Law enforcement officers from across the state were in Atlanta last Friday in support of the passage of House Bill 973, a budget amendment that will allocate $409 million to build a state mental health hospital in Georgia. HB973 passed in the Senate last Friday, only eight days after a federal judge relieved the state of Georgia from the Olmstead decision. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, a federal judge signed an order releasing the state from the Olmstead decision. By Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a budget brought forth by the Senate Appropriations Committee, chaired by Senator Blake Tillery, was approved by the House. Then on Friday, February 20, 2026, the Senate approved HB973, which includes the budget for a state mental health hospital. “I’ve said from day one that putting Georgia first starts with putting public safety first. That’s why I’m honored to have the endorsement of more than 70 Georgia sheriffs,” Tillery said. The approved budget is for a 300-bed, $409 million mental health hospital to begin alleviating the mental health and homelessness burdens on county jails. “Law enforcement members from across Georgia have consistently told me their biggest ch
