The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

Last week’s snow in South Georgia may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds to taxpayers directly. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we can give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting more money back in your pockets.

Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the necessary resources to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to ensuring they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

Back at the Capitol, we hit the ground running this week, advancing legislation that reflects our values and priorities. I sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 27, referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. SB 27 would establish the offense of doxxing as a stalking-related crime. Doxxing significantly disrupts a person’s everyday life. I want to enable our law enforcement officers to catch those who engage in criminal acts and the judiciary system to adequately prosecute those who choose to endanger the lives of innocent Georgians.

I also sponsored SB 37, the “AI Accountability Act.” This bill would create a Georgia Board for Artificial Intelligence and require that all governmental entities develop and maintain artificial intelligence system usage plans. These plans will be made available to the public to keep all Georgians aware of how their government uses and monitors AI systems. With this bill, we will further raise accountability for the operation of AI and regulate the development of these systems as the technology steadily becomes more complex and commonly used in the future of government.

In other news, as committee meetings pick up, we’re working hard on issues that matter most to our communities, from protecting our schools to strengthening local infrastructure. SB 57 is particularly close to my heart. Entitled the “Georgia Transporting Life-Saving Organs and Personnel Act,” this legislation would reclassify emergency organ transport vehicles as ambulance services to ensure the transportation of life-saving care goes uninterrupted. It is because of such services that I was able to donate a kidney to save my son’s life, and I believe it is essential that we continue to support organ and tissue donation to preserve the potential gift of life for thousands of other Georgians.

Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply here.

As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

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 Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

This week, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) announced the creation of a Senate delegation for Cobb County. The delegation will be Co-Chaired by Sen. Ed Setzler (R–Acworth). Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta), Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta) and Sen. Michael “Doc” Rhett (D–Marietta) will also serve on the delegation.

“I am proud once again to be a part of a bipartisan Cobb County Senate delegation,” said Sen. Albers. “In alignment with the legislative agenda of the Cobb County Government, increased aid and assistance to first responders will be a personal priority for me as a member. I am confident that our new Senate delegation will provide the support, leadership and oversight necessary to meet the needs of Cobb County’s citizens.”

Sen. Setzler also voiced his approval of the delegation: “As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, I am committed to expanding Cobb’s role as a hub for applied research,” said Sen. Setzler. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to preserve and improve the unmatched quality of life in Cobb County.”

A separate delegation from the Georgia House of Representatives will also be created for Cobb County. Both committees will advocate for the county’s estimated 781,000 inhabitants, who make up Georgia’s third most populous county.

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 Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

Sen. Ed Setzler serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology. Sen. Setzler represents the 37th Senate District, which includes parts of Cobb and Bartow County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0256 or by email at [email protected].

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].

The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. It is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

In service of the 56^th Senate District, I’m proud to have introduced four pieces of legislation. These bills address key priorities for our state and the communities in our district. After serving as Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), I authored Senate Bill 9, also known as the “Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act.” This bill ensures that criminals aided by artificial intelligence are given more severe punishments than the sentences they received for their crimes. It will soon be discussed in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, so I will continue to provide updates as the bill progresses through the Senate. I hope my colleagues will join me in increasing measures to protect our children and families from the abuse of AI.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Governor Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

The Senate is committed to ensuring these communities have the necessary tools to rebuild. This includes expediting financial assistance, streamlining permitting processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and working with federal and local partners to address gaps in relief. The resilience of these communities is a testament to the strength of Georgians, and we will do everything in our power to support those they represent.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that businesses are not weighed down by frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs.

As a former firefighter for over three decades, I was also pleased to hear Gov. Kemp renew his commitment to our public safety in his “State of the State” address this week. The additional $159 million he has pledged for direct campus security grants to Georgia public schools is a powerful signal of this administration’s unwavering support for our first responders, making me even prouder to have been reappointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety this legislative session.

Lastly, I encourage students between the ages of 12 and 18 to apply to spend a day as a Senate Page. This program allows students to participate actively in the legislative process at our State Capitol for a day during the legislative session. Interested students may apply for the program by clicking here.

It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 56^th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56^th Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected].

For all media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected].

On January 13th, I will be officially sworn back into office at the Georgia Capitol. . It is an incredible honor to place my hand on the Bible and recite my oath. I will always work tirelessly to serve and support my district, state and nation. We have a terrific year ahead, and I hope you join me with optimism and tenacity to serve others.