Evans Examiner: Week 3
Legislative Week 3 is in the books. The supplemental budget and a few other important measures passed the full House today and we had a full week of committee meetings and visitors to the Gold Dome. Read about it below!
State of the Judiciary
This week we held a joint session between the Senate and the House for the State of the Judiciary. Georgia Supreme Court Chief Judge Nels Peterson brought a refreshing message about the importance of an independent judiciary and how we should all be less quick to assume a decision not in our favor is some sign of corruption. Those continuing to question the results of the 2020 Election could take a lesson here:
Central to the rule of law is the idea that no person is above the law’s requirements, or beneath its protections. It’s the idea that law applies equally to everyone, and the courts apply it impartially and independently. And today, I can proudly report that the state of Georgia’s judiciary is strong, because Georgia’s commitment to the rule of law is strong. But the state of our judiciary will remain strong only so long as we remain committed to the rule of law. The rule of law has always required defending. And today is no exception.
The judicial oath calls Georgia judges to do equal rights for the poor and the rich – in other words, for the weak and the powerful. Of course, the rule of law is rarely tested when the powerful or the popular win in court. Results that go the other way can sometimes be a different matter.
The rule of law has always been fragile, because by its very nature it requires the strong and the rich to accept results in favor of the weak and the poor. It requires popular majorities of all kinds to accept outcomes in favor of small, unpopular minority groups. And it requires the most powerful of all – the government – to accept and obey limits on government power. This rule of law that we enjoy as Americans has rarely happened throughout human history. What we have had in this country for 250 years – as imperfect as it has been, especially here in the South – is so rare, and yet we often take it for granted. If we are to continue to enjoy the many blessings that flow from the rule of law, we cannot continue taking it for granted.
Each of us – all of us – must do our part, whatever that may be, to defend the rule of law. A critical part is this: when you hear about judicial decisions whose outcomes you don’t like, don’t reflexively question the court’s legitimacy. It’s OK to disagree, and even protest. But the rule of law will not survive when the legitimacy of judicial decisions and those who make them is routinely questioned every time there is an unpopular outcome.
Read or watch full speech here: 02/04/2026—State of the Judiciary – Supreme Court of Georgia
Fallout from the Raid of the Fulton County Elections Board
A Press Conference
I joined colleagues at a press conference to address the FBI raid of the Fulton County Elections Office. It’s critical that we respond to these moments with facts, transparency, and respect for due process, not misinformation or political grandstanding.
Fulton County’s election workers deserve fairness and protection from harassment as they do the important work of administering elections for millions of Georgians. I will continue to stand up for election integrity, voter confidence, and the people who make our democracy function.
Lawsuit Filed
This week Fulton County filed a lawsuit in federal court for the return of the ballots taken in the raid. Read the latest here.
Celebrating Fulton County Day
Fulton County Day is always one of my favorite days under the Gold Dome. It was a joy to celebrate the energy, diversity, and leadership that Fulton County brings to Georgia — especially as a proud representative of Atlanta.
From local officials to community advocates, Fulton County continues to drive progress for our entire state. I'm incredibly blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to represent a portion of this amazing county. Thank you!
Bills that Passed the House this Week
We've had several bills that were up for consideration this week, so let's dive in.
Each year we pass the “big budget” to fund our state government for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). We also make adjustments to the current fiscal year’s budget (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026), which is referred to as the “little budget” or the supplemental budget. We passed the supplemental budget this week, which added spending in many crucial areas. I voted yes.
I’ve included some highlights of the supplemental budget below:
Taking care of Georgia’s foster children. You’ve likely read news stories of the over $82 million hole in the state’s DFACS budget. The House added $82 million to cover this shortfall. I am thrilled for this addition because we must take care of Georgia’s foster children.
Pay supplements to state employees. The supplemental budget includes $2,000 pay supplements to state employees, including teachers, police, and others who keep our state moving every day.
Addressing homelessness. The budget adds $50 million for the State House Trust Fund to address homelessness.
Fully funded HOPE scholarships and grants. The budget includes increased funding to ensure each HOPE scholarship and grant covers full tuition for our students.
Needs based aid endowment fund. The budget includes $300 million toward creating the needs-based aid endowment fund. There are still questions on how these funds will be allocated and where the funds will be housed to ensure that our technical college students can also benefit. Stay tuned.
Domestic violence care and prevention. The budget includes $4.5 million to domestic violence shelters and sexual assault centers for operational and facility needs (impacting 47 domestic violence shelters and 53 sexual assault centers).
Increased funds for retirees. The budget includes $50 million for the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia to invest in increasing the funded ratio to improve long-term financial viability of the pension system and support state retirees. This provides the system with funds it needs to issue a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Property tax relief. Instead of following the Governor’s recommendation for an across-the-board income tax rebate as we’ve had the last two years, the House is recommending a property tax rebate. This change ensures more seniors will see a rebate as many seniors do not pay income tax. There will be a lot more to say on tax policy legislation floating around this session, but this is the current posture of the House.
Health. This budget adds $150,000 for charitable dental care and $200,000 to expand the Medical College of Georgia's partnership with Clark Atlanta University for prostate cancer research and $250,000 for rural colorectal screenings.
Transportation. The budget includes $1.7 billion to fund improvements to the I-75 express lanes in Clayton and Henry counties. The daily average number of vehicles that cannot utilize the express lanes due to the lane operating in the opposite direction of their travel is estimated between 87,000 and 126,000 so this is a much needed investment. The budget also includes $200 million for improvements to the SR 316 interchange, a roadway that includes nine of the top 100 most dangerous intersections in the state. Additional transportation funding includes $85 million for bridge replacement and reinforcement, $100 million for resurfacing projects, and $15 million for airport aid.
This bill updates the rules for who can be buried in Georgia veterans' cemeteries. It allows certain reserve members, ROTC members, and some allied veterans, like Hmong-Laotian fighters, to be buried if they meet specific service requirements. I voted yes.
HB 659 - Optometrists and Rural Healthcare
This bill adds optometrists to the list of medical professionals who can have student loan debt cancelled when they practice in rural areas of our state. I voted yes.
HB 629 - Healthcare in schools
This bill streamlines school Automated External Defibrillator (AED) programs by removing the requirement that a licensed physician oversee the programs. The bill mandates functional AEDs in all K-12 schools, requires staff training, and establishes emergency action plans and internal response teams to improve cardiac safety. I voted yes.
Recently Dropped Bills I’ve Sponsored
HB 1157 - Allowing Local Governments to Increase Minimum Wage Laws
I am proud to sponsor House Bill 1157. This bill would repeal existing prohibitions that prevent local government entities from setting their own standards for worker pay. This would allow counties and municipalities to set their own hourly wages, employment benefits, and work schedules for commerce within their jurisdictional boundaries. Currently state law preempts any local laws about minimum wage and worker benefits.
HB 1052 - Off Campus Student Housing Financial Assistance
I am excited to co-sponsor House Bill 1052 with my neighboring legislator Bryce Berry. This bill would create a financial aid program specifically designed to help college students with demonstrated financial need manage the cost of off-campus living. The bill provides that students may receive financial aid for housing up to the cost of on-campus housing. To be eligible, applicants must complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at an approved postsecondary institution, and be enrolled as either a part-time or full-time student! The cost of attending college doesn't end with tuition and this bill recognizes that reality.
A Special Visit from Andruw Jones
I was thrilled to welcome former Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones to the Capitol this session. As a life-long Braves fan it was a personal joy to get to meet Andrew Jones and congratulate him on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Georgia Conservation Voters
I was honored to speak with the Georgia Conservation Voters at the Capitol this week. We discussed our efforts to pass some legislation that would advance a more sustainable future and help Georgia's environment thrive!
I encourage all groups and individuals to please come to the Gold Dome and make your voices heard. We need the perspectives of all Georgians in order to legislate for all Georgians!
Call for nominations for our District’s Yellow Rose Award Recipient
The Georgia Women’s Caucus is now accepting nominations for the Yellow Rose Award, which honors outstanding women who are making a difference in their communities through leadership, service, and advocacy.
If you know a woman in House District 57 who deserves recognition, whether she’s a nonprofit leader, educator, advocate, small business owner, or community organizer, I encourage you to submit a nomination. Georgia is stronger because of women who lead with courage and compassion, and this is a wonderful opportunity to lift them up.
To nominate a deserving woman, send your name and contact information along with a brief description of the woman you are nominating (along with her name and contact information). Please send to Elijah Johnson via email at elijah@staceyevans.com.
Upcoming Legislative Town Halls
Make sure your calendars are marked for my upcoming joint townhalls with State Senator Sonya Halpern. We will be discussing what has been going on in both the Senate and the House. Check out the dates and times below! RSVP is not necessary but encouraged so we can anticipate crowd size. RSVP to Elijah Johnson at elijah@staceyevans.com.
Post Crossover Day
March 11, 2026
7-8:30pm
1411 N Morningside Dr NE
Post Sine Die
April 14,2026
7-8:30pm
1411 N Morningside Dr NE
What’s next?
Next week is Legislative Week 4. We'll be maintaining the faster pace of this week, so make sure you stay up to date using the links below!
📸 Watch the House Floor Chamber at 10am - Monday
👩⚖️ Tune into the Rules Committee Meeting at 9am - Monday
⚖ Tune into the Judiciary Committee Meeting at 1pm - Monday
📜 A link to the Georgia General Assembly Website
In service,
Stacey Evans