Georgia NOW News for Friday Feb. 20, 2026

Georgia lawmakers are advancing proposals aimed at lowering insurance costs and increasing accountability. House Bill 1344 would raise fines on insurers, require faster storm-related claims processing and expand the insurance commissioner’s authority to review rate filings, with supporters saying the measures build on last year’s tort reform. At the same time, lawmakers are tackling the teacher shortage, as roughly 6,000 vacancies remain statewide. Proposals include expanding a program allowing retired teachers to return, launching a paid student-teacher pilot and increasing personal leave days to boost retention. During Black History Month, advocates are urging Black families to begin end-of-life planning conversations, encouraging discussions about what a “good death” looks like as a starting point. Lawmakers are also weighing changes to Georgia’s craft beer laws. Senate Bill 456 would allow breweries to sell up to 1,000 barrels annually to in-county retailers and remove the current 24-can daily limit for individual sales, though the measure has not yet advanced out of committee. Political leaders remain divided after a Savannah teacher was killed in a crash involving a driver fleeing federal immigration agents, as some blame immigration policy and others question enforcement tactics. And a bipartisan bill would allow pharmacists to dispense preventative HIV medications like PrEP and PEP without a primary care prescription, expanding access in a state where HIV diagnoses are twice the national rate. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW at georgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #InsuranceReform #TeacherShortage #PublicHealth #CraftBeer #Savannah #HIVPrevention