The state Senate unanimously affirmed Tuesday a decision by Gov. Nathan Deal to block an increase in the state gas tax.

The bill now goes back to Deal, who is expected to sign it. The House passed the bill last week.

Deal in late June signed an executive order suspending the tax hike, which normally kicks in automatically. The tax, at 20.4 cents per gallon, would have increased 1.6 cents per gallon.

The freeze, which lasts until the end of the year, required legislative approval.

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Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Georgia politician to challenge the state's campaign finance laws. He says the laws give rival Lt. Gov. Burt Jones an illegal advantage as they campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. (Jason Getz/AJC).

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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