GRA State of the Session: February 2, 2026
Date postedFebruary 2, 2026
February 2, 2026
NOTEWORTHY.
- Tax cuts are taking center stage under the Gold Dome, with no shortage of big ideas on the table. The Senate is advancing proposals to eliminate the state income tax, the House is focused on eliminating residential property taxes, and Governor Kemp continues to urge a more cautious, step-by-step approach to income tax relief.
- HB 117 is moving fast and should be on every operator’s radar. The bill, which would require restaurants to disclose whether shrimp is imported, has carried over from last session and has already fast-tracked through the early days of session, putting it on a path toward passage this week.
- The “Make America Healthy Again” movement has officially arrived in Georgia, bringing with it legislation that could affect restaurants directly. Proposals include limiting what SNAP recipients can purchase and banning certain food dyes commonly used across the industry.
- New health and safety proposed mandates for restaurants continue to emerge, including HB 1006, which would require all restaurants to maintain three doses of opioid antagonists on site at all times, along with additional staff training and compliance obligations.
BILLS WE'RE TRACKING.
HB 117 – “The Shrimp Bill”
Would require restaurants to disclose whether shrimp served is imported.
Why it matters: Adds new menu and disclosure requirements for operators, impacting costs,
sourcing conversations, and compliance.
HB 163
Would require special menu labeling for plant-based alternatives and lab-grown meat.
Why it matters: Creates additional labeling obligations and could complicate menu design and
updates.
HB 201 / SB 415
Would ban the manufacturing and sale of lab-grown meat in Georgia.
Why it matters: Limits future menu innovation and raises broader questions about how emerging
food products are regulated.
HB 1006
Would require restaurants to maintain three doses of an opioid antagonist on site at all times.
Why it matters: Imposes new health, training, and inventory requirements on restaurants that are
not healthcare providers.
HB 1013
Would designate Lemon Pepper as the official wing flavor of Georgia.
Why it matters: Because some things bring people together — and in Georgia, lemon pepper
wings are one of them.
Would require restaurants to disclose whether shrimp served is imported.
Why it matters: Adds new menu and disclosure requirements for operators, impacting costs,
sourcing conversations, and compliance.
HB 163
Would require special menu labeling for plant-based alternatives and lab-grown meat.
Why it matters: Creates additional labeling obligations and could complicate menu design and
updates.
HB 201 / SB 415
Would ban the manufacturing and sale of lab-grown meat in Georgia.
Why it matters: Limits future menu innovation and raises broader questions about how emerging
food products are regulated.
HB 1006
Would require restaurants to maintain three doses of an opioid antagonist on site at all times.
Why it matters: Imposes new health, training, and inventory requirements on restaurants that are
not healthcare providers.
HB 1013
Would designate Lemon Pepper as the official wing flavor of Georgia.
Why it matters: Because some things bring people together — and in Georgia, lemon pepper
wings are one of them.
HB 1014
Would prohibit restaurants and other businesses from selling foods containing certain food dyes.
Why it matters: Could affect ingredients, suppliers, and recipes across a wide range of menu
items.
HB 1112
Would provide guidance for businesses on rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents.
Why it matters: Offers clarity for operators as cash usage declines and coin circulation remains
inconsistent.
SB 376 – Georgia Restaurant Franchise Relations Act
Addresses franchise-related protections and requirements.
Why it matters: Could significantly affect franchised restaurant operations, contracts, and long-
term business planning.
Would prohibit restaurants and other businesses from selling foods containing certain food dyes.
Why it matters: Could affect ingredients, suppliers, and recipes across a wide range of menu
items.
HB 1112
Would provide guidance for businesses on rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents.
Why it matters: Offers clarity for operators as cash usage declines and coin circulation remains
inconsistent.
SB 376 – Georgia Restaurant Franchise Relations Act
Addresses franchise-related protections and requirements.
Why it matters: Could significantly affect franchised restaurant operations, contracts, and long-
term business planning.