eek three under the Gold Dome has come to a close, and the 2024 Legislative Session is now a quarter of the way complete. The Georgia State Senate resumed legislative business this week in the Senate chamber, passing numerous bills, exchanging ideas in committee and holding meaningful debate on a number of important topics.

Safety for all Georgians has always been a critical priority for me as a legislator, and this week I introduced multiple pieces of legislation this week to promote such safety. The “Protecting Georgians Act” will amend the definition of racketeering to include felonies and certain misdemeanors. Similarly, it’s crucial that we formally establish the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. There should be absolutely zero question that the Georgia General Assembly stands with public safety officers and the communities they serve. I am proud to be authoring legislation that enables proper facilities and training. There’s no doubt this will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow and much-needed progress for our public safety.

I also sponsored legislation relating to property taxes and artificial intelligence. Senate Bill 364 regarding property taxes would lower property taxes for and straighten out the tax system for Georgians. Additionally, SB 392 would proactively address the use of artificial intelligence in election interference. It is fundamental that we anticipate potential challenges when preparing for elections. I continue to be dedicated to ensuring the upcoming election cycle is secure.

Moreover, I was pleased to witness Senate Bill 328 pass out of the Senate Committee on Retirement this week. This legislation would increase benefits for members of the Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund and would provide additional definitions for members of the fund, helping streamline the application process for future members. I am confident that this bill will assist in our efforts to retain our State’s finest law enforcement officers.

The Senate body also passed a deeply meaningful piece of legislation on the Senate floor on Thursday, House Bill 30, which provides an official definition for antisemitism. This bill has been three years in the making and will finally go to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s desk for his signature now that it has received final passage in both the Senate and House. There is absolutely no place for antisemitic hate in the state of Georgia. This definition will further reinforce our legislative support for Georgia’s Jewish population and I appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for making this issue a priority.

As the legislative session continues, I encourage you to contact my office for any legislative assistance. It will always remain my honor to serve Georgia’s 56^th District.

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

This week, Senate Bill 335, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) passed by a unanimous, bipartisan vote through the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Also known as the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act”, SB 335 would provide that sexual intercourse or sodomy between certain family members related by adoption be regarded as incest. Incest is already illegal under Georgia law, and this legislation will now include adoptive families. Sen. Albers worked closely with Susan K. Treadaway, District Attorney of Cherokee County on this bill.

“I am grateful to DA Susan K. Treadaway for sharing this important loophole in the law with me and working together to protect our children. Cherokee County is so fortunate to have a District Attorney fighting every day to protect citizens and victims while prosecuting dangerous criminals,” said Sen. Albers.

“As prosecutors, we serve as the ‘boots on the ground’ in the courtroom, directly positioned to identify opportunities for positive change in the law. I am proud to work with Sen. John Albers, a true champion for justice, as we partner together to make Georgia a safer place for children and families,” said Susan K. Treadaway.

You can find more information on SB 335 here.

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

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During our second week of the 2024 Georgia Legislative Session, I welcomed the opportunity to listen to budget presentations from the leaders of various state agencies. Budget week, as it is coined under the Gold Dome, is a tremendous opportunity for legislators to dialogue with these leaders and learn how their needs correlate with the needs of hardworking Georgians. In addition to thanking Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Rep. Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), I would also like to thank each agency head for taking the time to clearly lay out their budgetary needs for the upcoming Fiscal Year. These leaders and I share the same privilege of public service to our state and I appreciate their dedication to Georgia’s legislative process.

I am particularly excited about this year’s budget because it is a testament to what can be achieved when the legislative body strives for fiscal conservatism and frugality. Due to the application of these practices in previous years, our state currently holds a $16 billion surplus. This has provided us with enough financial stability to reward hardworking Georgians with tax rebates and reductions, as well as a four percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees. This surplus promotes strength to Georgians, encouraging them to spend in Georgia despite the continued reckless federal spending in Washington. These are not the only investments that I look forward to celebrating, however. I’m looking forward to rewarding teachers for their critical role as front-line educators by increasing salaries for teachers, investing in our Department of Corrections to address facility maintenance and fully supporting the completion of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Appropriations for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, I am deeply invested in the prudent allocation of funds aimed at safeguarding all Georgians. I am prepared to listen to various state departments committed to ensuring public safety. Each year, these agencies provide our subcommittee with significant and meaningful information. Serving as the chairman of this subcommittee is a profound honor, and I am appreciative that the leadership of our state recognizes the importance of supporting our public safety and criminal justice sectors.

As the legislature returns to regular session next week, I will continue to commit my efforts to working with Gov. Kemp and the rest of the General Assembly to promote further progress for Georgians across the state in the coming months. As always, I appreciate any feedback you might have concerning current or future legislation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance regarding legislative matters.

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

The New Year has arrived and with it begins a new regular session of the Georgia Legislature! Each year brings new challenges and opportunities alike. However, one thing will always remain the same: serving Georgia’s 56^th district is my greatest honor.

The Second Session of the 157^th Georgia General Assembly began Monday, January 8, 2024. I’m looking forward to another productive legislative session, and I’m prepared to move forward with legislation pertinent to all Georgians. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I place high value on passing and promoting legislation dedicated to your safety. Because crime is an unfortunate part of any society, we will continue to be proactive in our response as we address Georgians’ public safety needs.

Shortly after we gaveled in on the first legislative day, I spoke from the well and made it known that swatting has absolutely no place in this state. Unfortunately, my family is not the only family that has been affected by this dangerous epidemic currently affecting many Georgians. I intend to make it clear throughout this legislative session that such behavior is foolish and dangerous. I am especially grateful to the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Capitol Police and the Roswell Police for their professionalism and protection.

It was my pleasure to join high school student Ms. Sierra Pape on Wednesday as we proposed an idea to the State School Board that would add the teaching of organ donation to the high school health curriculum. This important idea has already passed their consent calendar and will save many lives for years to come.

On Thursday, I listened to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State address. I was encouraged, as always, by Gov. Kemp’s commitment to public safety officers, state employees and teachers alike. I stand ready to support legislation aimed at providing tax relief to Georgians, ensuring safer communities and providing options for Georgians when they enter the marketplace for healthcare, as discussed by the Governor.

Next week, I look forward to listening to Gov. Kemp and various state agencies as we carefully examine our state’s budget throughout several joint hearings between the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations. I’m excited to support Gov. Kemp’s priorities to put Georgians first and keep Georgia number one for business. I will always remain dedicated to both expanding Georgia’s role as a world-renowned hub for global commerce and continuing efforts to keep students, teachers and personnel safe on campus.

As the legislative session progresses, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of service to you regarding legislative matters.

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

On Monday, 1/8/2024 we returned to the second year of the 157th Georgia General Assembly at your State Capitol. I have many important bills and priorities this year to continue serving and protecting the citizens of my district and entire state. As always, I will keep you updated through the legislative session with important updates and welcome your feedback and input.