Georgia resolution would urge governor to release withheld budget funds

If adopted, the resolution would urge Governor Kemp to release the withheld money and direct state agencies to spend it as the budget provides. The request covers money withheld through budget disregards tied to House Bill 974, Georgia’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The resolution would urge the governor to act; it would not itself release the money. It would urge the governor to release the money immediately.

If adopted, the resolution would ask the Attorney General to give a formal legal opinion and advise lawmakers about possible legal steps. The opinion would address the governor’s authority to withhold money lawmakers approved through budget disregards. The resolution would request the advice; it would not require the Attorney General to provide it.

If adopted, the resolution would urge the House Appropriations and Judiciary committees to develop legislation limiting when a governor may withhold approved funds outside the line-item veto process. The proposed limits would concern withholding appropriated funds outside the constitution’s line-item veto process. The resolution would ask the committees to develop a bill; it would not itself limit the governor’s authority. The requested legislation would cover this and future administrations.