Georgia’s 2026 legislative session has come to a close, but all bills passed by state lawmakers this year have one final hurdle to clear before they can take effect: being signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp.
Kemp has 40 days after the legislature adjourns to sign or veto the measures passed by state lawmakers this session. At the end of the 40 days, which falls this year on May 12, any bills remaining will automatically become law.
This year marks Kemp’s eighth and final legislative term as governor, but at the beginning of this year’s session, he hinted at the power his vetoes have to shape state policy.
“For those who may think I’m a lame duck, well, I still have a big red pen,” Kemp told lawmakers during his final State of the State address in January. Last year, Kemp vetoed seven bills.
Among the bills awaiting Kemp’s signature is House Bill 369, which would make certain elected positions in five metro Atlanta counties nonpartisan, including the office of district attorneys.