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

ATLANTA (July 9, 2024) — On Wednesday, July 17,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its second hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Dalney Building, 926 Dalney St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The committee is tasked with promoting responsible innovation, competition, and collaboration in public and private sectors will allow Georgia to be a leader in ensuring that such technology will advance in a way that enforces the existing consumer protection laws and principles for its citizens while enacting any additional appropriate safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.

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.

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Sen. John Albers Appointed to Senate Study Committees on Artificial Intelligence and the Welfare of All Individuals in Georgia’s Corrections Facilities

ATLANTA (May 28, 2024) — Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) has been appointed to the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, where he will serve as Chair, and to the Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee. These appointments were made by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, emphasizing the importance of these critical areas during the interim between legislative sessions.

The Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence will focus on reviewing current policies and practices related to the development and implementation of AI technologies within the state. As Chair, Sen. Albers will lead the committee in exploring innovative solutions and ensuring responsible AI governance to benefit all Georgians.

Simultaneously, the Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee will evaluate the existing measures within the Department of Corrections. This committee aims to enhance the safety and well-being of individuals within Georgia’s correctional system, ensuring that policies are both humane and effective.

Sen. Albers expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming work, stating, “I’m thrilled to lead the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence and to contribute to the important discussions on the welfare of those within our state corrections facilities. These committees will tackle critical issues that have far-reaching implications for our state. I am deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for recognizing the importance of these topics and for giving us the opportunity to make a significant impact. Together, my Senate colleagues and I will work diligently to explore fresh perspectives from each of these areas as we prepare to craft legislation during the 2025 Legislative Session.”

Sen. Albers brings extensive experience to these roles, currently serving as the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Public Safety. His leadership and insights will be invaluable as the committees undertake their comprehensive reviews. The appointed members are recognized experts in their fields, bringing diverse and knowledgeable perspectives to the discussions.

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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

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Sen. John Albers Applauds Signage of Legislation to Support Small Business Success and Public Safety Across Georgia

ATLANTA (May 7, 2024) — Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) expressed gratitude for Governor Brian P. Kemp’s signing of crucial public safety and small business minded legislation. These bills, including Senate Bill 335, Senate Bill 472, Senate Bill 334, Senate Bill 328 and House Bill 808, take further steps to enhance safety measures, protect communities and promote small business success.

“Ensuring the safety and security of our communities is paramount. I am proud to see these important measures signed into law,” said Sen. Albers. “I would like to thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Governor Brian Kemp for their continued support of these initiatives throughout the duration of the legislative session. Governor Kemp’s signature represents our state’s unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens, our industries and supporting our law enforcement professionals and firefighters.”

Among the signed measures is SB 335, the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act,” which will safeguard adopted children from sexual violence. This bill was brought forth by Cherokee County District Attorney, Susan K. Treadaway, a champion for children and public safety.

SB 472, the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” will create protections for businesses to combat organized online retail crimes.  Sen. Albers extends his appreciation to the Georgia Retail Association, Home Depot, and other Georgia-based businesses for their support of this measure.

Additionally, SB 334, the “Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act,” provides assistance by revising insurance coverage for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. Sen. Albers is grateful for the Georgia Fire Chief’s and Firefighters Associations for their continued work and leadership in this arena.

Similarly, SB 328 establishes the Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, providing necessary financial assistance to all law enforcement, jailers and 911 dispatchers. Sen. Albers is thankful for Mr. Homer Bryon, the POAB Board of Directors and countless members of Georgia’s law enforcement, 911 dispatchers and jailers for their efforts during the legislative process.

Finally, HB 808 increases a statewide exemption for tangible personal property. This measure will now go before Georgians in November for a statewide vote as a constitutional amendment. Should the amendment pass, it would decrease the tax burden on all businesses, especially small businesses. Sen. Albers would like to thank the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and Rep. Mike Cheokas (R–Americus) for their efforts in helping small businesses in Georgia.

Sen. Albers emphasized his commitment to supporting small businesses, stating, “Any opportunity we have to protect small businesses is an opportunity to promote future economic development for our citizens. Georgia’s small businesses remain the backbone of our economy, and I am proud to contribute to the state’s ongoing success with this legislation.”

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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

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Sen. John Albers Applauds Senate’s Passage of HB 808

ATLANTA (Mar. 27, 2024) — On Tuesday, Mar. 26th, House Bill 808 garnered unanimous approval from members of the Georgia Senate. Carried in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), the bill aims to alleviate tax burdens on small businesses in Georgia. Specifically, it seeks to reduce taxes on tangible personal property, items that have traditionally been subjected to annual taxation, posing financial strains on businesses across the state.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Georgia economy,” said Sen. Albers. “I was so proud to work with NFIB and Rep. Cheokas to pass House Bill 808. This legislation lowers the tax burden, allowing our businesses to grow and thrive.”

Rep. Mike Cheokas (R–Americus), the bill’s sponsor, said, “This is a great day for business in Georgia. I want to thank Shaw Blackmon, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for his continued support and guidance in getting this measure passed in the Georgia House of Representatives. I am equally grateful to the hard work of Sen. John Albers for navigating H.B. 808 through the Senate. This was a team effort. I hope this will be the first step in reducing the burden of high taxes and prohibitive regulations that adversely affect businesses in Georgia.”

The timing of the legislation is noteworthy, coinciding with record levels of inflation and government expenditure. Sen. Albers underscored the bill’s relevance in addressing the escalating costs associated with business ownership and operation, attributing these challenges to federal fiscal policies.

NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins released the following statement yesterday on HB 808.

“House Bill 808 raises the threshold for paying this onerous tax,” Loggins said. “Small businesses already pay sale taxes on equipment, desks, and other property. The tangible personal property tax means they’re paying taxes on the same items year after year. Raising the threshold for paying this tax would ease the financial pressure on employers struggling with inflation that continues to drive up the cost of owning and operating a small business.

With the bill awaiting Governor Brian P. Kemp’s signature, its journey is far from over. Given its implications for the State’s Constitution, the measure will undergo scrutiny from Georgia citizens in November, as it necessitates a constitutional amendment for enactment.

You can find more information on HB 808 here.

Quotes sourced from the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

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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

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Sen. John Albers Applauds Passage of SB 335 Through Committee

ATLANTA (Jan. 26, 2024) — This week, Senate Bill 335, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) passed by a unanimous, bipartisan vote through the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

Also known as the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act”, SB 335 would provide that sexual intercourse or sodomy between certain family members related by adoption be regarded as incest. Incest is already illegal under Georgia law, and this legislation will now include adoptive families. Sen. Albers worked closely with Susan K. Treadaway, District Attorney of Cherokee County on this bill.

“I am grateful to DA Susan K. Treadaway for sharing this important loophole in the law with me and working together to protect our children.  Cherokee County is so fortunate to have a District Attorney fighting every day to protect citizens and victims while prosecuting dangerous criminals,” said Sen. Albers.

“As prosecutors, we serve as the ‘boots on the ground’ in the courtroom, directly positioned to identify opportunities for positive change in the law. I am proud to work with Sen. John Albers, a true champion for justice, as we partner together to make Georgia a safer place for children and families,” said Susan K. Treadaway.

You can find more information on SB 335 here.

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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