Senator Albers: Week Four Under the Gold Dome
Friday, February 02, 2024
With January now officially in the books, the Georgia General Assembly has nearly completed a month of legislative work. January proved to be a productive time for Georgians, and the fourth week under the Gold Dome was no exception. I’m eager to share what I’ve been diligently working on for Georgia’s 56th Senate District.
This week, I was pleased to witness the adoption of two pieces of legislation I sponsored on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 328, crafted to update and provide additional benefits to the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund, garnered unanimous support. This crucial legislation aims to bolster the retention of our peace officers, particularly during a period where prioritizing those who safeguard our communities is paramount. In alignment with this priority, I took pride in leading the effort to draft and adopt Senate Resolution 495, which designated January 31, 2024, as Police Chiefs and Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies Recognition Day.
Furthermore, I was delighted to see the passage of Senate Bill 335, dedicated to safeguarding some of Georgia’s most vulnerable individuals: adopted children. I remain steadfast in my commitment to defending those who cannot defend themselves.
Moreover, I was pleased to witness several of my bills referred to various Senate committees. Senate Bill 363, aimed at supporting our law enforcement personnel by establishing the critical Georgia Public Safety Training Center, passed out of committee. Additionally, SB 334, the Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act. Also passed unanimously out of committee.
I had the privilege of joining Gov. Brian P. Kemp and fellow members of the Georgia General Assembly for the signing of House Bill 30. This bill, officially defining antisemitism for purposes including hate crime prosecution and cases of discrimination, marks a significant step in the state’s support for its Jewish population amidst a troubling rise in antisemitism nationwide. As I’ve stated before, there is unequivocally no place for hate in Georgia.
Looking ahead, I anticipate continued progress for our district in the coming legislative week. With an array of legislation in committee and poised for a vote on the Senate floor, I’m confident that the 56th Senate District will continue to benefit from measures aimed at enhancing the lives of all residents.
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 regarding any legislative matter. I look forward to assisting you as the 2024 Legislative Session continues on.
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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]
