Georgia House opens session with prayer, bill readings and adjournment until Jan. 15

The Georgia House of Representatives convened for a morning session that opened with an invocation by Pastor Benny Tate and concluded after the clerk read first- and second-reading bills and the House adopted several privileged resolutions. The majority leader moved to adjourn the chamber until Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and the motion carried by voice vote.

Pastor Benny Tate, introduced by Representative Clint Crow, delivered scripture from 2 Timothy and urged members to encourage others “with your praise, with your presence, with your pen” and “with your prayers,” telling the chamber, “If they're breathing, they need encouragement.” The House recited the Pledge of Allegiance following the invocation.

After procedural business, Chairman Hilton reported the journal of the previous legislative day had been read and found correct; the House dispensed with the reading and confirmed the journal with no objections. The clerk then read a resolution establishing the order of business for the day, which the House adopted without objection.

The clerk read a series of first-reading measures on topics ranging from student immunization and insurance to court technology fees and motor-vehicle statutes (examples include House Bills 950–958 as read for first reading). The House also heard numerous second-reading measures and resolutions, including bills concerning the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority and a range of local court and taxation provisions; committee referrals were announced for items such as Education, Ways and Means, and Natural Resources and Environment.

Privileged resolutions recognizing individuals and organizations were read and adopted without opposition. Examples included commendations for Bishop Dr. Eddie Lee Stevens, the Seminole County Youth Poll Worker Initiative, the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council, and other honorees; the clerk also read resolutions designating observance days, such as Georgia Association of Broadcasters Day and 4‑H Day at the State Capitol.

Members used morning orders to make brief announcements and invitations. Representative Angela Moore asked colleagues to donate prom gowns for students in need and directed donors to her office in the CLOB. Representative McClain announced the Working Families Caucus luncheon where the Georgia AFL‑CIO will present legislative priorities. Chair Lady Lynn Smith announced a hearing on House Resolution 1008 before the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee the following morning, described as a hearing-only educational session.

A representative identifying as the Majority Leader urged colleagues to focus on policy and said the caucus would “back the blue,” saying national politics should not divert state policy work. Representative Chaz Cannon invited members to a ‘Keeping Georgia Wild’ event the next morning, which the governor and other officials were scheduled to attend.

The session ended when the Majority Leader moved to adjourn until Jan. 15 at 10:00 a.m. The Speaker called for ayes and noes, declared the ayes had it, and adjourned the House.

What’s next: The House will reconvene on Jan. 15 at 10:00 a.m.; a gubernatorial State of the State address is scheduled for that day and committee hearings (including one on H.R. 1008) are set for the morning.