Senator Albers: Week Nine Under the Gold Dome
Friday, March 14, 2025
We’re in the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative Session, and things are getting down to the wire. Last Thursday was Crossover Day, the last chance for bills to clear their first major hurdle. With less than 10 legislative days left, Senate Republicans are doubling down to push through real, commonsense legislation that puts Georgians first and stands up to the continued nonsense coming from the radical progressives.
Over the next three weeks, we will work in House committees to get Senate bills across the finish line. That means defending Georgia values, making our communities safer, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and pushing back against the destructive policies that have left hard-working Georgians struggling to make ends meet. I’m proud to report that SB 58, the “Georgia Transporting Life-Saving Organs and Personnel Act,” made it through the House Committee on Health and is one step closer to becoming law. This is a win for our district and state, and I’ll keep you updated as we get it over the finish line.
On Thursday, the Senate took up the House’s budget recommendations for 2025-2026. Let’s be clear: this is your money. You work hard to put food on the table, and it’s our job to make sure the government isn’t wasting a single penny of it. As the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, I sat in meetings where we held agencies accountable and made sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. We’re cutting waste, prioritizing law enforcement and ensuring your kids can get their education safely.
Beyond the budget, we ramped up committee work to pass meaningful, conservative legislation. I supported House Bill 549 in the Senate Committee on Public Safety. This bill ensures that the local agency that pays for an officer’s training is reimbursed if that officer leaves within 36 months of completing their training. This is exactly the type of policy we need, emphasizing real solutions to real problems.
I’m also carrying House Bill 283 because it’s time we stand up and fight for the safety of our law enforcement officers. Many people may be unaware that signing a citation administered by an officer is not an admission of guilt. This confusion can seriously affect officers and citizens when negotiating a tense situation. Under HB 283, officers can write “Refusal to Sign” on a citation to ensure everyone returns home safely. This legislation will reduce negative encounters with law enforcement, free up officers for high-priority calls and ultimately save taxpayer dollars.
Finally, I invited the family and colleagues of Officer Jeremy Labonte to the Capitol this week. This young man’s life was cut short, and his legacy will always be remembered for those passing the GA 400/US 19 and Holcomb Bridge Road interchange, soon to be known as the Officer Jeremy Labonte Memorial Interchange. After presenting a flag to his wife, I asked for every member of the Senate who had served in the military or first responder to join me in saluting his family. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to honor his service on behalf of the Roswell community.
Whether it’s small business owners, law enforcement officers or hard-working Georgians just trying to make a living, your voices are why I’m here. We need more of you stepping up, speaking out and staying engaged because the fight for Georgia’s future isn’t just happening at the Capitol—it’s happening in our communities, our schools, and at our kitchen tables.
With just a few weeks left in this session, if you have concerns, ideas, or just want to know more about what’s happening under the Gold Dome, reach out. Your voice matters, and I’m here to make sure it’s heard.
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 Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].