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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy – Interim Committee Work

ATLANTA (August 19, 2024) — As summer transitions into fall, the Georgia Senate continues its critical work on issues that will shape the future of our state. On Tuesday, August 13, I had the privilege of chairing the first Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee meeting—dedicated to exploring how Georgia can continue to stand at the forefront of the nation’s forestry sector.

At our first meeting at the Georgia Forestry Association Headquarters, we laid the groundwork for the important work ahead. Our committee is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing Georgia forestry, especially the shrinking markets for forestry products. Many families in our state rely on forestry and forestland investments, not just for their daily lives but also to achieve their dreams—whether it’s owning a home, educating their children, securing a comfortable retirement or maintaining a good standard of living. The challenges we face impact landowners, businesses and communities throughout Georgia and we must work together to find solutions.

At the heart of our discussions was the need to innovate and adapt in the face of these challenges. Georgia’s forestry industry has long been a cornerstone of our economy, and our committee is committed to ensuring that it remains so by exploring new technologies, sustainable practices and emerging markets. We’re not just aiming to hold our ground, but to grow and lead in new directions that will keep Georgia at the forefront of the industry on a global scale.

Our speakers emphasized the importance of advocating for our state’s 22 million acres of working forests and the need to protect the private property rights of forest landowners. Their perspective highlighted the industry’s significant role in our state’s economy and the importance of creating a favorable business environment for its producers. These foundational presentations gave us a comprehensive understanding of the current state of Georgia’s forestry sector, helping to identify the strengths that have made us a national leader and the obstacles that could hinder future progress.

The work of this committee is about more than just economic growth; it’s about ensuring the future viability of an industry that supports countless families and communities across Georgia. As we look ahead, the potential for Georgia to shape the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is particularly exciting. With global demand for SAF on the rise, Georgia’s vast forest resources present a unique opportunity to pioneer advancements in this field. By harnessing innovative approaches from around the world—like those I witnessed firsthand at a groundbreaking SAF conversion plant in Bordeaux, France—we have the chance to create solutions that fuel our economy and set a new standard for environmental responsibility.

A key aspect of our discussions included learning about the environmental benefits of working forests. These forests contribute to our economy and play a crucial role in maintaining environmental health by sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity and preserving water quality. Understanding these benefits will be central to our efforts to promote sustainable practices within the industry.

This committee will delve deeper into these issues throughout the coming months, hearing from various experts, industry leaders and community stakeholders. The recommendations emerging from our discussions are intended to guide the state in leveraging its vast forest resources in economically beneficial and environmentally responsible ways. I’m honored to lead this committee and look forward to the progress we will make together. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Georgia’s forestry industry.

You can find more information about the committee’s work and upcoming meetings here.

*Attached is a photo for your use.*

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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.

Please direct all media inquiries to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Democratic Members of House and Senate Education Committees Hold Hearing to Discuss AP African American Studies Course

ATLANTA — Last week, Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees convened a hearing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building to discuss the ongoing debate surrounding the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. These members released the following statement:

“Our hearing offered a vital platform for a diverse range of voices, including students, parents and advocacy groups, to present their perspectives on the initial denial and subsequent approval of the AP African American Studies course. Central to the discussion were concerns about the timing of the decision and the impact of legislative measures enacted in 2022. Notably, House bills 1084 and 1178, alongside Senate Bill 226, were raised as concerns for their influence on educational content.

“House bills 1084 and 1178 and Senate Bill 226, which passed along party lines in 2022, address issues related to the teaching of ‘divisive concepts’ and establish a process for the removal of books and other educational resources. The connection between these legislative actions and the recent approval of the AP African American Studies course were focal points of much of the testimony.”

The meeting included an update from the Georgia Department of Education and the College Board on the recent approval process for the African American Studies course and the surrounding issues. In response to the testimony and concerns raised, these committee members pledged to investigate the issues discussed and collaborate with the General Assembly to address any underlying problems. The committee members are committed to ensuring that educational policies are fair and equitable, ensuring that all students have access to a diverse and comprehensive curriculum. These committee members will continue to review the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing and will provide updates on their findings and any subsequent actions taken.

Democratic Members of the House and Senate Education committees who participated in the meeting include: Representatives Segun Adeyina (D-Grayson), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Lydia Glaize (D-Fairburn), Karlton Howard (D-Augusta), Miriam Paris (D-Macon), David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) and Senators Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta), Donzella James (D-Atlanta), Elena Parent (D-Atlanta) and Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta).

To watch a video archive of this meeting, please click here.

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Sen. Sonya Halpern serves as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair. She represents the 39th Senate District in Fulton County which includes many neighborhoods in Atlanta, City of South Fulton, College Park, East Point and Union City. She may be reached at (494) 656-9644 or via email at sonya.halpern@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Donzella James serves as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs. She represents the 35th Senate District, which includes portions of Douglas and Fulton counties.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.1379 or by email at donzella.james@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Elena Parent serves as Chair for the Senate Democratic Caucus. She represents the 42nd Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb County. She may be reached at her office at 404.656.5109 or by email at elena.parent@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Horacena Tate represents the 38th Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton County. She may be reached at 404.463.8053 or by email at horacena.tate@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Bo Hatchett Announces Second Meeting of Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands in Clarkesville, Georgia

ATLANTA (August 13, 2024) — Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) is pleased to announce that the Senate Study Committee on Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands will hold its second meeting at Habersham EMC in Clarkesville, Georgia, on Friday, August 30th, 2024. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and bring together state leaders, agricultural experts, and local stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting Georgia’s farming industries and land conservation efforts.

The agenda will feature updates on the state’s farming industries, discussions on the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) Program, and the role of local governments in development and growth planning. The meeting will also include opportunities for public comment, allowing residents to share their perspectives on farmland preservation.

Sen. Hatchett, who will welcome attendees and lead the invocation, emphasized the importance of this committee’s work:

“Georgia’s farmland is not just a vital part of our economy; it’s the backbone of our communities and heritage. This study committee has the critical task of exploring ways to protect these lands for future generations while balancing growth and development needs. Bringing this meeting to Clarkesville highlights our work’s local impact and statewide significance.”

Bryan Ferguson, President and CEO of Habersham EMC, will host the meeting, including presentations from representatives of the Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), among others.

You can find more information regarding this study committee here.

An updated agenda and media advisory will be sent out at a later date.

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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.

For all media inquiries, please email SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence to Hold Third Meeting

ATLANTA (August 12, 2024) — On Wednesday, August 14th,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), will hold its third hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Trilith Studios, Roam at Trilith, 210 Trilith Pkwy Suite 100, Fayatteville, GA 30214
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The committee is tasked with promoting responsible innovation, competition, and collaboration in public and private sectors, which will allow Georgia to be a leader in ensuring that such technology will advance in a way that enforces the existing consumer protection laws and principles for its citizens while enacting any additional appropriate safeguards against, fraud, unintended bias, discrimination, infringements on privacy, and other potential harms from AI.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at senatepressinquiries@senate.ga.gov. 

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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.

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Senator Larry Walker Elected to NCOIL Executive Committee

ATLANTA (August 8, 2024) — Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) recently attended the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) 2024 Summer Meeting in Costa Mesa, California. The event, which gathered 344 participants, including 66 legislators from 30 states, featured robust discussions on a variety of insurance-related topics and saw the development and continuation of several model laws.  In addition, Sen. Walker was elected to the organization’s Executive Committee.

Sen. Walker highlighted the importance of these gatherings, stating, “NCOIL meetings provide a crucial platform for legislators to collaborate on significant insurance issues that affect all states, share best practices and develop effective model legislation that benefits both consumers and the insurance market. I’m proud to contribute to these important discussions and to play a role in crafting insurance legislation for consideration by state legislative bodies across the nation.”

Key topics covered included insurers’ use of aerial images when underwriting properties, regulation of third-party litigation financing, preventive medicine, earned wage access providers, value-based purchasing agreements, and health care facility site-neutral payment reforms. Additionally, discussions on the NCOIL Mental Health Parity Model Act and the establishment of Catastrophe Savings Accounts were continued.

NCOIL is a national legislative organization composed of legislators from all 50 states, principally those serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. Founded in 1969, NCOIL aims to create model laws in insurance and financial services, preserve state jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act, and serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. The organization works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making state policy on insurance and educate state legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

**Attached is a photo for your use.**

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.