ATLANTA (Jan. 30, 2024) – On Friday, Jan. 26, the Georgia State Senate passed Senate Bill 358, sponsored by the Senate Committee on Ethics Chairman Sen. Max Burns (R-Sylvania). The legislation would authorize the State Election Board to investigate the administration of primary and election laws by the Secretary of State and local county elections officials.
Sen. Burns commended the passage of this measure, stating, “I am pleased to see the successful passage of SB 358 in the Georgia Senate. This bill acknowledges the importance of ensuring transparency and integrity throughout our electoral processes. By empowering the State Election Board to conduct investigations of the Secretary of State and its office, we aim to address any concerns related to the administration of primary and election laws. I commend my Senate colleagues for their role in passing this much-needed legislation. SB 358 is a significant step towards enhancing the oversight and effectiveness of our election processes. I look forward to its continued progress as it makes its way through the House in the coming days.”
Lt. Governor Burt Jones spoke positively of the passing of SB 358, stating, “In order to have free and fair elections, Georgians must have the utmost trust in their state’s elections systems. Senate Bill 358 strengthens our elections process by dispelling ambiguity and increasing public trust with Georgia’s voters. I want to thank Sen. Max Burns for his leadership on this issue and I look forward to seeing this legislation ultimately signed into law.”
Read the full text of SB 358 here.
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Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, and Warren County as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.463.1376 or by email at max.burns@senate.ga.gov