curious about? Let us know in the comments.

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