The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. It is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

In service of the 56^th Senate District, I’m proud to have introduced four pieces of legislation. These bills address key priorities for our state and the communities in our district. After serving as Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), I authored Senate Bill 9, also known as the “Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act.” This bill ensures that criminals aided by artificial intelligence are given more severe punishments than the sentences they received for their crimes. It will soon be discussed in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, so I will continue to provide updates as the bill progresses through the Senate. I hope my colleagues will join me in increasing measures to protect our children and families from the abuse of AI.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Governor Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

The Senate is committed to ensuring these communities have the necessary tools to rebuild. This includes expediting financial assistance, streamlining permitting processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and working with federal and local partners to address gaps in relief. The resilience of these communities is a testament to the strength of Georgians, and we will do everything in our power to support those they represent.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that businesses are not weighed down by frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs.

As a former firefighter for over three decades, I was also pleased to hear Gov. Kemp renew his commitment to our public safety in his “State of the State” address this week. The additional $159 million he has pledged for direct campus security grants to Georgia public schools is a powerful signal of this administration’s unwavering support for our first responders, making me even prouder to have been reappointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety this legislative session.

Lastly, I encourage students between the ages of 12 and 18 to apply to spend a day as a Senate Page. This program allows students to participate actively in the legislative process at our State Capitol for a day during the legislative session. Interested students may apply for the program by clicking here.

It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 56^th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

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].

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].

On January 13th, I will be officially sworn back into office at the Georgia Capitol. . It is an incredible honor to place my hand on the Bible and recite my oath. I will always work tirelessly to serve and support my district, state and nation. We have a terrific year ahead, and I hope you join me with optimism and tenacity to serve others.

ATLANTA (December 3, 2024) —Today, Senator John Albers (R–Roswell), Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), announced the unanimous adoption of the committee’s final report during its concluding meeting at the State Capitol. The committee, created under Senate Resolution 476, has spent months examining AI technology’s transformative potential and implications across key sectors including education, public safety, healthcare, agriculture and entertainment.

“Artificial intelligence represents one of the most dynamic and complex advancements of our time,” said Sen. Albers. “This committee worked diligently to ensure Georgia is not only prepared for the opportunities AI offers but also vigilant in addressing its challenges, from ethical concerns to workforce implications.”

The report details findings and recommendations to guide Georgia’s approach to AI implementation. Key highlights include:

Comprehensive AI Policies for Public Entities: The committee recommends every state agency and local government develop policies addressing ethical use, data privacy, and human oversight in AI applications.

Support for Education and Workforce Development: Initiatives include AI-focused pathways in K-12 schools, expanded upskilling programs for Georgia’s workforce, and the development of AI integration plans for higher education systems.

Public Safety and Healthcare Enhancements: The report emphasizes AI’s role in improving emergency response efficiency and healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved areas.

Promoting Responsible Innovation: Measures include encouraging transparency in AI systems, establishing liability standards for AI products, and ensuring protections against the misuse of deepfake technology.

“From addressing food security through precision agriculture to enhancing emergency response and advancing personalized education, AI has the potential to improve every Georgian’s quality of life,” said Sen. Albers. “However, we must balance innovation with safeguards to protect privacy, fairness, and transparency.”

The committee, comprised of bipartisan legislators, industry leaders, and academic experts, held eight meetings statewide to gather stakeholder testimony and explore AI’s applications and risks. The report also calls for the creation of a state board on Artificial Intelligence and continued legislative oversight to ensure Georgia remains a leader in responsible AI adoption.

“I’m proud of the collaborative effort that shaped this report,” said Sen. Albers. “We look forward to turning these recommendations into actionable policies that will keep Georgia safe and at the forefront of technological innovation.” The full report is available on the Georgia General Assembly website 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 North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].

 On Tuesday, December 3^rd,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its eighth and final hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

• Date: Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Location: 450 State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
• This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The committee is tasked with promoting responsible innovation, competition, and collaboration in public and private sectors will allow Georgia to be a leader in ensuring that such technology will advance in a way that enforces the existing consumer protection laws and principles for its citizens while enacting any additional appropriate safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at [email protected]. 

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].

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year! Too often we are caught up in “political correctness” and miss the reason for the season…

Thank you for electing me to another term in a landslide victory! My team did an amazing job running a positive campaign and I am grateful for the overwhelming support.

We won every single precinct across Cobb, Cherokee, and North Fulton County. This was my largest vote total ever received with over 72,000!

I always urge people who lost to call personally to concede the race, congratulate them, and find common ground. It is my hope that maturity and class will be the model for our society moving forward and the legacy we leave our future generations. After all, the goal of public service is just that – serving the public.

Thank you again for electing me to serve you. God Bless Georgia & America!

On Friday, November 8^th,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its seventh hearing, in conjunction with the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

• Date: Friday, November 8^th, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m.
• Location: 450 State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
• This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The committee is tasked with promoting responsible innovation, competition, and collaboration in public and private sectors will allow Georgia to be a leader in ensuring that such technology will advance in a way that enforces the existing consumer protection laws and principles for its citizens while enacting any additional appropriate safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at [email protected]. 

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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].

“Today, we mourn the loss of Bernie Marcus, a visionary whose influence reached far beyond the walls of the iconic company he co-founded, Home Depot. Every time I spoke to Bernie, I was inspired by his humble brilliance and drive to make the world a better place.

Bernie was a giant not only in business but also in character, serving as an inspiration for what it means to lead with both vision and heart. His dedication to creating opportunities for others, his unwavering patriotism and his commitment to service will not be forgotten.

On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We honor Bernie’s legacy and will work to carry forward his values of hard work, generosity and service. May he rest in peace.”

This Tuesday, November 5th is Election Day. It has been a typical election cycle filled with emotion and passion across all of Georgia. Elections are a profound expression of our great republic and liberty. We should never take for granted our freedom of self-determination…

Senate Committee on Public Safety Chairman, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) today issued statements following the tragic murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez, whose body was recovered last week after her disappearance from Cornelia, Georgia.

Sen. Albers expressed his thoughts regarding the events leading to Rodriguez-Ramirez’s death, drawing a strong connection to a lack of border security and urging immediate federal action:

“It is with profound sadness and frustration that we mourn the senseless murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez. Known as ‘Mimi’ to her friends, 25-year-old Rodriguez-Ramirez worked hard to build a life here in Georgia. She was last seen on October 22, 2024, at a Walmart in Cornelia, and her body was tragically found a week later. She leaves behind a grieving family, including a 9-year-old daughter.

Mimi moved from Puerto Rico and secured employment with Mt. Vernon Hills, Inc. and tirelessly supported her daughter, mother and fiancé. She did everything right, yet her life was cut short because of our federal government’s repeated failure to protect its own citizens.

The suspected murderer, Angel DeJesus Rivera-Sanches, an illegal immigrant who had no right to be here, was apprehended in Atlanta as he tried to flee back to Mexico. He has been charged with kidnapping in connection to her disappearance.

Once again, our open-border policies have claimed another innocent life on American soil, right here in Georgia. I commend the swift work of the Habersham Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and all agencies involved in apprehending this suspect. My colleagues in the Senate and I will remain unwavering in our commitment to securing our state and nation. Earlier this year, we acted decisively with House Bill 1105, the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act, which I proudly carried in the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.

How many more lives must be lost due to the open-border policies in Washington, D.C.? The administration’s failure to address this issue impacts families here in Georgia and across the United States. Earlier this year, our community mourned the tragic death of Laken Riley, a resident of my district, and now we mourn Mimi Rodriguez-Ramirez. These were preventable tragedies, and we will not forget them. Say their names.”

Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch echoed Sen. Albers’ sentiments, calling for immediate and stronger federal action on border control to prevent such tragedies in the future:

“The murder of Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez, so close to my district, is a tragedy that should prompt us all to question how much longer we will put our own people at risk due to Washington’s failure to secure our borders. Mimi followed the law, worked hard and raised a family here, yet her life was stolen by an illegal alien who had no right to be in this country. Enough is enough. We must protect our families, uphold the dignity of those who respect our laws and restore the security that every community deserves.”

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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].

Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at [email protected].

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].