Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session, we reached several major milestones, delivering real results for our farmers, job creators and hardworking Georgians.

As I write the update, we will be debating final passage of Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, the tort reform legislations, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp. SB 68 is designed to curb lawsuit abuse and shield small businesses from predatory legal tactics. This important work as well as significant focus on the insurance providers are needed to lower premiums for Georgia families and businesses.

We’re also making sure you keep more of what you earn. The Senate just passed a major tax cut, House Bill 111, that lowers the state income tax, putting real money back in your pockets year after year. On top of that, we’re providing a one-time rebate through the passage of House Bill 112 to help families cover the rising costs of groceries, gas, and other essentials. Whether it’s helping you invest in your farm, support your small business, or simply make ends meet, these tax cuts are about giving you more financial freedom, and both bills are now on their way to Governor Kemp’s desk, fulfilling yet another promise to ease the financial burden on Georgia families.

On the legislative front, I’m proud to be carrying House Bill 161, which sends a clear message: domestic terrorists have no place in the State of Georgia. This bill gives the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) the authority to issue subpoenas for electronic communications, helping them investigate crimes and cyber threats that put lives and property at risk. It also strengthens the legal definition of domestic terrorism and gives the GBI more tools to go after illegal aliens involved in acts of terror. At its core, HB 161 is about keeping you, your family, and your community safe. It empowers law enforcement to respond more quickly and effectively to real threats. The bill has now passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

I’m also carrying House Bill 423, which will improve Georgia’s 9-1-1 systems, something that matters to everyone, especially in rural areas where seconds count during an emergency. This legislation upgrades our outdated call centers to next-generation standards, making it easier for responders to locate you if you’re in danger, especially in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. It also ensures better coordination between 9-1-1 centers across the state, speeding up emergency response times when it matters most. HB 423 has passed the Senate and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Lastly, I recently introduced Senate Resolution 391 to establish the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Currency. After chairing last year’s committee on AI, I’ve seen firsthand how fast this technology is evolving, and how important it is that Georgia stays ahead of the curve. We welcome innovation, but we must also make sure digital currencies and new technologies are being used safely and responsibly. This new study committee will explore how AI can help protect consumers, strengthen security, and support smart growth across our state.

Each of these efforts is focused on one goal: making Georgia safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Serving the 56^th Senate District under the Gold Dome is an honor.

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 County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

Governor Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for tornadoes and severe weather in the State of Georgia. Please see the update from Georgia Emergency Management (GEMA) below and be safe. Please contact my office if we can be of assistance: www.senatoralbers.com.

A significant severe weather event is expected across the Southeast this weekend. A powerful line of storms with embedded supercells will move into Georgia late Saturday night through Sunday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a rare High Risk (level 5 of 5) for parts of Mississippi and Alabama and have pushed the Moderate Risk (level 4 of 5) into much of western Georgia. Moderate Risks typically occur in Georgia about once per year, indicating confidence that this will be a high-end severe weather event.

The main threats will be tornadoes and damaging winds with large hail also possible. SPC has included “Hatched Areas” for potentially strong tornadoes of EF2+ and wind gusts over 75 mph in both the Moderate and Enhanced Risk areas. Long-tracked, potentially violent tornadoes will be possible in Mississippi and Alabama on Saturday afternoon and evening which could move into western Georgia on Saturday night. Although the environment over Georgia will be more stable than over Mississippi and Alabama, severe weather parameters should remain high enough to sustain powerful thunderstorms overnight Saturday through Sunday morning.

While some strong thunderstorms are possible during the day on Saturday, the main window for severe weather will begin late Saturday night in northern and western Georgia. Supercells and a broken line of storms will shift eastward overnight and should move out of Metro Atlanta by sunrise on Sunday. The main window for severe weather in eastern and much of southern Georgia will be after sunrise on Sunday. SPC has a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for these areas on Sunday, but that risk level could increase with confidence that strong storms may redevelop later on Sunday morning and afternoon.

Significant severe weather will be possible anywhere in Georgia Saturday night and Sunday morning regardless of the exact SPC risk category. With this being an overnight event, please ensure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings and review your tornado safety plans beforehand. Please continue to monitor updates from the Storm Prediction Center, your local National Weather Service office, and reliable media outlets through the duration of this event.

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 56^th 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].

We’ve officially reached one of the biggest milestones of the legislative session—Crossover Day. This marks the final opportunity for bills to pass out of their original chamber and remain eligible to become law before the session ends. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes time under the Gold Dome, and this week was no exception. With the session winding down, our focus now shifts to working with the House to finalize these bills. Below is a look at some of the key measures we’ve passed that will have a real impact on our communities.

Every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their child is safe at school. That’s why Senate Republicans have made school safety a major priority this session. We’ve passed three proactive measures to keep our students and educators secure. SB 17 requires all schools to install mobile panic alert systems and provide school mapping data to law enforcement. In an emergency, every second counts. We can prevent tragedies and protect lives by reducing response times and giving first responders better information. SB 61 ensures that juveniles charged with attempted murder or terroristic threats against a school will be prosecuted as adults. We cannot afford to treat these serious crimes lightly. This bill sends a strong message—schools are places of learning, not places of fear.

SB 179 requires that students send their academic and disciplinary records within ten days of transferring to a new school and notify their parents or guardians within five days. This helps ensure that schools know of any past behavior concerns and can provide the necessary support and oversight. These common-sense policies strengthen our schools’ ability to keep students safe while ensuring we remain vigilant against potential threats.

In Georgia, we back the blue and stand with those who put their lives on the line to protect us. Whether it’s law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency responders, we recognize their service and sacrifice. This year, we passed key bills to provide them with financial and retirement security.

SB 56 expands the Georgia Indemnification Fund to provide financial support to the families of public safety officers who lost their lives due to COVID-19. This is about doing what’s right for the families of those who gave everything for their communities. SB 31 eliminates state taxes on military retirement income. While Georgia already offers some tax exemptions, this bill makes us fully competitive with neighboring states that don’t tax military pensions at all. This is about honoring our veterans and making Georgia a more attractive place for retired servicemen and women to live and work.

SB 129, the “Georgia Supporting Those Who Sacrificed for Service Act,” expands the homestead exemption for totally disabled veterans and introduces new exemptions for partially disabled veterans and first responders. I sponsored this bill to recognize their sacrifices.

The Senate also passed my bill, SB 111, the “Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act,” which strengthens online data security. This legislation, stemming from the 2024 Senate Study Committee on AI, empowers consumers to control their personal data and limits how it is collected and stored, helping protect Georgians from identity theft and financial fraud.

Additionally, SB 9, the “Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act,” targets AI-driven crimes, such as obscene imagery harming minors and fraudulent impersonations of seniors. This bill deters bad actors while safeguarding AI’s positive applications.

With SB 27, the “Georgia Anti-Doxxing Act,” we criminalize doxxing as a stalking-related offense. Posting personal information without consent can cause severe harm, and this bipartisan measure reinforces our commitment to online safety. I sponsored this bill to keep Georgians safe.

Lastly, I was honored to recognize law enforcement leaders at the State Capitol for Police Chiefs and Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies Recognition Day. The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police exemplifies outstanding leadership, and Senate Resolution 60 commends their dedication to public safety. Georgia will always stand with those who protect and serve.

As we enter the final stretch of the legislative session, I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or input. I look forward to pushing for legislation that strengthens our communities, upholds our values, and ensures a brighter future for all Georgians.

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 County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

We are in the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative Session with our final day under the Gold Dome, known as Sine Die, scheduled for April 4th. I am proud of our legislation and the progress we have made on our legislative priorities. Listed below are some specific updates, and I look forward to hearing from you about our work…

Crossover Day—the deadline for bills to pass out of their original chamber and stay in consideration for this session—is quickly approaching, with committee hearings and legislative debates in full swing.

This week, we passed HB 67, the Senate’s version of the 2025 amended fiscal year budget. With these appropriations, we’re returning hard-earned money to state taxpayers—providing $250 refunds for single filers, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married joint filers—all made possible by Georgia’s strong conservative financial stewardship. Investments in education and workforce development include $50 million in school security grants, salary increases for Pre-K teachers and funding for college career academies. This budget is a commitment to Georgia’s working families, rural communities and conservative principles—returning money to taxpayers while making targeted investments to keep our state strong and prosperous for future generations.

Most importantly, this budget prioritizes help for those still recovering from Hurricane Helene, a storm that tore through Georgia over 100 days ago. Many of our rural communities—farmers, small businesses and families—are still waiting for relief to repair the damage from this generational storm. The Senate’s budget includes essential funding to help these Georgians get back on their feet by adding $50 million to the Governor’s Emergency Fund to support recovery efforts. These funds will help families, farmers and businesses rebuild, covering debris removal, housing expenses and hazard mitigation efforts. An additional $50 million will support Georgia farmers and timber producers through the Georgia Development Authority, bringing the total investment in agriculture recovery to $300 million. We also included $15 million to support nonprofit organizations aiding storm victims and $15.6 million to help stabilize rural hospitals in disaster-affected areas. We must continue to ensure that when disaster strikes, our citizens aren’t left waiting for relief while bureaucratic red tape slows down recovery, and this carefully crafted amended budget is a testament to those efforts.

We also successfully passed Senate Bill 28, the “Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025.” This legislation takes a hard look at the regulations that have piled up over the years and ensures they still serve their intended purpose. For too long, government overreach has placed an unfair burden on small businesses, farmers, and job creators—the backbone of our economy. SB 28 requires a small business impact analysis for future legislation and economic impact reviews for any new rules costing the state more than $1 million over five years. Simply put, this bill ensures that Georgia remains a low-tax, business-friendly state where people can provide for their families—without being strangled by government bureaucracy.

On Wednesday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 79, the “Fentanyl Eradication and Reduction (FEAR) Act.” This bill strengthens penalties for those who possess, distribute, or manufacture fentanyl, a drug that is devastating communities across Georgia. Fentanyl is not just another illegal drug—it is a lethal poison that is killing our loved ones at an alarming rate. Last year, Austin’s Law increased penalties for fentanyl distribution, and SB 79 builds on that by tightening restrictions and cracking down on traffickers. We must do everything in our power to keep these dangerous substances out of our communities and protect our children from those who would do them harm.

In addition to supporting key legislation, I am proud to have authored SB 143, which allows eligible firefighters to retire and receive benefits from the Georgia Firefighter’s Pension Fund. Georgia faces a critical shortage of first responders, yet current regulations prevent retired firefighters from returning to service. This restriction weakens our fire service and limits experienced leadership in the field. SB 143 would permit qualifying firefighters—age 50 or older with 30 years of service—to draw from the pension fund without further contributions, enabling them to continue serving while mentoring the next generation. The bill has advanced to an actuarial study, and I look forward to reviewing the results.

This week, I also honored two fallen law enforcement officers. I sponsored Senate Resolution 231 to dedicate the interchange of State Route 400 and State Route 140 in Fulton County as the Officer Jeremy Labonte Memorial Interchange in memory of Roswell Police Officer Jeremy Labonte, who was killed in the line of duty.

Additionally, I paid tribute to Alpharetta Police Detective Bryan Smith, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Having served alongside him as a firefighter, I asked the Senate to honor his legacy with a moment of silence. These brave men sacrificed for their communities, and I encourage everyone to join me in remembering them and supporting their families.

As we move into the second half of the legislative session, I encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. I will always fight for the people who get up every morning, put in a hard day’s work, and ask for nothing but a fair shot at the American Dream. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to updating you on our progress in the weeks ahead.

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 County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

With Legislative Day 20 behind us, we have officially reached the halfway mark of the 2025 Legislative Session.

A major topic this legislative session has been tort reform. Finding solutions that lowers burdens on small businesses, healthcare providers, and consumers is a priority for me and will take numerous steps to combat. Specifically, all Georgians need to lower insurance costs, prevent abusive litigation and ensure that businesses—especially small, family-owned operations—can operate and flourish.  Equally, we need to assure insurance companies and other groups are being honest brokers and not taking advantage of consumers. Together, I am confident we can solve this issue and continue to keep Georgia the #1 place for business as well as live and raise a family.

Senate Republicans have continued to lead the fight for policies that protect Georgia families and uphold the rule of law. Two key bills, both sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia), passed the Senate last week and are now moving to the House for consideration:

• SB 21 ensures local government officials can be held accountable if they violate Georgia’s ban on sanctuary city policies. This is a necessary step to keep our communities safe and enforce immigration laws at the state level.
• SB 39 prevents taxpayer dollars from funding sex change procedures through the state health benefit plan and prohibits state-associated healthcare facilities from offering such services. Our tax dollars should not be used to push radical policies.

Over the last two weeks, two bills I have authored to benefit organ donation also passed the Senate. Last week, the Senate unanimously passed my bill, SB 84, to establish a specialty license plate benefitting the Shepherd Center and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. The Shepherd Center is among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals, particularly for neuromuscular conditions, while the Georgia Transplant Foundation plays a vital role in rebuilding lives by educating and financially assisting organ recipients and donors. Purchasing license plates for these organizations is a small way to support them in their honorable mission. Similarly, SB 58, otherwise known as the “Georgia Transporting Life-Saving Organs and Personnel Act,” was also passed unanimously by the Senate this week. This legislation would classify emergency organ transport vehicles as ambulance services to hasten the transport of organs and medical personnel. I look forward to their favorable recommendation from the House as well.

In addition to these major policy advancements, my legislative efforts this week focused on data privacy. I sponsored SB 111, also known as the “Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act,” to protect the confidentiality of Georgians’ data and bring our security parameters in line with 20 other states nationwide. The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism referred SB 111 to the Senate Committee on Rules earlier this week, and I hope to see it on the floor in the coming weeks.

As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the 56^th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your input helps shape the policies that impact our state, and I value your voice in this process.

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 County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

The Georgia Senate has passed Senate Bill 58, the “Georgia Transporting Life-Saving Organs and Personnel Act,” with bipartisan support. Sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), the legislation allows emergency organ transport vehicles to operate as ambulance services, expediting the transportation of organs and medical professionals.

“Having donated an organ to my son, I know firsthand the life-changing impact of organ donation,” said Sen. Albers. “These transport vehicles are already equipped with lights and sirens like other emergency vehicles, so it only makes sense to streamline their regulations and training. This bill will ensure medical teams can save lives more efficiently across Georgia.”

SB 58 passed the Senate unanimously with a 53-0 vote and now moves to the House for consideration.

Read more about the bill here.

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].

We are hard at work at your Georgia Capitol assuring we maintain our best place to live, work, and raise a family.  Important legislation is working through the committee process and I have many important initiatives advancing…

We’re now four weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session, and things are moving quickly under the Gold Dome. It’s been a busy and productive stretch, and I remain fully committed to standing up for the values and priorities of the 56th Senate District.

This week began with a press conference led by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), where we unveiled our Republican caucus priorities for the session. Leader Gooch captured it perfectly: Georgia’s success depends on securing our future—whether that’s through protecting our children, safeguarding families, enhancing economic opportunities, or ensuring that Georgia remains the best state in the nation to do business.

A key legislative priority that moved swiftly through the Senate this week is SB 1, the “Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act,” authored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) and I was a proud sponsor. This commonsense bill ensures that biological males cannot participate in women’s sports at the middle school, high school, or collegiate levels. As a parent and someone who believes in preserving fairness in athletics, I proudly supported this legislation. During the debate I read a letter from my constituent Lisa Blankinship who was present in the gallery with her husband Greg.  The letter involved her daughter Katie who had to deal with this issue as a college swimmer and it was very impactful. Passing this bill is a big win for our daughters, granddaughters, and future generations of female athletes, and I’m optimistic it will receive a warm reception in the House in the coming weeks.

In addition to advancing our priority bills, the Senate has been hard at work, maintaining a regular committee schedule and hearing testimony on issues ranging from public safety to AI-driven scams and synthetic drug testing. Committees serve as the engine of the legislative process, and I was proud to see my bill, SB 7, move forward in the Senate Committee on Public Safety earlier this week. If passed, SB 7 would allow sheriffs to utilize municipal detention facilities or jails when space is available.

I drafted this legislation after serving on the Senate Committee on Public Safety’s Subcommittee on the Fulton County Jail (FCJ), which concluded in its final report that FCJ would benefit greatly from access to the Atlanta City Detention Center. While SB 7 alone will not fully resolve the persistent overcrowding at FCJ, I believe giving officials the ability to separate nonviolent offenders from the general population is a step in the right direction.

The Senate Committee on Public Safety also recommended that the Senate body consider another bill of mine, SB 84. This bill is especially meaningful to me, as it establishes specialty license plates benefiting the Shepherd Center and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. These organizations provide life-saving care and critical support to Georgians facing immense challenges. As an organ donor, I deeply believe in their mission, and I hope you’ll join me in supporting them—even in a small way, such as purchasing a specialty license plate in their honor.

Finally, I sponsored SR 19 to designate February 4th as Firefighters Recognition Day—one of my favorite days of the year. Having served as a firefighter for over three decades, I know firsthand the dedication and sacrifice of firefighters and EMTs across Georgia. These men and women risk their lives daily to provide emergency services, and we can never thank them enough for their bravery. I encourage everyone to visit your local fire station, meet the fire chiefs, and take the time to get to know the firefighters who serve your community.

I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. Spots are limited and filling quickly, so don’t wait to apply! If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply on the Senate website here.

I am incredibly grateful to continue representing the 56th Senate District. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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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 Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].