State Representative Miriam Paris

Georgia Legislative 2026 Sine Die wrap up:

Our only constitutional requirement, the FY 2027 budget was passed—
House Bill 974, passed to a tune of $38.5 billion, an increase of $738 million over the FY 2026 original budget. Here we prioritized early childhood literacy, continued support of children in the state’s foster care system, expanded services to Georgians with intellectual or developmental disabilities and improved the state’s ability to provide regular cost of living adjustments to retired state employees.

Income Tax Rate Cut (HB 1001): Lowers the state income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99%.

High School Cell phone Ban (HB 1009): Mandates a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal electronic devices in grades 9-12 statewide.

Protester Penalties: SB 433 sharply increases penalties for blocking streets to a high and aggravated misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Need-Based Aid SB 556: Passed the House on Sine Die, allocating $325 million toward a new need-based college scholarship program.

SB 594 establishes new criminal offenses for AI misuse and mandate disclaimers for AI-generated campaign media. Also, operators of “AI companion chatbots” must now make clear disclosures that users are interacting with an AI, not a person (SB 540).

HB 1001 lowers the state income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99%, passed both chambers.

HB 169 received new language to create a tax credit for small businesses that offers certain employee benefits, such as individual coverage health reimbursements.

For more legislative information on other bills that passed please visit our state website: www.legis.ga.gov

Caption for the photos:
The calm before the storm.

https://gema.georgia.gov/winter
It’s Cold Outside!
Please take a moment to read this message from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency on how to stay prepared for this week’s freezing temperatures.
We’re in this together…stay warm, stay safe.

Winter Weather hello world

They asked and I said, “yes!”
Let’s talk about it! All are welcome and I hope to see you there at the Museum of Arts and Sciences Auditorium.

‼️ NEW VENUE! Join Middle Georgia 4 Choice & Macon Rising for “Macon Progress” — a vital town hall with Rep. Miriam Paris (District 142) on October 15, 6–7:30 PM at the Museum of Arts & Sciences! We’re talking real issues: reproductive rights, education, economic justice, and more. Bring your questions, your passion, and your voice; let’s shape the future together ✊ RSVP now → bit.ly/MaconProgress2025 (link in bio) #MaconRising #MaconProgress #RepMiriamParis #MiddleGeorgia #CommunityLeadership #RSVPNow

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The Georgia General Assembly kicked off its 158th Legislative Session on Monday, Jan 13. It was a good day to reconnect with previous members and meet newly elected ones.
This first week legislators were sworn in, House leadership officers elected, House rules adopted, seating chart updated and the adjournment schedule was set. The other highlight was the Governor’s State of the State address, which details some of this administration’s goals. Legislator’s were assigned their committees and offices. You may follow the General Assembly session daily on our website legis.ga.gov.
FYI: the GA House political makeup for this biennial is 100 Republicans and 80 Democrats. Let’s go 2025 and follow me here for weekly updates.