Several new Georgia laws will take effect Thursday, January 1, 2026, ushering in changes that impact courts, elections, insurance, healthcare, vehicle registration and consumer protections across the state.
One of the new measures, the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, creates new regulations for litigation financing, a practice in which third-party companies pay legal costs for individuals involved in lawsuits.
Homeowners will also see changes under Georgia Act 285, which allows manufacturer warranties on HVAC systems to automatically transfer to a new homeowner when a house is sold. The warranty will begin on the date the system is installed by a contractor, and manufacturers may no longer require registration for the warranty to be valid. This law applies to HVAC systems sold beginning January 2, 2026.
Environmental and waste management rules are updated under Georgia Act 259, which removes the definition of “special solid waste” and outdated language from state law. The act also removes the Board of Natural Resources’ authority to set rules for tracking or handling special solid waste. Developers seeking to build or modify waste facilities, such as landfills, must now show proof that projects comply with zoning and land-use regulations.
Court operations will change under Georgia Act 23, which allows some court hearings to be recorded digitally instead of relying solely on court reporters.
Several changes to election laws take effect under Georgia Act 293. The State Ethics Commission is prohibited from opening investigations into candidates within 60 days of an election. Local officials must now submit campaign finance reports directly to the Ethics Commission. Candidates for county offices and school boards must provide proof they have completed required training before qualifying to run. Political action committees are required to register, maintain a bank account and submit more detailed financial reports. The act also requires the removal of home addresses from publicly released Ethics Commission documents.
Healthcare and insurance-related changes are also included in the new laws. Georgia Act 44 transfers oversight of drug treatment and mental health programs from the Department of Community Health to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Georgia Act 277 requires insurers to give homeowners 60 days’ notice if a policy will not be renewed, doubling the previous 30-day requirement. Georgia Act 303 requires health insurers to offer callback or online scheduling systems so doctors can arrange calls with insurers, and it establishes programs to review provider performance and reduce prior authorization requirements.
Vehicle registration rules are updated under Georgia Act 272, which changes how temporary license plates are issued and allows third-party companies to create and distribute the tags. The law also requires permits for companies that boot vehicles and bans registering vehicles under shell companies to avoid paying taxes.
Additional laws taking effect include the Georgia Public Accountancy Act of 2025, which expands pathways to becoming a certified public accountant; Georgia Act 79, allowing dentists to practice teledentistry under certain conditions; and Georgia Act 124, which updates rules for film and media production tax credits. That act allows the Department of Economic Development to oversee the tax credit application process, charge processing fees and require production companies to pay court costs if they unsuccessfully appeal a denial of certification.
State officials encourage residents and businesses to review the new laws as they take effect with the start of the new year.
