Gov. Nathan Deal has signed legislation ratifying a freeze in the state's gas tax that took effect July 1.

The bill had passed during a special session of the state Legislature last month.

Deal had issued an executive order in June halting an automatic increase linked to rising fuel prices, but he needed lawmakers to also sign off. The state gas tax had been set to rise 1.6 cents a gallon, as a result of a formula. It stayed instead at 12.9 cents a gallon, rather than rising to 14.5 cents a gallon. Deal aides say it's saving motorists an estimated $40 million in taxes.

Deal also signed 47 pieces of local legislation dealing with individual elections districts, boards of education and county commissions.

Tags: Georgia, lawmakers, economy, gas prices, Governor Nathan Deal, gas tax