Sen. Shawn Still (R–Johns Creek) proudly carried critically important legislation focused on Human Trafficking and Sex Crimes pass with unanimous, bipartisan support on the Senate floor, Senate Bill 512 and Senate Resolution 616.

“Today’s passage of SB 512 and SR 616 marks a pivotal moment in our fight against human trafficking in Georgia,” said Sen. Still. “With the creation of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and Commission, we’re taking proactive measures to support and empower survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future exploitation. Together, we’re sending a clear message: in Georgia, we stand united against human trafficking, and we’ll continue working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

Legislation for SB 512 aims to create a Human Trafficking Victims Fund for people of all ages, whereas current laws only support minors with victim fund support. Further, it would shift the burden of accountability from minors convicted of misdemeanor sexual solicitation to the adult in respective scenarios. Lastly, this measure pushes Georgia hotels and motels to efficiently train their employees — specifically housekeeping and temporary employment agency staffers — by utilizing materials published by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The CJCC training package includes educational material on identifying and reporting signs of human trafficking.

Also attached to SB 512 is a Human Trafficking Victims Fund constitutional amendment, SR 616, which would activate SB 512’s fund for victims to receive care, rehabilitative and social services for individuals in Georgia. This constitutional amendment would need to be approved by Georgia voters on the ballot in November.

Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) applauded the passage of these measures, stating, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I am proud to see SB 512 and SR 616 pass with unanimous support. These critical measures represent a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking in Georgia, addressing everything from victim support to law enforcement tools. I commend Sen. Shawn Still for his leadership on this important issue, and I’m confident that we will continue to make strides in safeguarding our state from these heinous crimes.”

“Both of these bills meet a crucial need in Georgia,” said Bob Rodgers, the President & CEO of Street Grace — a nationwide anti-trafficking organization that utilizes evidence-based demand reduction strategies to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children through prevention, protection, policy and pursuit. “Traffickers will find it much harder to operate if we train hotel staff, adult survivors will have access to resources through the Fund, and accountability will be placed where it should be when it comes to the exploitation of minors—on the adult exploiter. I appreciate Sen. Still for his work on these measures.”

You can find more information on SB 512 here and more information on SR 616 here. These measures will now be sent to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

More information on the CJCC can be found here; and more information on Street Grace can be found here.

Week seven under the Gold Dome has concluded, and we’re swiftly approaching an important milestone known as “Crossover Day” on February 29. This marks the deadline for all bills to pass through their originating chamber, commonly referred to as the house of origin. Our advocacy for Georgians has yielded significant accomplishments, including property tax relief, tort reform, reduction of regulatory burdens, enhancements in public safety, and much more. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Senate colleagues, particularly those within the majority caucus, for their unwavering dedication to advancing legislation on behalf of all Georgians.

As a member of the Senate Republican Caucus, I’m delighted to announce the successful passage of all priority bills of the majority caucus out of the Senate, highlighted by the approval of Senate Bill 449. This bill, aimed at exempting certain military medical personnel from examination requirements, eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and bolsters Georgia’s reputation as the premier state for business.

The Georgia Senate also discussed and passed its amended budget for Fiscal Year 2024. This budget increases funding for maintaining safe and efficient road infrastructure and provides essential support for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics. It also allocates resources to enhance retirement and healthcare benefits, vital for retaining our state’s workforce. Our commitment to a balanced budget ensures Georgia’s efficiency, fiscal conservatism and attractiveness for investment.

In addition to advocating for our majority caucus’ priorities, I continued working diligently on my individual legislative priorities.  I am proud to report that another piece of legislation has moved over to the House. Senate Bill 334, titled the Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act, was favorably reported out of the House Insurance Committee. Our firefighters deserve our unwavering support, and I’m thankful to see this legislation continuing to move through the House.

Two pieces of legislation I have worked hard on are also continuing to move through the Senate chamber. Senate Bill 473, titled the Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act will take additional steps to protect Georgians’ personal data. Additionally, Senate Resolution 471 will create a Senate Study Committee on access to affordable childcare. This is absolutely a priority for Georgia families and future generations and I am proud to take further steps toward facilitating positive discussions in the child healthcare space.

Lastly, I am delighted to declare that two pieces of my legislation are ready to be taken up on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 417, regarding the reporting of accidents has passed out of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. Additionally, Senate Bill 472, titled the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” was passed out of the same committee. These bills will further protect Georgians in their everyday lives both virtually and physically.

I joined my Senate colleagues in passing several bipartisan pieces of legislation aimed at supporting both veterans and families. The Georgia Senate approved multiple measures designed to offer essential services to our state’s veterans, and I was privileged to endorse this legislation. Having dedicated their lives to defending our country, it’s crucial that we fulfill our commitment as legislators. Additionally, the Senate body voted on a series of legislative bills relating to children and families. Thursday, I was proud to join my Senate colleagues in voting unanimously to pass Senate Bill 376, a bill which improves the timely permanent placement of a child removed from their home. Protecting Georgia’s next generation leaders is an idea we can all get behind, and I will always fight for their future.

Furthermore, my colleagues and I were delighted to be present on Wednesday for the swearing-in of Georgia’s newest Republican senator, Tim Bearden (R-Carrollton). Senator Bearden joins us at an important time for our state and I look forward to serving alongside him throughout the remainder of our legislative session.

Each week under the Gold Dome, constituents, associations and organizations alike come to the Capitol to speak to legislators and host events with public officials. I was personally honored to recognize Rear Admiral Casey W. Coane for his 34 years of military service. An opportunity to recognize our service members, active and retired, is one that I am honored to be a part of.

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

# # # #

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]

House Bill 167, carried in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), progressed out of the Senate Committee on Public Safety this week and will soon reach the Senate floor after unanimously passing in the House in 2023. This bill, known as the “Justice for Victims of Drug Induced Homicide Act,” will strengthen and enhance the protections for victims of the dangerous impacts of illegal drugs.

Sen. Albers collaborated with Cherokee County District Attorney Susan Treadaway on crafting the language and actions to be taken by this piece of legislation.

“District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway continues to be a leader in fighting crime and protecting victims,”   Sen. Albers said. “This bill will support victims and first responders from the dangerous effects of illegal drugs. I am grateful for Susan’s leadership and tenacity to prosecute these horrific crimes.”

The “Justice for Victims of Drug Induced Homicide Act” aims to update and revise Georgia’s criminal laws relating to the offenses and penalties regarding the regulation of  certain controlled substances, including those that manufacture, deliver, distribute, or sell in cases that a death or serious bodily injury occurs.

“Over the course of the last five years, more than 6,000 families buried loved ones in Georgia as a result of the drug epidemic, with fentanyl serving as a primary contributing factor,” said District Attorney Treadaway. “This proposed change in the law will provide prosecutors with the appropriate tool to hold all those accountable for the lives lost to this crisis, and in turn, serve as a deterrent for those inclined to possess and distribute controlled substances in Georgia. I look forward to the continued partnership with Senator John Albers as we work to provide greater protections for first responders and all Georgians. ”

You can find more information on HB 167 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]

“Senator Albers represents what a true leader and public servant should be, and has never wavered in his commitment to serving his fellow Georgians,” said Governor Kemp. He is a champion for our state’s first responders and veterans, and has played a role in keeping our communities safe and ensuring Georgia remains the #1 state to do business. I’m proud to support Senator Albers for re-election and know that he will continue working to represent the interests of all families across Senate District 56.”

We are officially more than halfway through the 2024 Legislative Session. I am proud to share that we are delivering for Georgians by cutting red tape, maintaining our stellar budget, protecting law enforcement officers and pushing back against hate. While we have enjoyed a robust first half of legislative work, plenty of meaningful work lies ahead before the conclusion of the legislative session. Serving the 56^th Senate District remains my greatest honor.

I continued my hard work throughout this past week, drafting and advocating on behalf of numerous pieces of legislation designed to benefit you. I’m delighted to report progress on several pieces of legislation I’ve authored. Senate Bill 334, known as the “Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act,” received unanimous approval on the Senate floor earlier this week. This crucial bill takes tangible steps to support of my fellow firefighters who have selflessly served our communities for generations. Given their heightened risk of cancer diagnosis, it’s imperative that they have access to top-notch insurance coverage. I extend my sincere gratitude to my senate colleagues for their unwavering support.

Additionally, I’m pleased to share that two more bills I’ve championed are advancing through the legislative process. Senate Bill 472, aimed at implementing the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” passed the Senate Committee on Public Safety. With the escalating threat of organized retail crime affecting more Georgians, this legislation is vital. Similarly, Senate Bill 473, the Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. In an age where technology and personal data are increasingly vulnerable, this bill takes significant strides in safeguarding the personal data of Georgia consumers.

My colleagues and I proudly joined Governor Brian P. Kemp on the North Steps of the State Capitol to officially announce that the Georgia National Guard would be sending additional troops to help fortify our country’s southern border. Under the leadership of our current President, our southern border is a growing disaster. Our federal lawmakers continue to look the other way and take no action, while southern states are further inundated by illegal immigrants. At the same time, lethal drugs are pouring across our border every day, leading to drug overdoses and eternally broken families. Many who come across our border illegally are small children which directly affects Georgia’s foster care system. While Georgia does not touch our nation’s northern or southern borders, every state under Joe Biden’s America is now what I would consider a border state. Your State Senate does not support the continuation of these actions, and I am thankful that our body chose to stand for further border control across the United States.

This week, I was proud to support a few pieces of bipartisan Senate legislation, such as Senate Bill 426. This measure addresses an aspect of tort reform by limiting the ability of plaintiffs to sue motor carriers and their insurers simultaneously. As we continue to prioritize workforce development, it’s essential that we prioritize tort reform. Too many current laws make it easy to file frivolous lawsuits that increase costs for insurance companies and, in turn, needlessly limit economic opportunity across our state. By limiting certain lawsuits, we incentivize future entrepreneurs to open their own small business.

Each week under the Gold Dome, constituents, associations and organizations alike come to the Capitol to speak to legislators and host events with public officials. I had the personal honor of acknowledging the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office in the company of Senators Kay Kirkpatrick, Ed Setzler, and Michael Rhett. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office stands out as one of the few nationwide and only five in Georgia to have received a triple crown award for their exceptional service to the county. Additionally, I took pride in standing alongside my son and others later in the week as we commemorated Organ Donor Day. This day holds significant meaning for me, as I had the privilege of donating a kidney to my son, ultimately saving his life in 2021.

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. This program encourages Georgia’s next generation of great leaders to participate in the legislative process by providing a front-row seat to a day’s work in the Georgia Senate. Many of our current legislators participated in this program and first became interested in serving Georgia citizens because of their time spent as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

# # # #

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]

 Today, Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) Today, Senator John Albers stood before the Georgia Senate to honor Donate Life Georgia in recognition of National Donor Day. As an organ donor himself, Senator Albers understands the profound impact of organ and tissue donation firsthand, having donated one of his kidneys to save his son’s life.

Sen. Albers emphasized the importance of organ and tissue donation, stating, “Organ and tissue donation is a gift of life and a testament to the power of compassion and generosity. By registering as donors, individuals have the opportunity to save and heal lives, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. I will always work towards the mission of giving hope to the nearly 3,000 Georgians currently awaiting an organ transplant.”

Donate Life Georgia advocates for organ, eye, and tissue donation, urging Georgians to register their decision to save lives through various channels, including driver’s license offices, online registration at www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org, and when obtaining hunting or fishing licenses through the Department of Natural Resources.

Sen. Albers’ recognition of Donor Day at the state capitol underscores the critical need for organ donation and honors the selfless individuals and their families who make donation possible.

The members of the Senate body commended the dedication of Donate Life Georgia and its member organizations in educating Georgians about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Feb. 15, 2024, is officially recognized as Donor Day at the state capitol, a testament to the collective efforts to save lives through donation.

Sen. Albers also recognized Sierra Pape with Senate Resolution 483 to applaud her work worked with the Georgia Department of Education to have the curriculum to teach Georgia students about organ donation and transplantation across our state.

For more information on SR 560, click 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]

On Monday, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) introduced Senate Resolution 484, which applauds and commends the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office for earning its ‘Triple Crown’ rating last month by attaining accreditation from the top three law enforcement credentialing authorities in the country.

Sen. Albers stood in alongside fellow Senate Cobb Caucus members Sen. Ed Setlzer (R–Acworth), Sen. Michael ‘Doc’ Rhett (D–Marietta), Sen. Jason Esteves (D–Atlanta), and Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta).

Cobb County Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr., also recognized during the presentation, took office on Jan. 1, 2021, and led the agency to this elite level in a span of less than four years.

“It was my privilege and honor to recognize this extraordinary achievement by our Cobb County Sheriff’s Office,” Sen. Albers said. “Only about 100 sheriff’s offices nationwide — out of thousands — and only five offices in Georgia have earned this distinguished honor, and we are proud of Sheriff Owens and his staff. This recognition demonstrates the level of professionalism, leadership, and teamwork by the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office..”

The three national law enforcement credentialing authorities include the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), American Correctional Association (ACA), and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).

Currently there are 13 facilities in the U.S. that hold the NCCHC Mental Health Accreditation, including the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will be the second agency in the country to have partnered with Wellpath, which currently holds this particular accreditation.

“I am incredibly proud of our command staff and rank-and-file employees for their leadership and commitment to excellence in public safety,” said Cobb County Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr. “Earning the Triple Crown Award isn’t the destination; it’s part of our ongoing journey to become one of the best law enforcement agencies in the country.”

You can find more information on SR 484 here.

# # # #

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]

We have officially completed five weeks of legislative business under the Gold Dome, and it’s hard to believe that we are nearly halfway through the 2024 Legislative Session. While I am proud of the legislative progress we have made as a Senate body, we have plenty of work left to do for both the 56^th Senate District and our state. I am excited to work with my fellow senators and Republican caucus members to continue our mission of passing meaningful legislation for Georgia. As a majority, we have enjoyed a highly effective session and biennium, and it’s important that we finish the drill.

Since the start of the legislative session, I have been drafting and advocating for conservative legislation in all facets of the legislative process. In regards to my legislation, Senate Bill 328, crafted to update and provide additional benefits to the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund, passed out of the House Retirement Committee.  I also was pleased to see Senate Bill 334 pass out of the Senate Committee on Insurance & Labor. This bill, titled the “Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act” is good legislation dedicated to protecting another important branch of first responders. Similarly, I was proud to adopt Senate Resolution 550, honoring Feb. 6 as Firefighters Recognition Day. It was an honor to stand with firefighters from across our great state on the south steps of the Capitol. One of my greatest priorities as your state senator is protecting the men and women who safeguard our communities.

In additional news, I’m happy to share that Senate Bill 335, the Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act, has moved to the House and passed through the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee. We must do all that we can to protect some of Georgia’s most vulnerable individuals.

Additionally, my colleagues and I joined members of the House to hear from Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs as he delivered the State of the Judiciary address. During the address, Chief Justice Boggs updated the Georgia General Assembly on several meaningful judicial efforts, including judicial security and retention. As lawmakers, we must protect our law enforcers both in the line of duty and on the bench. By protecting our law enforcers, we can play a key role in retaining judges who are committed to preserving justice in our great state.

This week, Senators took part in their respective appropriations subcommittees. In these hearings, members listened to budget requests from state agencies related to the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget. As I mentioned in our week two update when legislators participated in “Budget Week,” these meetings are essential as we continue to maintain our AAA bond rating and $16 billion surplus – all thanks to practical fiscal conservatism. Unlike the Washington elite, we manage our money responsibly and practice diligence at every level: from subcommittees, to committees and on the Senate floor. Georgia’s working class families deserve legislators dedicated to balancing dollars and cents, and the Senate’s Republican majority is proud to continue leading this charge.

I was honored to welcome Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) to the Capitol on Feb. 7 as a part of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.  CHOA is an exceptional institution and leads the largest cardiac program in the Southeast and is a hub for good-paying Georgia jobs. Many of their workers make tremendous sacrifices and save countless lives. I will always be thankful for their work. It’s certainly no accident that they are one of the most renowned healthcare facilities in our country.

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. This program encourages Georgia’s next generation of leaders to participate in the legislative process by providing a front-row seat to a day’s work in the Georgia Senate. Many of our current legislators participated in this program and first became interested in serving Georgia citizens because of their time spent as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

# # # #

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]

Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) announced the creation of bipartisan and collaborative Senate Cobb County Delegation. This delegation will be co-chaired by Sen. Ed Setzler (R–Acworth) and Sen. Michael “Doc” Rhett (D–Marietta). The Senate delegation will continue working toward legislation and resolutions that support the county’s judiciary, educational, budgetary, infrastructural, oversight and regulatory needs. “I was honored to nominate Senators Setzler and Rhett for their respective positions within this delegation.

This bipartisan collaboration will enhance and improve the lives of the many Georgians that call Cobb
County home,” said Sen. Albers. “I know that my colleagues will work to obtain tangible results for our
constituents, neighbors and friends within Cobb County.” Cobb County includes the cities of Marietta, Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Powder Springs, and Smyrna with a population of more than 766,000.

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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].

January has concluded and we have completed a significant amount of work under the Gold Dome. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been hard at work introducing various public policy initiatives for Georgia citizens and members of the 56th District…