Legislation expands access to the Georgia State-wide Business Court and updates the state's corporate governance framework.
Georgia will take another step to strengthen its position as the nation’s top state for business on July 1, when House Bill 1185 takes effect. The legislation modernizes Georgia’s corporate code and expands access to the Georgia State-wide Business Court for certain corporate governance disputes.
The law is part of Governor Kemp’s ongoing effort to strengthen Georgia’s competitive business environment and attract investment, job creation, and business growth. In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Governor Kemp said the measure helps bring Georgia’s corporate governance framework into the 21st century and gives job creators, investors, and employees greater confidence in choosing Georgia.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration (R-Mulberry) and carried in the Senate by Sen. Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), HB 1185 represents one of the most significant updates to Georgia corporate law in more than a decade. The legislation provides greater clarity for corporate governance matters and strengthens the role of the Georgia State-wide Business Court in resolving complex business disputes.
The changes also position Georgia to compete more effectively with other states seeking to attract corporate investment, headquarters projects, and business expansion by offering companies an efficient and predictable legal framework.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber advocated for HB 1185 as a top legislative priority during the 2026 session. Working alongside Governor Kemp, legislative leaders, and stakeholders across Georgia’s business and legal communities, MAC advocated for reforms that keep Georgia competitive as states across the country pursue similar efforts to attract investment and corporate growth. Readers can learn more about the State-wide Business Court here.
“Our involvement in the bill really was motivated by trying to make our legal environment just as competitive as our tax environment,” Sky Park, MAC’s Director of Legal Affairs, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was one of the Chamber’s top priorities this year, and we are very happy that it passed.”
The Metro Atlanta Chamber applauds Governor Brian Kemp for his leadership in advancing policies that strengthen Georgia’s competitiveness and economic growth. MAC also thanks Majority Leader Chuck Efstration and Sen. Bo Hatchett for their leadership in passing HB 1185 and helping ensure Georgia remains the best state in the nation for business.
