Senate’s amended budget includes funding for state mental hospital

Friday’s passage by the Senate of their Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget includes what many called a “bold move” to address mental health in Georgia. The legislation, being carried by Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, passed the Senate floor with a vote of 49-1 and includes $409 million for the construction of a mental health services hospital.

Sheriffs from across the state stood with Tillery, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Senate leadership Friday prior to the vote as Tillery announced the funding for construction of a 300-bed state mental hospital. “They are standing with us today because we have stood behind them to make Georgia safe,” said Tillery, in reference to the Sheriffs attending the press conference at the Capitol.