ATLANTA (May 8, 2024) – Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 189 to strengthen election integrity in the state. The measure, sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics Sen. Max Burns (R–Sylvania), restricts the use of QR codes to count ballots, reforms the process to challenge a voter’s eligibility and expands ballot access for third-party candidates. Further, this legislation removes Georgia’s Secretary of State from the State Election Board and establishes additional conflict of interest provisions for statewide and local elections officers, officials and employees involving goods and services provided for voting equipment.
Continue reading “Sen. Max Burns Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Fortify Georgia’s Election Integrity”Majority Leader Steve Gooch Applauds the Signing of Republican Priorities into Law
ATLANTA (May 8, 2024) —This week, Senate Republicans celebrated another successful session as their final priorities were signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp.
Reflecting on this achievement, Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) expressed gratitude, stating, “I’d like to thank Governor Kemp for his unwavering support of these initiatives. Additionally, I want to commend my esteemed Senate colleagues who championed this legislation through the rigorous legislative process. Their dedication and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring the passage of these critical measures.”
The priorities outlined by the Senate Majority Caucus at the onset of the session have now become tangible achievements. With a commitment to delivering results, Senate Republicans have enacted legislation across key areas, including tax relief, tort reform, education, workforce development, and public safety.
Among the notable legislative victories is the acceleration of state income tax reduction, building upon previous efforts to provide $2 billion in tax relief for state income taxpayers and homeowners. Furthermore, significant strides have been made in addressing Georgia’s litigation environment through tort reform initiatives, such as the passage of legislation to limit direct-action lawsuits.
Education reform has also been a focal point, with unanimous support for measures aimed at providing school choice for students in underperforming public schools. In the realm of workforce development, initiatives to improve career pathways for veterans and military spouses seeking employment in Georgia’s healthcare system have been prioritized.
Notably, Senate Republicans have continued their commitment to public safety by reforming limitations on the setting of bail for violent offenders, a crucial step in keeping dangerous criminals off the streets.
In closing, Majority Leader Gooch reiterated the caucus’s dedication to excellence, stating, “These achievements underscore our commitment to ‘finish the drill’ and uphold Georgia’s status as the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We are proud of what we have accomplished together and remain steadfast in our resolve to serve the people of Georgia.”
# # # #
Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov
Sen. Emanuel Jones Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Reckless Driving Penalties
ATLANTA (May 8, 2024) — Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) is proud to announce the signing of Senate Bill 10 into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp, marking a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to enhance road safety across Georgia. SB 10, sponsored by Sen. Jones, establishes an offense for knowingly attending and facilitating illegal drag races while also imposing heightened penalties for reckless driving.
Continue reading “Sen. Emanuel Jones Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Reckless Driving Penalties”Senate Committee on Public Safety’s Fulton County Jail Subcommittee to Hear Public Testimony
ATLANTA (May 8, 2024) — On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 9 a.m., the Senate Committee on Public Safety’s Fulton County Jail Subcommittee, chaired by Majority Whip Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula), will allow for testimony from members of the general public.
Continue reading “Senate Committee on Public Safety’s Fulton County Jail Subcommittee to Hear Public Testimony”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.”
# # # #
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