Today, the Senate passed Senate Bill 470, the “Emergency & Public Safety Signal Protection Act,” sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), to prohibit interference with emergency and public safety communications.

SB 470 would ban the manufacturing, sale, distribution, possession and use of signal jammers, devices that disrupt wireless communication. The bill would also establish penalties for targeting communication systems relied upon by emergency services. Limited use of such technology would be permitted only for authorized state entities and certain approved actors to support public safety operations.

“The most important function of government is to protect the people, and we have to empower our first responders to do so without interruption or delay,” said Sen. Albers. “In an emergency, wireless systems are essential for coordinating response efforts and keeping the public informed. Signal jammers can disrupt 911 centers, alarm systems and other critical infrastructure, putting both responders and the communities they serve at serious risk. This legislation closes a dangerous gap in the law by establishing clear penalties for interference and ensuring our public safety agencies can communicate when every second counts. By protecting these vital systems, we are strengthening Georgia’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis.”

SB 470 now moves to the House for further consideration. Read more about the bill 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 Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the 2026 Legislative Session, and I want you to know exactly where things stand.

Senate Republicans have strived to keep Georgia families safe, make life more affordable and protect the conservative values that have made our state strong this session. At the halfway mark, I’m proud to say we’re delivering real results.

This week, the Senate passed the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, the first of the two balanced budgets we pass every session. Unlike Washington politicians who print money and leave the bill for the next generation, Georgia lives within its means. Our Constitution requires a balanced budget, and this Senate body takes that responsibility seriously.

The amended budget sets the financial framework for the remainder of this fiscal year, which runs through July 1. We combed through every agency request, every program and every dollar with one question in mind: Is this a responsible use of your money? That is why the Senate agreed with the Governor’s tax rebates of $250 for single filers, $375 for head of households, and $500 for those filing jointly. We also agreed with the House on the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant, which would provide about $500 for every homeowner. In total, the Senate’s budget would deliver significant relief to families struggling to make ends meet across our state. That is a $1,000 tax refund to Georgia families!

Senate Republicans are also investing in public safety so that law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect our communities. I was especially proud to support continued funding for our Next Gen 911 efforts, which will modernize the technology that connects first responders with Georgians in need as quickly as possible. The budget also includes critical funding for the Department of Corrections to replace outdated locking controls and fire alarm systems and to strengthen perimeter security at prisons across the state.

Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will receive funding to enhance software connectivity with federal DNA databases and to construct a new investigative office. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day, and we will continue to stand behind them.

Lastly, I commend the Senate for allocating over $400 million to the construction of a new mental forensic hospital, which would be the first of its kind in our state since the 1960s. This facility will provide bed space for individuals who would benefit more from mental health rehabilitation than being placed in a jail cell. This solution offers the best path to rehabilitation for eligible individuals and provides critical assistance to sheriffs managing crowded county jails.

Every dollar in this budget comes from hardworking Georgians. It’s your money, which is why we deliberate carefully and move deliberately. The results of that discipline speak for themselves. Georgia maintains a AAA credit rating. We’ve built strong reserves and continue to lead the nation as the number one state to do business year after year. Now, this amended budget heads back to the House for consideration.

Beyond the budget, we are continuing to advance policies that empower families, especially in education. This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 446, which ensures Georgia permanently participates in the new federal school choice tax credit program created by Congress in 2025. I firmly believe parents should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their children’s education, rather than out-of-touch government bureaucrats.

Every child learns differently. Some thrive in traditional public schools. Others benefit from charter schools, private schools, faith-based schools or specialized programs. SB 446 invests in our families by giving them more options and more flexibility. It puts students first and reinforces the idea that education should serve our children, not the systems that are meant to guide them.

Budgeting is something every family must navigate, and it is not always easy. The decisions we make under the Gold Dome directly affect your household budget, which is why it is so important that Georgians understand how and why state dollars are spent. That is also why I am proud to share that my legislation, Senate Bill 392, the “Waste Reduction Act of 2026,” passed out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations this week.

This bill revives a proven budgeting strategy that emphasizes accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Zero-based budgeting requires agencies to justify every dollar they request, rather than relying on the previous year’s spending as a baseline. It is the same commonsense approach many families use when reviewing their own finances. Carefully evaluating each expense and eliminating waste promotes transparency, controls costs, and ensures the state government is focused on core priorities. This legislation will make government more efficient and ease the burden on Georgia taxpayers.

Finally, I was proud to celebrate Donor Day under the Gold Dome on Friday. I will forever be indebted to Georgia’s healthcare system and organ transplant organizations for helping me donate one of my kidneys to my son. Organ donation can provide your loved ones with a new lease on life, and I am fortunate enough to say I was able to do that for one of mine. Donor Day honors the 2,600 Georgians who gave the gift of life to someone they care about last year, as well as the facilities that make this lifesaving process possible.

We’re halfway through the 2026 session, and I promise you that I’ll keep fighting every day to protect your hard-earned dollars, strengthen our communities, and keep Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family.

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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 Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected]. 

Today, State Senator John Albers (R–Roswell), chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, and State Representative Brad Thomas (R–Holly Springs), chairman of the House Special Committee on Resource Management, announced that House Bill 1029 has successfully passed the Georgia General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“I appreciate the leadership of Representative Thomas and our Cherokee delegation for listening to the concerns of our constituents and providing a reasonable and commonsense solution,” said Sen. Albers. “As we move forward together, it is important that all levels of government work together as a team to best serve the people we are sworn to represent.”

“This legislation sets a clear expectation moving forward,” said Rep. Thomas. “Local governments and county stakeholders must work together, communicate openly and transparently, and operate as a unified team when shaping the future of Cherokee County. Our responsibility is to represent the people well and to steward this community in a way that protects its character, strengthens its economy and preserves the quality of life families expect. Holly Springs is a vital part of Cherokee County, and I look forward to continued cooperation as we build a strong and sustainable future together. I appreciate our colleagues in both chambers for their thoughtful consideration of this much-needed legislation.”

If signed into law, HB 1029 would amend the City of Holly Springs’ charter by revising the city’s corporate boundaries and adjusting the composition of the city council to reflect updated district lines.

The full text of HB 1029 may be found here. For additional information regarding the legislation, please contact Rep. Thomas’ or Sen. Albers’ offices.

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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 Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected]. 

Representative Brad Thomas represents the citizens of District 21, which includes a portion of Cherokee County. He first was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Special Committee on Resource Management, Vice Chairman of the Governmental Affairs and Technology & Infrastructure Innovation committees and Secretary of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Intragovernmental Coordination, Retirement and Transportation committees.

Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) joined his Senate Republican Caucus colleagues in passing Senate Bill 476 and Senate Bill 477, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia). These measures will deliver the largest tax relief in Georgia’s history and position the state to completely eliminate the state income tax.  

As neighboring states aggressively cut taxes or move to eliminate income taxes altogether, Georgia must maintain its competitive edge to continue supporting the families and businesses that drive our state’s economy and growth.

“This progress is the result of years of disciplined, conservative decision-making,” said Sen. Albers. “When Republicans first took control of state government, Georgia’s income tax rate was 6 percent, and it had been there for more than 30 years under Democratic leadership. We’ve now lowered that rate to 5.19 percent and returned billions of dollars to the people who earned it. These pieces of legislation were only the next step in that mission.”

Senate Bill 476 follows through on Governor Kemp’s goal of cutting the state income tax rate to 4.99% for both individuals and corporations. It also dramatically increases the standard deduction to $100,000 for married couples and $50,000 for those filing individually, instantly delivering a 5% raise for Georgians across the state. To offset the cost, the legislation eliminates or scales back 29 targeted tax credits and applies a five-year sunset to ensure continued legislative oversight.

“Senate Bill 476 simplifies the tax code and makes life more affordable for the vast majority of Georgians,” added Sen. Albers. “This is the definition of a kitchen-table issue. Families and small businesses know best how to manage their own budgets, and they are the ones who enable us to come to the Capitol every day to fight on their behalf. Our job is to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and these bills do exactly that by providing relief while safeguarding the state’s financial future.”

Senate Bill 477 builds on that commitment by setting the income tax rate at 4.99% and creating a clear path to lower the personal rate to 4.49% in 2027 and 3.99% in 2028, subject to a revenue trigger. The measure also raises the standard deduction to $16,000 for single filers and $32,000 for married couples while retaining the 4.99% corporate rate.

These bills take a targeted approach to addressing affordability challenges facing Georgians while maintaining the state’s strong fiscal position. Georgia’s adherence to responsible budgeting has contributed to its financial stability and will support its continued growth in the years ahead.

You can read more about SB 476 and SB 477 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 Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected]. Relief Package

We are now four weeks into legislative business under the Gold Dome and are working diligently to pass legislation that strengthens opportunities for hardworking Georgians. As we move deeper into the 2026 Legislative Session, Senate Republicans are advancing priority legislation from committee to the Senate floor and over to the House, focused on restoring the American Dream and keeping government accountable to the people it serves.

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans delivered on our promise to lower the cost of living by passing Senate Bill 382, a priority measure aimed at reining in runaway property taxes and protecting homeowners from being priced out of their own homes. Across Georgia, families are watching property values rise while their incomes struggle to keep pace. There is no acceptable reality where Georgians work hard, play by the rules, and still risk losing their homes because the government continues to collect more each year.

Local governments should not receive an automatic pay raise simply because home values increase. When you purchase and pay off your home, you should not be subjected to a never-ending rent payment in the form of rising property taxes. Senate Republicans are restoring fiscal responsibility and protecting homeowners, continuing the conservative budgeting practices that have earned Georgia’s AAA credit rating and recognition as the number one state for business.

As the Senate adjourns for the week, we are also advancing Republican priorities focused on protecting Georgia’s most vulnerable children. The Senate passed Senate Bill 402, which establishes a pilot program to provide autism screenings, clinical evaluations, and support services for children in foster care. Early diagnosis and access to resources can make a lifelong difference, and this legislation helps ensure children in state care are not left behind due to gaps in the system.

We also passed Senate Bill 431, which strengthens protections for foster care students by requiring schools to enroll them within two school days of a request. Children in foster care already face enough disruption and uncertainty through no fault of their own. This bill removes unnecessary red tape and helps ensure students can stay focused on learning rather than navigating bureaucracy.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I have been advancing legislation to keep you and your loved ones safe. This week, we passed House Bill 549 to give our officers more time to submit reimbursement requests for required training expenses. This bill allows our brave men and women in law enforcement to focus more on protecting Georgians, rather than worrying about out-of-pocket costs. Training is essential to maintaining law and order, and no officer should be discouraged from strengthening their skills due to financial concerns. HB 549 helps ensure the men and women who protect us have the support and security they deserve.

Another important measure that advanced out of the Senate Committee on Public Safety this week was House Bill 61. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, and squatters threaten the safety and stability that come with it when left unchecked. This legislation establishes clear guidelines to protect property owners and holds accountable those who unlawfully occupy homes. I am proud to support this bill as it moves toward the Governor’s desk, ensuring Georgia homeowners are better protected and their property rights are upheld.

I was also honored to recognize February 3, 2026, as Firefighters Recognition Day under the Gold Dome. More than 30,000 firefighters serve communities across Georgia through over 900 fire departments, putting their lives on the line every day. As a former firefighter, I understand the sacrifices this profession demands, which is why I introduced Senate Resolution 607 to honor their service and dedication to our state and nation. I remain committed to ensuring our first responders have the tools, training, and support they need to keep Georgians safe and our communities strong.

I also encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This opportunity allows middle and high school students to serve for a day during the Legislative Session and learn firsthand how state government works. More information is available on the Georgia Senate website here.  

While there may be disagreements under the Gold Dome, Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering real results. Your input is important to me, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas as we continue our work this session.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

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 Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected]. 

We kicked off the 2026 Legislative Session last month and I have been working diligently to deliver on a promise of greater affordability for all Georgians. We’re tackling the rising costs that burden our families by pursuing meaningful reductions in both property and income taxes. Our goal is simple: to ensure that our citizens can keep more of their hard-earned money and enjoy a more affordable life right here in our state.