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COLUMN: Senator Davenport: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session

By: Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro)

The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. This legislative session, I am once again fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia. 

I am honored to now serve the residents of Senate District 17 after previously serving the residents of Senate District 44. I want to extend a warm greeting to my new constituents in Henry County and my longstanding constituents in Clayton County. It is my privilege to serve as your senator, and I am committed to addressing the issues and concerns of our communities at the state level.  

I am pleased to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, State Institutions and Property, Natural Resources and the Environment, Retirement and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee this legislative session. 

The first week of a new biennium is always filled with important events and meaningful connections. This year was no exception, with highlights including the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast and Governor Kemp’s ‘State of the State’ address, where we accounted for the perspectives of our local businesses and citizens. These gatherings remind us of the collaborative spirit needed to address our communities’ challenges. 

On Thursday, January 16, Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While I welcome some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce, I believe we must go further. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

I am proud to have co-sponsored several resolutions and bills during our first week, including Senate Bill 19, sponsored by Senator David Lucas (D–Macon). The Brady Law Regulations would create a ten-day waiting period for the purchase or transfer of firearms and address the gun violence epidemic in recent legislation.  

The second week of our Legislative Session was quite unconventional due to a winter storm that halted operations across our entire state for nearly the entire week. Leaders from state agencies will instead present their budgetary needs to legislators in the weeks to come before our House and Senate Appropriations Chairmen help lead the decision-making process on how funding is allocated for the next year. 

Budget Week is not just about providing funding; it’s about best serving the state of Georgia through state programs like public education, health services, and infrastructure repairs.  This is our chance to advocate for funding that reflects the needs of working families, invests in underserved communities and ensures every Georgian has the resources they need to build a better future. 

Speaking of our future, I want to invite students between 12 and 18 to serve as Senate Page. This opportunity allows students to participate in the state legislative process at our State Capitol for a day. Interested students may apply for the program by following the link here.  

Thank you for trusting me to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia. 

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Sen. Gail Davenport represents the 17th Senate District which includes portions of Clayton and Henry County.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or by email at Gail.Davenport@senate.ga.gov

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov

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The Cowsert Column: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R – Athens)

The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session is officially in the books, and what a start it has been. It’s an honor to be back under the Gold Dome, rolling up my sleeves and working hard to address the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state. The energy is high, the challenges are real, and the opportunities to make a difference are more significant than ever.

I’m thrilled to introduce “The Cowsert’s Column” to you—a new way to inform you about the latest developments impacting the 46th Senate District and the State of Georgia. The name “The Cowsert Column” has a personal touch: it’s inspired by the very column you’ll often see me leaning on in the Senate chamber. My seat is in the rear of the Senate Chamber, just in front of one of the columns supporting the gallery above the Senate floor. During legislative session, I can often be found standing to stretch my legs and leaning against the column, speaking with colleagues, carefully counting votes and watching the action of the Senate floor.

This column will serve as a resource for you, providing weekly insights into the legislative session and updates on the issues that matter most to our community. I look forward to sharing this journey with you and continuing to serve as your voice under the Gold Dome.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. The week began with the official swearing-in ceremony on Monday. I was honored to have my mother, Virginia Cowsert, attend the ceremony and hold my Bible. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include civil justice reform, 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. Gov. Kemp’s top legislative priority will be to pass legislation concerning civil justice reform to make our court system fair for all involved. I will discuss these initiatives in more detail in future columns.

I am proud to have co-sponsored several bills this week, including Ricky & Alyssa’s Law. This legislation hits especially close to home as my district extends into Barrow County. The bill will require schools to implement mobile panic alert systems, ensuring real-time coordination among multiple state and local first responder agencies in the event of an emergency. As a state, we are committed to keeping our children as safe as possible, and passing this legislation will help protect our students.

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.

I’m honored to announce my reappointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments for this opportunity. This session, I will also serve as Secretary for the Senate Committee on Rules, Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Secretary of the Senate Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting and as a member of the Senate Committees on Finance, Health and Human Services and Insurance and Labor Committees.

It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of the 46th 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.

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Sen. Bill Cowsert serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. He represents the 46th Senate District which includes portions of Clarke, Oconee, and Walton County. He may be reached at (404) 463-1366 or via email at Bill.Cowsert@senate.ga.gov

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Larry Walker III Appointed Vice Chair of NCOIL’s Property and Casualty Insurance Committee

ATLANTA (January 22, 2025) — On January 13, 2025, Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) was appointed Vice-Chair of the National Conference of Insurance Legislator’s (NCOIL) Property and Casualty Insurance Committee by NCOIL President Pamela J. Hunter.

“I’m honored to serve in this leadership capacity within NCOIL,” said Sen. Walker. “Insurance plays a crucial role in the lives of Georgia families and businesses, providing financial security and stability in times of need. I am eager to begin working alongside my colleagues to address the pressing issues facing this industry. This leadership role presents an invaluable opportunity to advocate for insurance solutions that benefit not only Georgia but the entire nation.”

President Hunter spoke on the appointments, stating, “I’m proud to announce this group of truly exceptional bipartisan legislative leaders from across the country to help lead NCOIL as we continue to grow the organization’s national influence and deal with the critically important insurance public policy issues before us,” said Hunter. “Each of these chairs and vice-chairs have shown significant commitment to NCOIL and I thank them all for stepping up to serve in their respective roles.”

NCOIL, a bipartisan organization of state legislators, works to develop model laws and provide educational opportunities that help lawmakers better understand the complexities of insurance regulation. The organization’s efforts ensure that state legislatures remain at the forefront of addressing insurance-related challenges that impact consumers and businesses across the country.

Additional information about NCOIL and its initiatives is available here. NCOIL’s nationwide release is available here.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Frank Ginn: A Strong Start to the 2025 Legislative Session

The Senate has accomplished a great deal in just one week under the Gold Dome.  Bills have already begun to move through the committee process, and the 2025 Legislative Session is underway.

We began the legislative session by voting on the Senate calendar, holding Senate elections, and establishing the Senate rules by which we operate throughout the session. We also established Senate committees and laid the groundwork for another productive biennium.

I am pleased to warmly welcome Sen. Drew Echols (R–Alto), one of my district neighbors and the newest member of the Republican caucus. His wife, former Sen. Shelly Echols, served with great distinction during the previous biennium. I am confident that Sen. Drew Echols will build on that legacy as a valuable addition to our team.

We have already made significant progress this legislative session. Gov. Brian Kemp has set a strong foundation with initiatives to increase funding for school safety, enhance our state’s skilled workforce, provide necessary aid to Georgia families impacted by Hurricane Helene and continue to provide accessible healthcare for all hardworking Georgians and their families. By expanding opportunities for high-demand, high-skill and high-wage careers, we are taking essential steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

This week, I was proud to co-sponsor “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” or Senate Bill 17, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas). This bill will ensure the safety of our school teachers and students by requiring education boards to place mobile panic alert systems in schools that will provide real-time coordination among state and local first responder agencies during any emergency. School safety is a top priority for both the Senate and the Governor’s Office, and we remain committed to ensuring the safety of Georgia’s students. I also introduced Senate Bill 12, which will reform laws related to open records laws in Georgia. This bill will ensure public entities conform with open records requests while protecting private businesses from nuisance interference.

I was proud to serve on Gov. Kemp’s escort committee for the “State of the State” address. (My friend and reporter, Abby Kousouris, snapped the photo above at the event.) During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp highlighted the need for tort reform, a cause I have long supported. The American Tort Reform Foundation’s current designation of Georgia as “the #1 judicial hellhole in the country” is unacceptable. We must tackle rising insurance premiums and ensure that frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs do not burden our businesses.

Additionally, we must prioritize recovery efforts for the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Gov. Kemp has announced $100 million in initial funding to address the damage, but we know the road to recovery will be long. The Georgia Senate will continue to work diligently to support local governments and their communities to ensure they have the necessary resources to rebuild.

Committee assignments for the session were released, and I appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Committee on Assignments for assigning me to serve on various meaningful committees. I am thankful to serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committees. I look forward to serving as an ex-officio on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources and the Environment and Regulated Industries and Utilities, respectively and as a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Transportation and Rules.

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Senate Page. This highly informative program allows students to participate in the state legislative process at our State Capitol for a day. Interested students may apply for the program by emailing me or my administrative assistant at my office. (Frank.Ginn@senate.ga.gov.)

I am honored beyond measure to serve the citizens of the 47th Senate District. Please do not hesitate to contact my office for any legislative matters, and I hope to see you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Frank Ginn represents the 47th Senate District, which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson Counties. He can be reached at (404) 656-4700 or by email at Frank.Ginn@senate.ga.gov

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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COLUMN: Sen. Carden Summers: Week One Under the Gold Dome

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 dedicated to addressing the issues and advocating for the best interests of Senate District 13 and all of Georgia. This legislative session is already off to a strong start, and Governor Brian 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 his “State of the State” address, Governor Kemp discussed his top priority, tort reform. I have prioritized tort reform over the last few sessions, and I’m optimistic about this Senate’s ability to pass these reforms during the 2025 Legislative Session.

I am proud to have introduced Senate Bill 13, legislation designed to authorize the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to finance and perform duties related to projects involving natural gas facilities.  

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 in Senate District 13 and throughout the state 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.

At the Annual Eggs and Issues breakfast hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Gov. Kemp also 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 frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs do not weigh down businesses.

I am thrilled to announce my reappointment as Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. I am deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments for their continued trust in my leadership.

In addition to this role, I will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities and as a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Through these committees, I am committed to upholding the Senate’s dedication to keeping Georgia the number one state for business.

I am honored to serve the people of the 13th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I hope to see you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Carden Summers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions. He represents the 13th Senate District which includes Ben Hill, Berrien, Crisp, Irwin, Lee, Tift, Turner, and Worth County, as well as a part of Coffee County. He may be reached at 404.463.5258 or by email at carden.summers@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.