MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence to Hold First Meeting

ATLANTA (June 25, 2024) — On Wednesday, June 26,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its first hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: 450 State Capitol, 18 Capitol Square 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:         

Members are tasked with recommending measures to support the development and implementation of ethical standards that aim to preserve individuals’ dignity, autonomy, and self-determination.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Emily Leonard at Emily.Leonard@senate.ga.gov.

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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 john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy to Join Governor Brian P. Kemp on Mission to the Republic of Korea

ATLANTA (June 12, 2024) Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) is set to join Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp on an international mission to the Republic of Korea in a strategic effort to enhance Georgia’s position in the global marketplace. The State Delegation will also include State Representatives Soo Hong (R–Lawrenceville) and Lehman Franklin (R–Statesboro). They will be accompanied by representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Environmental Protection Division and Georgia Ports Authority.

This mission will include high-level meetings with existing industries that currently have operations or projects in Georgia, such as companies like Hyundai Motor Group, Kia, CJ Foodville, LG Group, SK Group, and Hanwha Qcells. The delegation’s comprehensive agenda is designed to strengthen economic ties with the Republic of Korea and promote Georgia as a premier destination for business operations and growth.

Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy emphasized the importance of these international partnerships and the potential benefits for our state:

“Our mission to the Republic of Korea is a testament to Georgia’s proactive approach to building and sustaining global economic partnerships. By continuing to foster strong relationships with our existing partners, we are not only reinforcing our current ties but also paving the way for future opportunities that will drive economic growth and create more jobs for hardworking Georgians. I’m honored to join our Governor and First Lady on this significant mission and look forward to the fruitful outcomes it will bring for our state.”

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Russ Goodman Appointed to Senate Study Committees on Farmland Preservation and Forest Innovation

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell) has been appointed to the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands and the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee. These appointments highlight the Senate’s focus on sustaining Georgia’s agricultural heritage and advancing innovative practices in forestry.

The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), will focus on reviewing and recommending policies to protect and sustain the state’s valuable agricultural lands. The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), will explore new technologies and practices in forestry to promote sustainable development and economic growth. As a member of both committees, Sen. Goodman will contribute his extensive knowledge and experience both as a farmer and Chairman of the standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.

Sen. Goodman expressed his enthusiasm for these appointments, stating, “As a farmer, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of working the land. I’m truly honored to join these committees and bring my experience to the table. Preserving our farmlands is not just about maintaining our heritage—it’s about ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation. And when it comes to forestry, innovation is key to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for prioritizing these vital issues and giving me the chance to contribute. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to make a lasting impact on our state’s agriculture and forestry sectors.”

Sen. Goodman brings a wealth of knowledge to these roles, with his background as an agriculturalist and his leadership as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. The committee members are recognized experts in their fields, bringing diverse and informed perspectives to the discussions.

You can find more information about the committees’ work and upcoming meetings here.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at
russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov

Sen. Bo Hatchett Appointed to Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care. The committee, established by Senate Resolution 471 will address the pressing issue of child care affordability and accessibility in Georgia.

Sen. Hatchett, a dedicated advocate for family and community support, brings a wealth of experience as the Vice-Chairman of the standing Senate Committee on Children and Families. His appointment to the committee underscores his leadership and dedication to finding practical solutions for some of the state’s most pressing challenges.

“It’s an honor to be appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care,” said Sen. Hatchett. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for this opportunity. Ensuring that all families in Georgia have access to affordable and quality child care is a critical issue that impacts our state’s economic health and the future of our children. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to develop actionable recommendations that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Georgia’s families.”

The Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care will convene to examine current child care costs, accessibility barriers and potential policy solutions. The committee will engage with experts, stakeholders, and community members to gather insights and develop strategies to improve child care affordability across Georgia.

You can find more information regarding this study committee here.

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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy to Lead Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) has been appointed to Chair the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, in accordance with Senate Resolution 786. The committee will include Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta), Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville), and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega).

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