Senator Albers: Week Three Under the Gold Dome
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
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 56th District.
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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th 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]
