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Senators Kennedy, Robertson Call on Plaintiffs to Drop Case Challenging the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission After Latest Loss in Court

ATLANTA (July 24, 2024) — Today, Fulton County Superior Court released an order once again denying the plaintiff-prosecutors’ request to enjoin the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission. Senator John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) and Senator Randy Robertson (R–Cataula) are calling on the three district attorneys challenging the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to drop their case Sherry Boston v. State of Georgia after their second significant loss in court.

“To continue this challenge is an injustice to crime victims in our communities as well as to Georgia taxpayers having to shoulder the expense of this frivolous case,” said Sen. Kennedy, who also serves as the Chairman of the Judicial Appropriations Subcommittee. “This is the second time these plaintiff-prosecutors have failed in court to block the law. Maybe it’s time to realize that they have a losing argument.”

In response to demands from Georgians for accountability, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 92 in 2023 creating the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to independently investigate complaints and discipline prosecutors found in violation of their duties. The law creating the Commission was challenged in court by four of Georgia’s district attorneys. That lawsuit failed to block the Commission from carrying out its work and was eventually voluntarily dismissed.

“I authored this legislation based on Georgia’s Constitution and existing models for other commissions in this state,” said Sen. Robertson, who authored SB 92. “There are several duties for prosecutors that were already in state law but there was no mechanism for enforcement. As a career law enforcement officer, I understand how important it is for officials to exercise discretion but that does not mean they can simply ignore the law and allow crime to run rampant. These DAs should drop their lawsuit immediately.”

The General Assembly doubled down on its commitment to hold rogue and ineffective prosecutors accountable by passing SB 332 in 2024, also authored by Sen. Robertson, allowing the Commission to continue its work. Shortly after the enactment of SB 332, three of the four district attorneys who originally challenged the law in 2023 filed another lawsuit trying to prohibit the Commission from moving forward. Today, the court once again denied the district attorneys’ attempt to block the Commission from operating.

Sen. Kennedy added: “Reporting by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, and other local news sources have exposed the terrible impacts of prosecutors going rogue. It is time for this small group of district attorneys to stop listening to the pro-crime organization directing their lawsuit from Oakland, California, and start listening to the voices in their own communities who simply ask to be safe.”


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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. Randy Robertson serves as Majority Whip of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 29, which includes Harris, Meriwether, and Troup Counties and a portion of Muscogee County. He can be reached at 404.656.0045 or at randy.robertson@senate.ga.gov

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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Funding for Middle Georgia Airports

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Georgia’s 18th Senate District is set to receive significant funding to improve and expand regional airport infrastructure, as announced by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The funding appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly will bolster several key projects to enhance the capacity and safety of regional airports across the state.

“Regional airports are catalysts for economic growth in rural communities. These expansions are crucial to bring new investments, good-paying jobs and industry to Middle Georgia. Our communities are filled with one-of-a-kind business, tourism, and recreational opportunities. From historic downtown Macon, our world-class museums and exhibition halls, to the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds, I am committed to making it easier for people across the country to see what the heart of Georgia has to offer,” said President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon). “I want to specifically thank Governor Brian Kemp, Commissioner Russell McMurray and our GDOT Board Members for their support of this funding for the 18th Senate District.”

The projects, totaling $5.5 Million in state funding, announced by the Georgia Department of Transportation include operational and safety improvements for Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Thomaston-Upson County Airport and Perry-Houston County Airport. The additional funding is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Georgia’s transportation infrastructure, which includes significant allocations for local roads, capital maintenance, freight programs, and capital construction.

These projects were selected based on a strategic process and project readiness, with strong endorsement and support from the State Board of Transportation.


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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.

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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.

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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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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Expansion of Leader In Me Program

ATLANTA (May 15, 2024) — The Georgia Board of Education voted unanimously to allocate an initial $3.4 million in funding, directed by the General Assembly, to expand the Leader In Me program to an additional 120 schools across the state. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Georgia’s ongoing efforts to empower students with essential leadership and life skills.

Beginning in 2023, the General Assembly partnered with the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) to establish a curriculum development pilot program in 11 school districts and 28 schools statewide. The Leader in Me program promotes the development of necessary leadership skills inside and outside the classroom.

Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), celebrated the program’s expansion, remarking, “I commend Superintendent Woods and members of the Georgia Board of Education for their dedication to student success. Beginning in 2015, I witnessed the tangible impact of this program in Bibb County and was proud to champion an expansion of the pilot program last year.  This year, I am thrilled to announce that we have doubled down on our commitment to improve educational outcomes for over 84,000 students with this initial round of funding. This partnership and program exemplify our commitment to fostering a learning environment that is centered around student success.”

“Integrity and good character are some of the most important qualities a person can have to become a great leader,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “I want to thank President Pro Tem Kennedy for his continued focus on providing resources for character education programs that provide our students with these leadership skills, which will serve them well for the rest of their lives.”

The expansion of the Leader in Me program represents not only a strategic investment in Georgia’s educational future, but also a testament to the collaborative efforts of state leaders, educators and community stakeholders in educating the next generation of leaders.

You can find more information about Leader In Me here.

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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.