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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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Joint House and Senate Committee on Licensing Issues to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (July 23, 2024) — On Thursday, July 25,2024, at 9:00 a.m., the Joint House and Senate Committee on Licensing Issues, co-chaired by Senator Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Representative Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), will hold its second hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
  • Time:  9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Georgia State Capitol, Room 341, 206 Washington St., Atlanta, GA 30334
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

Members are tasked with investigating licensing issues within the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. This committee will recommend measures to regulate professional licensing further while providing much-needed clarity surrounding licensing issues in Georgia. The meeting agenda can be found here.

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. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.

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Statement on the Passing of Charles Bloodworth

ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) released the following statement regarding the passing of Charles Bloodworth:

“It is with deep sorrow that Jennifer and I acknowledge the passing of Charles “Chuck” Bloodworth on Sunday, July 22. Chuck was a dear friend, neighbor, beloved member of our community, and a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to protecting and serving others in Georgia and the United States of America.

Chuck’s career began with the United States Army, followed by various roles in law enforcement before joining the United States Secret Service in 1999. His professionalism and integrity were evident in his work, which included overseeing electronic crime investigations and performing dignitary protection, including for several of America’s Presidents.

In 2022, the Georgia Senate honored Chuck with Senate Resolution 111, recognizing his exceptional life contributions and dedication to public service.

Chuck Bloodworth’s legacy is one of honor, dedication, patriotism, and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed. Jennifer and I, along with our three daughters, will be praying for his wife Karen, daughters Avery and Ashlan, and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@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.