Georgia’s New Study Committees to Address Election Security, Medical Marijuana, and Rising Insurance Rates

On Thursday, House Speaker Jon Burns announced the creation of three new blue-ribbon study committees aimed at addressing important policy areas impacting Georgia: election procedures, medical marijuana and hemp policies, and insurance rates. These committees will work during the interim period before the 2026 legislative session to gather data, hear from stakeholders, and formulate recommendations to help guide future legislative action.

The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Election Procedures will focus on Georgia’s current election laws, policies, and procedures, as well as the state and local officials who oversee elections. The committee aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Georgia’s election system and make recommendations to ensure it is secure and efficient, with the goal of preparing the state for the 2026 elections.

The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies will examine the state’s laws surrounding medical marijuana, cannabis-derived drugs, and hemp products. The committee will focus on ensuring the safety of patients and consumers, while also providing clarity for physicians and other distributors of these products. The committee’s findings will offer regulatory guidance and legislative recommendations for the evolving industry.

Meanwhile, the Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Insurance Rates will look into the insurance industry’s rate-setting practices, profit margins, claims processing, and regulatory compliance. The committee’s goal is to protect Georgia’s businesses and consumers from excessive rate hikes, ensuring a fair and transparent insurance market that operates in the best interest of residents.

Speaker Burns emphasized the importance of these committees, saying, “These issues directly impact the lives of Georgians, and by forming these study committees, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that we have informed, effective policies moving forward.” The committees will meet over the next few months to gather input and develop specific findings, which will inform future legislation aimed at addressing these critical issues.

Burns added that additional information on the committees’ membership and operations will be shared in the coming weeks as they begin their work.