ATLANTA (March 4, 2026) — Recently, Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) voiced his support for Senate Bill 577, also known as the “Coordinating PFAS Remediation Act,” sponsored by Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie). SB 577 would centralize all PFAS-related lawsuits brought by Georgia state and local governments under state control, enabling the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to bring all lawsuits related to PFAS contamination and distribute any settlement or judgment funds as needed.
Continue reading “Sen. Chuck Payne Supports Legislation to Streamline PFAS Lawsuits”Sen. Chuck Payne Appointed to Interim Committees and State Commissions
ATLANTA (May 22, 2025)—Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has appointed Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) to serve on the following committees and commissions:
- Career and Technical Education Advisory Commission (Co-Chairperson)
- Education Commission of the States
- Georgia Commission on Civics Education
- High School Athletics Overview Committee
- Joint Georgia Hall of Fame Authority Overview Committee
- Joint Recreational Authorities Overview Committee
- Southern States Energy Board
Sen. Chuck Payne spoke on the appointments, saying, “I’m grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for these appointments and for his trust in me to serve. Promoting education, advancing student athletics and supporting Georgia’s parks and recreational spaces are issues I look forward to seeing reflected through these committees and commissions. These are areas where thoughtful policy can make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m honored to continue this important work on behalf of my district and the people of Georgia.”
Each appointment is effective immediately and will extend for two years, aligning with the remainder of Sen. Payne’s term in the Georgia Senate.
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Sen. Chuck Payne serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security. 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 Chuck.Payne@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Chuck Payne Applauds Signing of Comprehensive Tort Reform Legislation by Governor Kemp
ATLANTA (April 22, 2025)—Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law, marking a major step forward in Georgia’s ongoing effort to strengthen its civil justice system and protect consumers from abusive litigation practices. Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) carried the bills in the Senate on behalf of Governor Kemp, who named tort reform his top legislative priority for the 2025 session.
SB 68 enacts comprehensive tort reform, including changes to negligent security liability, apportionment of fault, and damages in civil cases, to curb “nuclear verdicts” and reduce the burden of frivolous lawsuits on small businesses. Complementing this effort, SB 69, the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, targets the growing influence of Third-Party Litigation Financing (TPLF) by requiring these entities to register with the state, banning foreign-affiliated financiers from operating in Georgia, and increasing public transparency through open access to registration records.
“For Dalton and Whitfield County, where manufacturing is not just an industry but a way of life, these reforms mean stability, opportunity and continued investment in our community,” said Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton). “Together, Senate Bills 68 and 69 reinforce Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 state for business by creating a predictable, transparent legal environment that supports job growth. I am proud to have cosponsored these pieces of legislation, and I am thankful for the support of Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy in getting these measures across the finish line.”
For more information about Senate Bill 68, click here. For more information about Senate Bill 69, click here.
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Sen. Chuck Payne serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security. 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 Chuck.Payne@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Chuck Payne Reappointed as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security
ATLANTA (January 17, 2025) –This week, Sen. Chuck Payne was reappointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security by Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments. Sen. Payne was first appointed to this role in January 2024, following his initial service on the committee, which began in 2023. A veteran, Sen. Payne served four years (1984–1988) in the U.S. Army, including with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC.
Continue reading “Sen. Chuck Payne Reappointed as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security”Sen. Chuck Payne Joins Gov. Brian Kemp and Members of State Leadership on America’s Southern Border
ATLANTA (December 23, 2024) — On Friday, December 20, Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton), Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, traveled to Texas alongside Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Speaker of the House Jon Burns and House member and veteran Rep. Chas Cannon. The delegation visited Georgia National Guard troops currently deployed at the southern border to express gratitude for their service during the holiday season. The group was joined by House Veterans Committee Chairman Josh Bonner, who serves in the Georgia National Guard and is currently deployed in Texas.
Continue reading “Sen. Chuck Payne Joins Gov. Brian Kemp and Members of State Leadership on America’s Southern Border”