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 47^th 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 47^th 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.

January 10, 2025

Ginn: Preparations Complete for the 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 Legislative Session officially begins this Monday, January 13, and I am honored to continue serving as your state Senator under the Gold Dome. Yes, it is real gold on the roof and was replaced in 2024, along with countless other amounts of maintenance work. Your trivia question of the day is: how much gold do you think it takes to cover the dome? It is right at 40 ounces and was last replaced about 50 years ago. I want to especially thank Sabastian Cobb with the Georgia State Finance & Investment Commission (GSFIC) for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to access the top of the Gold Dome. I always feel grateful when I re-enter the Capitol before each legislative session begins, and this biennium is no different.

May 30, 2024

Sen. Frank Ginn Appointed to Serve on Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) – Georgia State Senator Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, in accordance with Senate Resolution 786. The committee – aimed at fortifying Georgia’s leadership in the forestry, timber and forest products industries – will also include Senate President Pro Tempore and Committee Chairman John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), and Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta).

February 6, 2024

Ginn: Weeks Three & Four Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Athens)

Four weeks have elapsed, marking the completion of one-quarter of the 2024 Legislative Session. While I find encouragement in the progress made by the state legislature, it’s essential to remain mindful that a substantial workload still lies ahead, impacting both Georgians and the constituents of the 47th District.

I proudly presented Senate Bill 435, titled the “Infrastructure and Community Development Act,” to my Senate colleagues. The bill swiftly found its way to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. My confidence in this bill stems from several factors. First, it promotes community development statewide, and second, it enjoys bipartisan support. I eagerly anticipate continuing my leadership role in the efforts to advance infrastructure initiatives throughout our state.

Additionally, I introduced Senate Resolution 533. This legislation addresses critical concerns related to community development, economic growth and local governance, all of which directly affect our constituents and the overall well-being of our state. It empowers citizens to actively engage in legislative efforts that shape the future of their communities and the state.

During our fourth week, I had the honor of joining Governor Brian P. Kemp and fellow members of the Georgia General Assembly for the signing of House Bill 30. This legislation, championed by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy, represents a significant step forward in providing essential protections for Georgia’s Jewish community. By officially defining antisemitism for purposes including hate crime prosecution and discrimination cases, this bipartisan effort demonstrates the state’s unwavering support for its Jewish population, particularly in the face of a troubling surge in antisemitism nationwide. After three years of dedicated work, it is time for Georgians to celebrate this landmark legislative victory.

I look forward to the continued progress that we, as a district, will make over the next legislative week. With legislation both in committee and prepared for a vote on the Senate floor, I am confident that the 47th Senate District will continue to reap the benefits of this legislative body’s hard work.

Lastly, I would like to thank the Jackson County Leadership Group for visiting me at the Capitol. It was my privilege to recognize all 24 group members in the Senate chamber. There is absolutely nothing more important than recognizing this state’s future leaders.

With that in mind, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.

Please never hesitate to contact my office regarding any legislative matter. I look forward to assisting you as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

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Sen. Frank Ginn serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations. He represents the 47th Senate District which includes Madison County and portions of Barrow, Clarke, and Jackson Count. He can be reached at 404.656.4700 or by email at frank.ginn@senate.ga.gov

September 28, 2023

Joint Study Committee on Service Delivery Strategy to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (September 28, 2023) | On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Joint Study Committee on Service Delivery Strategy, Co-Chaired by Senator Frank Ginn (R – Athens) and Representative John LaHood (R – Valdosta) will conduct its second meeting at 1:00 p.m. at the Lowndes County Judicial & Administrative Complex.