This week, Senate Bill 335, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) passed by a unanimous, bipartisan vote through the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Also known as the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act”, SB 335 would provide that sexual intercourse or sodomy between certain family members related by adoption be regarded as incest. Incest is already illegal under Georgia law, and this legislation will now include adoptive families. Sen. Albers worked closely with Susan K. Treadaway, District Attorney of Cherokee County on this bill.

“I am grateful to DA Susan K. Treadaway for sharing this important loophole in the law with me and working together to protect our children. Cherokee County is so fortunate to have a District Attorney fighting every day to protect citizens and victims while prosecuting dangerous criminals,” said Sen. Albers.

“As prosecutors, we serve as the ‘boots on the ground’ in the courtroom, directly positioned to identify opportunities for positive change in the law. I am proud to work with Sen. John Albers, a true champion for justice, as we partner together to make Georgia a safer place for children and families,” said Susan K. Treadaway.

You can find more information on SB 335 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 North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

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During our second week of the 2024 Georgia Legislative Session, I welcomed the opportunity to listen to budget presentations from the leaders of various state agencies. Budget week, as it is coined under the Gold Dome, is a tremendous opportunity for legislators to dialogue with these leaders and learn how their needs correlate with the needs of hardworking Georgians. In addition to thanking Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Rep. Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), I would also like to thank each agency head for taking the time to clearly lay out their budgetary needs for the upcoming Fiscal Year. These leaders and I share the same privilege of public service to our state and I appreciate their dedication to Georgia’s legislative process.

I am particularly excited about this year’s budget because it is a testament to what can be achieved when the legislative body strives for fiscal conservatism and frugality. Due to the application of these practices in previous years, our state currently holds a $16 billion surplus. This has provided us with enough financial stability to reward hardworking Georgians with tax rebates and reductions, as well as a four percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees. This surplus promotes strength to Georgians, encouraging them to spend in Georgia despite the continued reckless federal spending in Washington. These are not the only investments that I look forward to celebrating, however. I’m looking forward to rewarding teachers for their critical role as front-line educators by increasing salaries for teachers, investing in our Department of Corrections to address facility maintenance and fully supporting the completion of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.

As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Appropriations for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, I am deeply invested in the prudent allocation of funds aimed at safeguarding all Georgians. I am prepared to listen to various state departments committed to ensuring public safety. Each year, these agencies provide our subcommittee with significant and meaningful information. Serving as the chairman of this subcommittee is a profound honor, and I am appreciative that the leadership of our state recognizes the importance of supporting our public safety and criminal justice sectors.

As the legislature returns to regular session next week, I will continue to commit my efforts to working with Gov. Kemp and the rest of the General Assembly to promote further progress for Georgians across the state in the coming months. As always, I appreciate any feedback you might have concerning current or future legislation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of assistance regarding legislative matters.

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

The New Year has arrived and with it begins a new regular session of the Georgia Legislature! Each year brings new challenges and opportunities alike. However, one thing will always remain the same: serving Georgia’s 56^th district is my greatest honor.

The Second Session of the 157^th Georgia General Assembly began Monday, January 8, 2024. I’m looking forward to another productive legislative session, and I’m prepared to move forward with legislation pertinent to all Georgians. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I place high value on passing and promoting legislation dedicated to your safety. Because crime is an unfortunate part of any society, we will continue to be proactive in our response as we address Georgians’ public safety needs.

Shortly after we gaveled in on the first legislative day, I spoke from the well and made it known that swatting has absolutely no place in this state. Unfortunately, my family is not the only family that has been affected by this dangerous epidemic currently affecting many Georgians. I intend to make it clear throughout this legislative session that such behavior is foolish and dangerous. I am especially grateful to the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Capitol Police and the Roswell Police for their professionalism and protection.

It was my pleasure to join high school student Ms. Sierra Pape on Wednesday as we proposed an idea to the State School Board that would add the teaching of organ donation to the high school health curriculum. This important idea has already passed their consent calendar and will save many lives for years to come.

On Thursday, I listened to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State address. I was encouraged, as always, by Gov. Kemp’s commitment to public safety officers, state employees and teachers alike. I stand ready to support legislation aimed at providing tax relief to Georgians, ensuring safer communities and providing options for Georgians when they enter the marketplace for healthcare, as discussed by the Governor.

Next week, I look forward to listening to Gov. Kemp and various state agencies as we carefully examine our state’s budget throughout several joint hearings between the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations. I’m excited to support Gov. Kemp’s priorities to put Georgians first and keep Georgia number one for business. I will always remain dedicated to both expanding Georgia’s role as a world-renowned hub for global commerce and continuing efforts to keep students, teachers and personnel safe on campus.

As the legislative session progresses, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if I can be of service to you regarding legislative matters.

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

On Monday, 1/8/2024 we returned to the second year of the 157th Georgia General Assembly at your State Capitol. I have many important bills and priorities this year to continue serving and protecting the citizens of my district and entire state. As always, I will keep you updated through the legislative session with important updates and welcome your feedback and input.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year! Too often we are caught up in “political correctness” and miss the reason for the season. I am proud to wish you great tidings of joy and hope you will pass it along…

As the Senate Chairman of Public Safety, I work daily with dedicated city, county, school, state, and federal professionals whose noble career path requires them to prioritize saving lives, upholding the peace, and preserving our most cherished freedoms and liberties.  For these courageous individuals, those critical imperatives guide their duties as they face incredible demands and challenges on any given day.  Please take a moment to thank all those who serve us on the front lines in our community and put their lives on the line for you and me.

Earlier this year, I visited the new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center site after the latest round of what has been described as domestic terrorist attacks.  Make no mistake, this had all of the appearances of coordinated domestic terrorism. To my disappointment, some people have defended such alleged criminality while brazenly playing politics.  Anyone who does not publicly denounce these criminal actions is, at best, part of a greater problem and should be ashamed.

Some of the supporters of this misconduct also carried the insidious and incredulous banner of defunding the police. Let us not forget that this cry was heard across the U.S. as cities were ravaged, courthouses destroyed, and murder rates skyrocketed.  Against this backdrop, anyone promoting such an ill-conceived strategy would seem to be lost and with little concept of the dangerous reality that violent crime poses to us all.  

Only a few short years ago, amid destructive riots, we heard demands for improved public safety training and “rethinking” policing. Now that such training is offered, it is resisted in many circles, at times with violence, as seen in the recent “Block Cop City” protest.  Revealingly, these pleas consistently appear to emanate from political forces which express little concern for intensifying violent crime or the plight of its mounting victims.

Reducing the funding for public safety and training without question leads to higher crime, longer response times, and endangering innocent people.  Maintaining and increasing funding for First Responders is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of our communities. Police, Fire, EMS, and 911 Dispatch play an indispensable role in deterring crime, responding to emergencies, and upholding the rule of law.  People will not move to or invest in places where they do not believe that their families and businesses will be safe.

Those violently protesting in opposition to the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center should spend time attempting to pass the police academy, fire academy, or become a paramedic.  It requires a selfless strength of character to rush in when all others run away.  My friend and decorated veteran Colonel Mike Steele says it best, “Patriotism without action is counterfeit.” 

Governor Brian Kemp led the way to help protect the City of Atlanta by creating the Joint Law Enforcement Task Force last year to tackle the escalating crime.  This has proven effective along with new and strong leadership from Atlanta’s current Mayor and Chief of Police who are still cleaning up from the prior administration’s listlessness when it came to any number of important aspects of public safety including criminal street gang recruitment and crime in particular. 

Offhanded comments indicative of ambivalence to public safety and crime victims from those who attempted to win elections and then appear to struggle to remain relevant, only reaffirm why, in this writers’ eyes, they should not be in government office. 

Supporting the new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center is essential for the well-being and security of everyone.  It is paramount that we provide our First Responders with the necessary resources and backing, as they play an irreplaceable role in maintaining order, deterring criminal activity, and ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe places to live and work, for ourselves and our children. Let me be clear, I proudly stand in support of the new Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. As someone who served for over three decades as a firefighter/EMT and five total generations of my family have honorably served as First Responders (Fire, Police, EMS, 911), I know firsthand the importance of training my brothers and sisters in public safety. Training our Bravest and Finest is critically important to the safety of our men and women in uniform, as well as those we are sworn to serve and protect.

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

The Georgia Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce concluded its sixth and final meeting on November 14, 2023, at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. The committee, established via Senate Resolution 275 during the 2023 Legislative Session with bipartisan support and chaired by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), comprised both legislative and non-legislative members.

Committee membership included Sen. Brandon Beach (R–Alpharetta), Sen. Jason Esteves (D–Atlanta), Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta), Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Champ Bailey on behalf of Team Bailey Holdings, Joseph McDermott on behalf of Delta Airlines, Ryan Pernice on behalf of RO Hospitality, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, Dave Williams on behalf of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and Daniela Perry on behalf of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The agenda for the final meeting featured remarks from Lt. Governor Burt Jones, who stressed the pivotal role of workforce development in Georgia. The committee also reviewed and voted on the final committee report, set to guide legislation brought forth during the 2024 Georgia Legislative Session. The report, a culmination of the committee’s comprehensive study, aims to shape policies promoting workforce development, ensuring Georgia’s continued leadership in economic prosperity and job opportunities.

Sen. Albers expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort and dedication exhibited by committee members, stating, “Our focus on expanding Georgia’s workforce is not just a policy initiative; it’s an investment in our state’s future. By harnessing the talents and skills of our citizens, we are not only ensuring economic growth but also creating a vibrant and sustainable community for generations of Georgians to come.”

The committee’s report will be publicly available on the Georgia General Assembly website, providing transparency and insight into the research and deliberations conducted.

For more information on this Senate Study Committee, click 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 North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]

Governor Kemp announced that the state achieved an unprecedented milestone: a full decade of business excellence, earning the rank of No. 1 state for business for 10 consecutive years. No other state in the nation has achieved this benchmark!

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell), will be holding its final meeting at 9 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol. The Senate Study Committee was created pursuant to Senate Resolution 275, sponsored by Sen. Albers, which passed during the 2023 Legislative Session with bipartisan support. This committee was established to fulfill one of Lt. Governor Burt Jones priorities for the 2023 session. Lt. Governor Jones will be in attendance to address the committee at this final gathering. The committee is comprised of both legislative and non-legislative members: Sen. Albers as Chairman, Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta), Sen. Jason Esteves (D – Atlanta), Sen. Sonya Halpern (D – Atlanta), Sen. Billy Hickman (R – Statesboro), Champ Bailey, Joseph McDermott, Ryan Pernice, Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier, Dave Williams, and Daniela Perry.

WEBSITE URL: https://www.expandinggeorgiasworkforcestudy.com/

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

On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 10 a.m., the Senate Committee on Public Safety, chaired by Senator John Albers (R – Roswell), and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Chuck Payne (R – Dalton), will hold a joint meeting on the topic of Artificial Intelligence. The meeting will include presentations from industry experts with the goal of analyzing current and projected future use of artificial intelligence. The committee meeting will be live-streamed on the Senate website.

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

Sen. Chuck Payne serves as the Chairman for the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. He
represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Whitfield and Murray County as well as part of Gordon
County. He may be reached at 404.463.5402 or by email at [email protected].