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MEDIA ADVISORY: Joint Committee on Licensing Issues to Hold First Meeting

ATLANTA (June 20, 2024) — On Wednesday, June 26,2024, 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 first hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Middle Georgia State University

Robert F. Hatcher Conference Center

Room PSC 211

100 University Parkway

Macon, GA 31206

    • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

    ABOUT THE MEETING:         

    The meeting will include an introductory discussion with members of this committee and a presentation from the Office of Georgia Secretary of State. Members are tasked with investigating licensing issues within the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. This committee will recommend measures to further support the regulation of professional licensing while providing much-needed clarity surrounding licensing issues in Georgia. You can find the meeting agenda 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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    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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    Sen. Bo Hatchett Appointed to Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care

    ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) — Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care. The committee, established by Senate Resolution 471 will address the pressing issue of child care affordability and accessibility in Georgia.

    Sen. Hatchett, a dedicated advocate for family and community support, brings a wealth of experience as the Vice-Chairman of the standing Senate Committee on Children and Families. His appointment to the committee underscores his leadership and dedication to finding practical solutions for some of the state’s most pressing challenges.

    “It’s an honor to be appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care,” said Sen. Hatchett. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lt. Governor Burt Jones for this opportunity. Ensuring that all families in Georgia have access to affordable and quality child care is a critical issue that impacts our state’s economic health and the future of our children. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to develop actionable recommendations that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Georgia’s families.”

    The Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care will convene to examine current child care costs, accessibility barriers and potential policy solutions. The committee will engage with experts, stakeholders, and community members to gather insights and develop strategies to improve child care affordability across Georgia.

    You can find more information regarding this study committee here.

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    Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@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