Governor Brian P. Kemp; immediately release funds withheld through executive budget disregards issued against House Bill 974; urge

2026 Special Session Introduced by Karla Drenner and 5 co-sponsors

Urges Governor Kemp to immediately release funds withheld under executive budget disregards related to HB 974, pressing prompt disbursement.

House First Readers

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Bill at a Glance

Bill: HR 51

Session: 2026_sS (Georgia)

Jurisdiction: Georgia

Title: Governor Brian P. Kemp; immediately release funds withheld through executive budget disregards issued against House Bill 974; urge

Status: House Hopper (as of 2026-06-22)

Sponsors: Primary sponsor not listed; Co-sponsors include Carolyn Hugley, Karla Drenner, Sam Park, Teddy Reese, Al Williams, Spencer Frye

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to compel the Governor to immediately release funds that have been withheld through executive budget disregards in relation to House Bill 974. In essence, it urges the executive branch to release appropriated or otherwise withheld funds tied to HB 974 without further delay.

The resolution-style title indicates an intent to press for prompt funding disbursement rather than continuing withholding actions associated with the referenced bill.

Key Provisions and Changes

Direct Call for Action: Urges Governor Kemp to release funds that are being withheld due to executive budget disregards in connection with HB 974.

Immediate Effect: The language suggests a demand for prompt action, aiming to avoid continued withholding and potential disruption to programs or agencies funded by HB 974.

Legislative Instrument: Functions as a non-binding or advisory measure urging executive compliance; it is not a law mandating disbursement but a formal request or urging motion directed at the Governor.

Who/What Would Be Affected

Government Funds: Funds that have been withheld under executive budget disregards related to HB 974.

State Agencies/Programs: Any programs or services funded by HB 974 that are currently impacted by withholding would be affected by the prompt release urged by this resolution.

Governor’s Office: The action targets the Governor to release funds immediately, influencing executive budgeting actions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Procedural Status: Introduced and placed in the House; currently a House Hopper as of 2026-06-22.

Timeline: The resolution expresses an immediate urging for action, but as a resolution, it does not enact binding spending authority. It serves to signal legislative intent and apply political pressure for timely release.

Next Steps: If advanced, it could proceed through standard House resolutions processes (committee referrals, debates, and possible House floor vote). Depending on progress, it may require passage by the House and potential consideration by the Senate, depending on Georgia’s legislative process for concurrent or companion measures.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Fiscal Impact: Since the measure urges release of withheld funds, the direct fiscal impact would be the unblocked disbursement of funds tied to HB 974, potentially enabling related programs to operate or continue funding.

Policy Implications: Could influence the dynamics between the legislative and executive branches regarding budget execution and the handling of budget disregards.

Political Considerations: Serves as a formal stance by the sponsoring and co-sponsoring members to advocate for disbursement, signaling legislative support for HB 974’s funded initiatives.

If you’d like, I can add context on HB 974 itself (scope, programs funded, and current withholding status) to complement this summary.