SEN. CARDEN SUMMERS: Priorities are focus during second half of session 

Crossover Day is here, which means the pace under the Gold Dome intensified as we worked to move Senate legislation to the House before the March 6 deadline. The final days before Crossover are always long, but they are focused on advancing the priorities you’ve sent us to Atlanta to accomplish.

Before diving into policy, I want to welcome our newest Republican colleague, Sen. Steven McNeel. He now represents families from Fort Valley to Forsyth and joins us with a strong commitment to faith, family and free enterprise.

This week, we sent the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to the governor’s desk, one of the most important responsibilities we have as legislators. After weeks of detailed review, tough questioning, and negotiations with the House, we produced a budget rooted in conservative principles that will protect the rainy-day fund and return excess revenue to the taxpayers who earned it.

We’ve governed with discipline, and thus have delivered more than $1 billion in income tax relief and $850 million in homestead property tax relief. That is real, meaningful breathing room for families who are feeling the strain of rising insurance premiums, higher grocery bills, and increased property assessments.

This budget also makes a long-overdue investment in public safety and mental health by dedicating more than $400 million to the construction of the first new state mental health hospital in Georgia since the 1960s. For too long, county jails have shouldered the responsibility of housing individuals struggling with serious mental illness. This facility will help ensure eligible individuals receive proper treatment while relieving pressure on local law enforcement and taxpayers.

In addition to passing a responsible budget, we advanced Senate Bill 392, the “Waste Reduction Act of 2026.” This legislation implements zero-based budgeting practices, requiring state agencies to justify their expenditures from the ground-up at least once every eight years. Too often, the government relies on last year’s spending as a starting point. This reform demands accountability and ensures that every dollar reflects today’s priorities, not yesterday’s habits. 

Senate Bill 513, the “Every Day Counts Act,” addresses chronic absenteeism in our schools. Students who miss significant classroom time face long-term academic and economic consequences. This legislation gives schools clearer tools to intervene early, encourage accountability, and reinforce the expectation that education is not optional. If we want a strong work force and vibrant economy tomorrow, we must insist on responsibility and engagement today.

This past week, I introduced Senate Bill 550 to further protect our right to bear arms. This bill will protect firearm manufacturers from alleged manufacturing defects beyond the federal requirements. If firearms meet federal standards and have no defects, the choice of safety features should be left to the manufacturer and the consumer alone.

I also introduced Senate Bill 590, which will strengthen protections for breeding dogs. It will also limit the number of breeding dogs a breeder can own and ensure each dog receives adequate care. Backyard breeders and “puppy mills” must be held accountable for neglectful behavior. As an animal lover myself, I know the joy that dogs bring to our lives. Dogs are truly man’s best friend and deserve to be treated as such by every owner in Georgia.

It is an honor to represent you, and I will continue fighting for a safer, more affordable, and more prosperous Georgia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or concerns as we continue through the second half of this legislative session.

Sen. Carden Summers serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions. He represents the 13th Senate District and may be reached by phone at (404) 656-9224 or by email at [email protected].