There are some big changes coming to Georgia laws in 2026. With so much legal jargon and explanation, it can be hard to know exactly what these new laws are… but don’t worry. We’re going to break it down for you. Keep scrolling to learn about 5 new laws that will take effect on January 1st, 2026. (In no particular order.)
1. Act 285; SB 112 – Automatic HVAC Warranties Transfer
Here’s what the official law says:
If a residential real property that includes an HVAC system as a fixture to the property 20 is conveyed to a new owner, any manufacturer’s warranty in effect on that system or any 21 component of that system: 22 (1) Shall be automatically transferred to the new owner; and 23 (2) Shall continue in effect as if the new owner was the original purchaser of such system 24 or component, as applicable. 25 (b) A manufacturer shall continue to be obligated under the terms of any warranty 26 transferred pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section and shall not charge a fee for the 27 transfer of such warranty. 28 (c) A transfer of any manufacturer’s warranty pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code 29 section shall not extend the remaining term of the warranty.
And… here’s what that means:
When you buy a house that already has an HVAC system installed in it, the warranty comes with it too. You don’t have to do anything or pay extra, but you only inherit whatever time is left on the warranty. The manufacturer is still bound to honor it.
2. Act 293; SB 199 – Ethics & Campaign Reporting Changes
Here’s what the official law says:
(a) The commission shall not initiate any investigation or inquiry into any matter under its 24 jurisdiction based upon the complaint of any person, including a staff attorney employed 25 by the commission, unless that person or staff attorney shall produce the same in writing 26 and verify the same under oath to the best information, knowledge, and belief of such 27 person, the falsification of which shall be punishable as false swearing under Code 28 Section 16-10-71. 29 (b) The person against whom any complaint is made shall be furnished by hand delivery 30 or statutory overnight delivery or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, a copy 31 of the complaint by the commission within two business days of the commission’s receipt 32 of such complaint and prior to any other public dissemination of such complaint. 33 (c) The commission shall not accept or reject a complaint made, nor issue a complaint on 34 its own cognizance, against a candidate in the 60 days immediately prior to an election in 35 which such candidate is seeking nomination for election or election.”
And… here’s what it means:
- Complaints must be serious, written, and sworn under oath — In other words, no casual or anonymous accusations.
- The accused gets a fair chance to see the complaint immediately before anyone else does.
- In the two months before an election, the commission cannot act on complaints against candidates, to avoid political interference.
3. Act 272; HB 551 – Temporary Tags, Vehicle Security & Booting Rules
This one’s a doozy, so instead of having the full law here for you to read (it’s LONG!), we’re just going to break it down for you, to the most important components.
Basically, this new law is looking to get drivers access to (legal) temporary license plates, decrease the amount of fraud in car ownership, and make improper booting more difficult to do.
According to FOX 5, this means:
- Third-party vendors will be able to issue temporary license plates electronically
- Vehicle dealers will have updates to how “master dealer tags” are issued
- People cannot register vehicles through a shell entity simply to avoid taxes
- Booting companies must receive formal permits and follow new posting rules
- Law gives businesses controlled digital access to Dept. of Revenue vehicle data
4. Act 269; HB 511 – Catastrophe Savings Accounts
Here’s what the law says,
To amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 2 relating to income tax imposition, rate, computation, exemptions, and credits, so as to 3 provide for tax advantaged catastrophe savings accounts; to establish limits for contributions 4 to and withdrawals from such accounts; to provide for tax treatment of contributions, interest, 5 and withdrawals; to provide for definitions; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide 6 for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting 7 laws; and for other purposes.
And… here’s what it means:
Georgia will now allow residents to set up special disaster-prep savings accounts that come with tax perks. In other words, you can put money in, earn interest, and use it for catastrophe-related expenses — all with favorable tax treatment. Importantly, there will be limits on how much you can contribute and clear rules on how withdrawals work. It’s basically like a tax‑advantaged emergency fund. Oh, and your funds may also transfer to heirs.
5. SB 291 – Special License Plates; establish an “America First” specialty license plate
Here’s what the bill says,
1 To amend Code Section 40-2-86.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to 2 special license plates promoting or supporting certain worthy agencies, funds, or nonprofit 3 corporations and qualified motor vehicles or drivers with proceeds deposited into the general 4 fund, so as to establish an “America First” specialty license plate; to provide for conditions 5 for the production of such license plates; to provide for discontinuing the manufacture of 6 such license plates in certain instances; to provide for the disposition of funds to the general 7 fund; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; 8 and for other purposes.
And… here’s what it means:
Basically… Georgia will offer an “America First” specialty license plate, with proceeds going to the state budget. They’ll stop making the plates if 1,000 prepaid applications are not reached by January 1, 2028. According to local reports, the plate will have an American flag on it, with the words “America First” at the bottom.
If you’d like to see more of the laws that are going into effect on January 1st, feel free to checkout the Georgia General Assembly’s website, here.