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].

The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

Last week’s snow in South Georgia may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds to taxpayers directly. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we can give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.

Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the necessary resources to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to ensuring they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

Back at the Capitol, we hit the ground running this week, advancing legislation that reflects our values and priorities. I sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 27, referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. SB 27 would establish the offense of doxxing as a stalking-related crime. Doxxing significantly disrupts a person’s everyday life. I want to enable our law enforcement officers to catch those who engage in criminal acts and the judiciary system to adequately prosecute those who choose to endanger the lives of innocent Georgians.

I also sponsored SB 37, the “AI Accountability Act.” This bill would create a Georgia Board for Artificial Intelligence and require that all governmental entities develop and maintain artificial intelligence system usage plans. These plans will be made available to the public to keep all Georgians aware of how their government uses and monitors AI systems. With this bill, we will further raise accountability for the operation of AI and regulate the development of these systems as the technology steadily becomes more complex and commonly used in the future of government.

In other news, as committee meetings pick up, we’re working hard on issues that matter most to our communities, from protecting our schools to strengthening local infrastructure. SB 57 is particularly close to my heart. Entitled the “Georgia Transporting Life-Saving Organs and Personnel Act,” this legislation would reclassify emergency organ transport vehicles as ambulance services to ensure the transportation of life-saving care goes uninterrupted. It is because of such services that I was able to donate a kidney to save my son’s life, and I believe it is essential that we continue to support organ and tissue donation to preserve the potential gift of life for thousands of other Georgians.

Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply here.

As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

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].

This week, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) announced the creation of a Senate delegation for Cobb County. The delegation will be Co-Chaired by Sen. Ed Setzler (R–Acworth). Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta), Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta) and Sen. Michael “Doc” Rhett (D–Marietta) will also serve on the delegation.

“I am proud once again to be a part of a bipartisan Cobb County Senate delegation,” said Sen. Albers. “In alignment with the legislative agenda of the Cobb County Government, increased aid and assistance to first responders will be a personal priority for me as a member. I am confident that our new Senate delegation will provide the support, leadership and oversight necessary to meet the needs of Cobb County’s citizens.”

Sen. Setzler also voiced his approval of the delegation: “As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, I am committed to expanding Cobb’s role as a hub for applied research,” said Sen. Setzler. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to preserve and improve the unmatched quality of life in Cobb County.”

A separate delegation from the Georgia House of Representatives will also be created for Cobb County. Both committees will advocate for the county’s estimated 781,000 inhabitants, who make up Georgia’s third most populous county.

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].

Sen. Ed Setzler serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. Sen. Setzler represents the 37th Senate District, which includes parts of Cobb and Bartow County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0256 or by email at [email protected].

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

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.