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Sen. Ed Harbison Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Protect Georgia’s Active-Duty Service Members

ATLANTA (May 16, 2025) – Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 109 into law—a measure authored by Sen. Harbison (D–Columbus) to safeguard life insurance coverage for Georgia’s active-duty service members.

The new law, written following the death of Sgt. Brandon Tyrese Fraiser, prohibits group life insurance policies from excluding or restricting coverage solely because the insured is serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless the death results directly from an act of war or related hazard.

“As a former Marine and a long-time advocate for our veterans and service members, I’ve always believed that those who serve our nation with honor should never face undue barriers—especially when it comes to something as essential as life insurance. It was extraordinarily moving to witness this legislation be signed into law alongside the late Sgt. Fraiser’s father and family members,” said Sen. Harbison. “SB 109 offers critical financial protection to Georgia’s military families and ensures our service members are treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve. I want to thank Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, my senate colleagues, and my fellow servicemen and women for their hard work in getting this legislation signed.”

SB 109 received unanimous passage in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly. Sen. Harbison has consistently aimed to prioritize legislation that honors the service and sacrifices of military families throughout his tenure in the Georgia State Senate.

More information on SB 109 is available here.

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Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at (404) 656-0074 or via email at Ed.Harbison@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Randy Robertson Ranked Among Georgia’s Most Effective Lawmakers During 2023-2024 Biennium

ATLANTA (May 13, 2025) — Majority Whip Sen. Randy Robertson (R–Cataula) was recently recognized as one of the most effective legislators in the Georgia General Assembly during the 2023-2024 Legislative Biennium, according to a nonpartisan evaluation conducted by the Center for Legislative Accountability (CLA). The report assigned Sen. Robertson an effectiveness score of 3.11, more than three times the legislative average of 1.0.

Sen. Robertson reflected on the recognition and reaffirmed his dedication to the constituents of Senate District 29, “I’m proud to see our work acknowledged. But more than just a number, this rating represents my continued commitment to delivering real results for the people I serve. I’m especially proud of the passage and signing of Senate Bill 159, which prohibits wireless communications and stand-alone electronic devices behind guard lines in our correctional institutions. I’m also pleased to have successfully advanced SB 37, SB 63, SB 92, SB 95, SB 332, SB 342, SB 424, and SB 517. Fighting for Georgians and producing tangible outcomes remains my top priority, and I’m honored to work alongside my colleagues in the Senate to make that happen.”

The CLA’s annual effectiveness report assesses all state lawmakers based on key indicators that measure their ability to sponsor, advance and pass legislation through the General Assembly. Criteria include the number of bills a legislator sponsors, how far those bills progress through the legislative process and how many ultimately become law.

More information on the CLA can be found here.

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Sen. Randy Robertson serves as Majority Whip of 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

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Chuck Payne Applauds Signing of Comprehensive Tort Reform Legislation by Governor Kemp

ATLANTA (April 22, 2025)—Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law, marking a major step forward in Georgia’s ongoing effort to strengthen its civil justice system and protect consumers from abusive litigation practices. Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) carried the bills in the Senate on behalf of Governor Kemp, who named tort reform his top legislative priority for the 2025 session.

SB 68 enacts comprehensive tort reform, including changes to negligent security liability, apportionment of fault, and damages in civil cases, to curb “nuclear verdicts” and reduce the burden of frivolous lawsuits on small businesses. Complementing this effort, SB 69, the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act, targets the growing influence of Third-Party Litigation Financing (TPLF) by requiring these entities to register with the state, banning foreign-affiliated financiers from operating in Georgia, and increasing public transparency through open access to registration records.

“For Dalton and Whitfield County, where manufacturing is not just an industry but a way of life, these reforms mean stability, opportunity and continued investment in our community,” said Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton). “Together, Senate Bills 68 and 69 reinforce Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 state for business by creating a predictable, transparent legal environment that supports job growth. I am proud to have cosponsored these pieces of legislation, and I am thankful for the support of Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy in getting these measures across the finish line.”

For more information about Senate Bill 68, click here. For more information about Senate Bill 69, click here.

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Sen. Chuck Payne serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security. He represents the 54th Senate District, which includes Whitfield and Murray County as well as part of Gordon County. He may be reached at 404.463.5402 or by email at Chuck.Payne@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Kenya Wicks Finishes First Legislative Session

ATLANTA (April 11, 2025) — Sen. Kenya Wicks (D–Fayette), who represents Georgia’s 34th Senate District, spoke about her first legislative session under the Gold Dome. As a freshman senator, Wicks described the 2025 Legislative Session as “an incredible experience” and expressed her deep gratitude for the mentorship and support from Democratic leadership and colleagues.

“This session, I introduced Senate Bills 190, 236, and 273 and co-authored SB 26 and SB 85. I also was proud to introduce Senate Resolution 141, which dedicated a road for former Senator Valencia Seay. I would not have been unable to do this without my team and the incredible mentorship and support I received from Democratic leadership and my colleagues. Together, we passed a state budget including $19.5 million for student mental health support and additional funding to expand access to the HOPE Scholarship.”

Sen. Wicks continued by speaking on her plans for the interim and thanking her constituents. “Constituent services remain at the forefront of my priorities—alongside veterans’ affairs, seniors’ rights, workforce development, education and economic growth. I’m committed to continuing the fight for the people of District 34 and all Georgians. To my constituents, thank you for trusting me to be your voice. I came to the Gold Dome ready to work, and I’m just getting started.”

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Sen. Kenya Wicks represents the 34th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She may be reached by email at Kenya.Wicks@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Kenya Wicks Honors Michael S. ‘Killer Mike’ Render with Senate Resolution

ATLANTA (April 10, 2025) — On April 4, Sen. Kenya Wicks, (D–Fayette), presented a resolution recognizing and commending Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur and Atlanta native Michael S. ‘Killer Mike’ Render for his music career, political advocacy and work supporting historically marginalized communities in Georgia.

In the resolution, Wicks highlighted Greenwood, a Black-owned digital banking platform co-founded by Render. The platform aims to address economic disparities and expand financial opportunities in underserved areas. She also commended Render’s long-standing advocacy for criminal justice and prison reform, voting rights, and police accountability.

“Killer Mike has profoundly impacted Atlanta not only through music but also through philanthropy and community service,” said Sen. Wicks. “His legacy in business, public service and the music industry is a prime example of the talent Atlanta has to offer. His work will leave a lasting impact on communities across our city and state. His passion for education, the arts and the city of Atlanta reflects the best of Georgia, and I was proud to recognize him on Atlanta Day.”

Sen. Wicks presented the resolution to Killer Mike during the “404 Day” or “Atlanta Day” celebration at the Georgia Capitol. The event honors the spirit and legacy of Georgia’s capital city by welcoming Atlanta natives and representatives from prominent local organizations.

The full resolution can be found here.

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Sen. Kenya Wicks represents the 34th Senate District, which includes portions of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She may be reached by email at Kenya.Wicks@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.