Trey Bennett, GEFA's executive director, briefed the Natural Resources & Environment committee on GEFA's loan programs, IIJA awards including $117 million for PFAS response (about $77 million committed), lead service line replacement awards, resilience funding with principal forgiveness, and home energy rebate distribution.

Trey Bennett, GEFA executive director, briefed the committee on GEFA programs: over $6 billion in low-interest loans historically, IIJA-funded PFAS and lead-replacement grants, hurricane resilience funds with principal forgiveness, energy rebates and a new natural-gas loan authority; GEFA urged local governments to apply.

After staff presentation and applicant revisions, the Newman City Council amended the zoning map to permit a 150‑unit Parkland Communities rental project on about 32 acres, capping the development and attaching the latest site plan as a condition.

Pharmacists and independent pharmacy owners told the committee that reimbursement below cost and PBM payment models are driving closures of community pharmacies, reducing access in rural counties and prompting requests for a fair dispensing fee and commercial-insurance reforms.

Senate Bill 79 increases penalties for fentanyl trafficking in Georgia amid rising overdose rates.

Senate approves annexation bill for Mulberry, facing criticism from Gwinnett County lawmakers.

Committee passes House Bill 593 and House Bill 647 facilitating local control in Mulberry.

A Georgia House member illustrated the Samaritan story to inspire legislative compassion.

Georgia advances energy efficiency and renewable projects to enhance community resilience and compliance.

Representatives from various districts emphasize local representation and community engagement initiatives.

Counties will target nonprofits for food service after budget approval, focusing on underserved areas.