Georgia House opens 2026 session, honors Capitol refurbishment and spotlights literacy advocate

The Georgia House of Representatives convened for the opening day of the 2026 legislative session with ceremonial remarks, recognition of a major Capitol refurbishment and a performance by Miss Georgia, Audrey Catella.

Speaker Burns (referred to in the transcript as 'Speaker') welcomed members, introduced new legislators and thanked the Georgia Building Authority (GBA) and contractors for completing the chamber refurbishment. Gerald Pilgrim of GBA, identified in the transcript as "Gerald Pilgrim, deputy executive director and chief of staff," and other project leaders were recognized on the House floor and were invited to stand while the Speaker thanked the teams involved. Pilgrim said the project engaged "over 500 employees" and amounted to "over 400,000 man hours," replaced HVAC equipment installed in the 1950s, used Georgia-made carpet from Dalton, and required large structural and finish work.

Miss Georgia Audrey Catella performed "Georgia on My Mind" for the chamber and described her literacy work. Catella told members she has traveled "over 27,000 miles" across the state and partners with nonprofits such as the Share the Magic Foundation to place books in students' hands and reduce dropout risk through early literacy outreach.

The House followed custom with a scripture reading and prayer by Representative Mac Jackson, who served as chaplain of the day, followed by the pledge of allegiance. The Speaker also recognized the physician of the day, Dr. Kaufman, and his daughter Sydney, a graduate student at Emory.

Members gave the refurbishing team a round of applause and the Speaker encouraged legislators to express their gratitude to the contractors and staff who completed the project.

The House moved from ceremonial business into its legislative agenda after these recognitions.