Georgia House opens session with prayers, local recognitions and dozens of bill introductions; several measures pass

The Georgia House convened Feb. 3, 2026, with the customary roll call, a scripture reading and prayer delivered after Representative Bill Hitchens introduced Don, pastor of Oak Grove Church of Christ. The chaplain read Philippians 2:3 and led the chamber in a prayer that urged humility and asked protection for first responders.

Members used morning orders to recognize community groups and observances: Representative Al Williams recounted a personal link to Dorchester Academy and civil-rights history; members marked Girl Scout Day in the Capitol and recognized Kennesaw State Day and its Conference USA football champions; the House honored firefighters and Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief Roderick Smith during Georgia Firefighter Appreciation Day.

The clerk read a long list of first-reading bills across many policy areasfrom workers' compensation and insurance to education, taxation and local government. Committee assignments and short captions were read for a large batch of bills; the rules calendar concluded and the House proceeded to consider several bills in detail.

During the rules calendar the House took up and passed HB 350 (authorizing infant safe-surrender devices, described by Representative Mike Cameron), HB 946 (changes to feral hog control and removal of certain permit and licensing restrictions, presented by Representative Clifton) and HB 999 (clarifying magistrate-court fee authority and fixing a prior repeal clause, presented by Representative Leverett). Several committee chairs announced schedules for Appropriations, Rules and other standing committees before the majority leader moved to adjourn; the House recessed until Feb. 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

This roundup is based on floor remarks, bill captions and committee reports read on the House floor during the Feb. 3 session.