We are now four weeks into legislative business under the Gold Dome and are working diligently to pass legislation that strengthens opportunities for hardworking Georgians. As we move deeper into the 2026 Legislative Session, Senate Republicans are advancing priority legislation from committee to the Senate floor and over to the House, focused on restoring the American Dream and keeping government accountable to the people it serves.

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans delivered on our promise to lower the cost of living by passing Senate Bill 382, a priority measure aimed at reining in runaway property taxes and protecting homeowners from being priced out of their own homes. Across Georgia, families are watching property values rise while their incomes struggle to keep pace. There is no acceptable reality where Georgians work hard, play by the rules, and still risk losing their homes because the government continues to collect more each year.

Local governments should not receive an automatic pay raise simply because home values increase. When you purchase and pay off your home, you should not be subjected to a never-ending rent payment in the form of rising property taxes. Senate Republicans are restoring fiscal responsibility and protecting homeowners, continuing the conservative budgeting practices that have earned Georgia’s AAA credit rating and recognition as the number one state for business.

As the Senate adjourns for the week, we are also advancing Republican priorities focused on protecting Georgia’s most vulnerable children. The Senate passed Senate Bill 402, which establishes a pilot program to provide autism screenings, clinical evaluations, and support services for children in foster care. Early diagnosis and access to resources can make a lifelong difference, and this legislation helps ensure children in state care are not left behind due to gaps in the system.

We also passed Senate Bill 431, which strengthens protections for foster care students by requiring schools to enroll them within two school days of a request. Children in foster care already face enough disruption and uncertainty through no fault of their own. This bill removes unnecessary red tape and helps ensure students can stay focused on learning rather than navigating bureaucracy.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I have been advancing legislation to keep you and your loved ones safe. This week, we passed House Bill 549 to give our officers more time to submit reimbursement requests for required training expenses. This bill allows our brave men and women in law enforcement to focus more on protecting Georgians, rather than worrying about out-of-pocket costs. Training is essential to maintaining law and order, and no officer should be discouraged from strengthening their skills due to financial concerns. HB 549 helps ensure the men and women who protect us have the support and security they deserve.

Another important measure that advanced out of the Senate Committee on Public Safety this week was House Bill 61. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, and squatters threaten the safety and stability that come with it when left unchecked. This legislation establishes clear guidelines to protect property owners and holds accountable those who unlawfully occupy homes. I am proud to support this bill as it moves toward the Governor’s desk, ensuring Georgia homeowners are better protected and their property rights are upheld.

I was also honored to recognize February 3, 2026, as Firefighters Recognition Day under the Gold Dome. More than 30,000 firefighters serve communities across Georgia through over 900 fire departments, putting their lives on the line every day. As a former firefighter, I understand the sacrifices this profession demands, which is why I introduced Senate Resolution 607 to honor their service and dedication to our state and nation. I remain committed to ensuring our first responders have the tools, training, and support they need to keep Georgians safe and our communities strong.

I also encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This opportunity allows middle and high school students to serve for a day during the Legislative Session and learn firsthand how state government works. More information is available on the Georgia Senate website here.  

While there may be disagreements under the Gold Dome, Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering real results. Your input is important to me, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas as we continue our work this session.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected]. 

We kicked off the 2026 Legislative Session last month and I have been working diligently to deliver on a promise of greater affordability for all Georgians. We’re tackling the rising costs that burden our families by pursuing meaningful reductions in both property and income taxes. Our goal is simple: to ensure that our citizens can keep more of their hard-earned money and enjoy a more affordable life right here in our state.

Another winter storm is threating my district and our state. Please see the information below from Governor Kemp.  As the Senate Chairman of Public Safety, I am working closely with GEMA and our partners on the local, state, and federal level.  If you need assistance, please me know.

Visit GEMA/HS’s website here or click the link below for assistance on how to prepare for winter weather – https://gema.georgia.gov/winter

Follow GEMA/HS social media pages for live updates

Instagram – @georgiaemahs
X – @georgiaemahs
Facebook – Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency

——————————————————————————————————–

Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a statewide State of Emergency today ahead of this weekend’s winter storm. This is a separate executive order from the one issued on January 22 ahead of Winter Storm Fern. Governor Kemp also directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC), beginning at noon today. The current State of Emergency will run through February 6 and can be found here.

“While Mother Nature may not be giving us a break with these back-to-back storms, the good news is we don’t take any days off when it comes to keeping Georgia communities prepared and safe,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Along with our state partners, we have been monitoring this new winter storm well ahead of its arrival and preparing for whatever it may bring. While the weather event will mostly impact north and east Georgia, extending all the way to the coast, I’ve declared a statewide State of Emergency so we can more easily move resources to the areas expecting impact and stage those assets ahead of the storm.”

Unlike last week’s winter weather event, which mostly brought freezing precipitation and heavy ice, the incoming storm will bring extreme cold temperatures and at least an inch of snowfall in some communities. Even in areas that do not experience heavy snowfall, any accumulation can result in slick and dangerous roadways.

“As this winter weather moves into Georgia, we encourage residents to stay home if possible before and during the storm,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “Fewer vehicles on the roads give GDOT crews the space they need to treat roadways safely and efficiently, helping keep everyone safer this weekend.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is well prepared for this winter weather event and has already begun treating roads in areas within the storm’s path. Georgia DOT crews are pre-treating more than 20,000 lane miles on interstates and state routes with brine, prioritizing regions and routes that will experience the heaviest precipitation. Crews will brine continuously in 12-hour shifts before transitioning to plowing operations once snow begins to fall. Both the speed and effectiveness of GDOT’s efforts can be aided by Georgians currently in the snowstorm’s path remaining home this weekend, beginning Friday evening.

Among other provisions, this new State of Emergency order issued by Governor Kemp prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies. 

Current Weather Forecast:

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Northeast and East-Central Georgia, including eastern portions of Metro Atlanta. Two to four inches of snow is forecast for these counties on Saturday. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Northwest Georgia, much of Metro Atlanta, and several counties between Atlanta and Macon. Snowfall accumulations up to two inches are possible in these counties on Saturday. Additional counties, including Metro Atlanta, will likely be added to the Winter Storm Warning at some point today. Both the Warning and Advisory are in effect tonight through Saturday night.

Significant travel issues are expected in the Warning area on Saturday. Travel could be hazardous in the Advisory area as well, but confidence is lower in impacts to these areas. Snow will begin to fall across North Georgia early Saturday morning and much of eastern Georgia later in the morning through Saturday evening. Because air temperatures will be below freezing on Saturday, even light accumulations of 1 inch or less could cause road conditions to deteriorate quickly and travel to become difficult.

An Extreme Cold Watch has also been issued for all of Georgia on Saturday night and Sunday. Wind chills will be in the single digits statewide and below zero in north Georgia on Sunday morning. Any snowfall accumulations will likely stick through at least Sunday afternoon. Hazardous travel conditions could linger into Monday morning, especially in much of the Warning area. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are also expected across Georgia on Saturday. With such cold temperatures on Sunday, pipes could burst and anyone with prolonged outdoor exposure could be at risk for health issues.

State Action and Preparation:

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has staged crews and equipment to respond to the current winter weather threat, beginning their brining operations to pre-treat interstates, state routes, bridges, and overpasses in needed areas last night. Crews will prioritize keeping high-traffic routes passable for emergency vehicles and first responders, as well as areas providing access to hospitals and urgent care centers. Residents are urged to avoid travel in the most impacted areas whenever possible this weekend. For those who must travel, GDOT advises motorists to exercise caution and provide ample space for crews to continue treating and clearing roads.

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division has partnered with GDOT to escort brining details. Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers and Officers will be on standby across the state for any service calls regarding the winter weather and other needs, with specific response teams stationed in areas most affected by the storm.

Winter Weather Preparedness Guidance:

Residents should check with their local officials for information about warming centers and comfort station locations. More tips for personal and home weather preparation below:

• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches. 
• Keep heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes. 
• Insulate your home and ensure doors and windows are sealed. 
• Check and install a working carbon monoxide detector. 
• Have backup heat sources like extra blankets, sleeping bags, or a wood-burning fireplace. 
• Check your antifreeze, brakes, heater, tires, and wipers. 
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. 
• Carry an emergency Ready kit with items like a portable phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction, and jumper cables. 
• Use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Allow pipes to drip or insulate them to prevent freezing. 
• Keep pets indoors and check on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors. 

For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit gema.georgia.gov/winter.

GEMA/HS will provide ongoing updates regarding winter weather conditions via its website (gema.georgia.gov) and social media accounts. Residents are encouraged to monitor local National Weather Service updates and news stations. 

As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.

Potential Power Outages

Georgia Power Outage & Storm Center: LINK

Cobb EMC Outage & Storm Center: LINK

Sawnee EMC Outage & Storm Center: LINK

Always assume downed power lines are energized, live, and dangerous. Stay at least 30 to 100 feet away, call 911 immediately, and never touch anything the line touches, such as fences or water. Do not drive over downed lines. If a line falls on your car, stay inside until help arrives.

We have already worked through three weeks of legislative business in the 2026 session, and despite the fast pace, Senate Republicans remain focused on delivering results. I’m incredibly grateful to our first responders for keeping us safe during the winter storm, which allowed the Senate to stay on track for all of Georgia.

Over the past several weeks, much of our time has been spent reviewing Governor Brian Kemp’s budget proposals for the Amended Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and the FY 2027 budget. Thanks to years of conservative, responsible budgeting, Georgia’s economy remains among the strongest in the nation. That fiscal discipline allows us to make smart investments while still respecting taxpayers and keeping our state on a path of long-term growth.

I’m especially looking forward to the proposed investments in our Department of Public Safety, including millions of dollars intended for equipment improvements and renovations to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. These funds give our public safety professionals the tools they need to keep Georgians safe and our communities strong.

This week, I was glad to see the Senate stand with me and unanimously disagree with the House substitute to Senate Bill 9, preserving the original intent of my legislation. SB 9, the Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act, is specifically designed to hold criminals accountable who use artificial intelligence to commit serious offenses, including distributing AI-generated obscene material depicting children. I remain committed to advancing the Senate’s version of this bill, keeping Georgia’s laws aligned with modern technology while protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

This week, the Senate moved forward with the final passage of Senate Bill 148. SB 148 supports educators by expanding flexibility in how learning happens, including hands-on and outdoor education opportunities, while also making common-sense updates to teacher leave policies. This legislation also recognizes that teachers are the backbone of our schools and gives them the support and flexibility they need to help these students succeed.

We also made progress on one of our top priorities for protecting homeowners. Senate Bill 382 passed out of the Senate Committee on Finance, keeping it on track as we move through the legislative process. SB 382 would require a statewide base-year homestead exemption for all local governments and streamline the process for calling referendums on local sales taxes. For too long, homeowners have faced unrelenting property tax increases as some local governments opted out of existing protections. This bill restores fairness and puts homeowners first by ensuring everyone plays by the same rules. SB 382 now heads to the Senate Rules Committee, and I look forward to continuing to push it toward final passage.

While Senate Republicans remain focused on passing meaningful legislation and delivering real results, others continue to focus on political distractions instead of solutions. Republicans are choosing a path centered on opportunity for working Georgians.

That focus is reflected in the priorities we are advancing this session. Affordability remains front and center, from keeping property taxes in check to ensuring energy reliability, supporting workforce development and maintaining low taxes that help families keep more of what they earn. These issues matter to Georgia families, and they guide our work every day under the Gold Dome.

As always, I appreciate hearing from you and value your input as the legislative session continues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. It’s an honor to represent you and to fight for Georgia’s future.

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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

As the Senate Chairman of Public Safety, I am working closely with our Emergency Operations teams on the local, state, and federal level. Listed below is important information and links to resources. If we can be of any service to you, please let me know.

Please review the following weather update from Georgia State Meteorologist, Will Lanxton, concerning the upcoming winter storm affecting Georgia. As always, GEMA/HS will continue to monitor conditions and provide updated weather information as it becomes available. In the meantime, we encourage you to review the resources below as you prepare for winter weather:

Visit GEMA/HS’s website here or click the link below for assistance on how to prepare for winter weather – https://gema.georgia.gov/winter

Follow GEMA/HS social media pages for live updates

Instagram – @georgiaemahs
X – @georgiaemahs
Facebook – Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency

——————————————————————————————————–

A major winter storm is expected to bring significant impacts to North Georgia, including Metro Atlanta, this weekend. The timing for onset of wintry precipitation has shifted later in the day on Saturday and is now expected to begin Saturday afternoon at the earliest. The primary precipitation type is still expected to be freezing rain with ice accumulations of one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch or more generally along and north of the I-20 Corridor. 

The Winter Storm Watch has been expanded southward to include all counties north of I-20, the entire Metro Atlanta area, and several counties north and east of Macon. One-quarter to three-quarters of an inch of ice accumulation is possible in the Watch counties between Saturday afternoon and Sunday night. Snow and sleet accumulations are possible in North Georgia but should remain below one inch. The Watch may be upgraded to an Ice Storm Warning or a Winter Weather Advisory tomorrow, and more counties may be added.

Road conditions could begin to deteriorate in the Watch area as early as Saturday afternoon and continue to worsen throughout the day on Sunday. Travel may be difficult or impossible wherever significant ice accumulations develop on roads. Downed trees and power lines could cause extended power outages and debris issues. These impacts could continue into Monday afternoon.

Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing after the precipitation ends on Sunday evening. Low temperatures on Monday morning will bottom out in the upper teens to mid-20s. Any moisture remaining on roads before late Sunday night will refreeze in addition to any lingering ice accumulations. High temperatures on Monday will only reach the low-to-mid 30s, although sunshine will help to melt and dry roads throughout the day before frigid temperatures set in Monday night.

Tuesday morning low temperatures will be some of the coldest in years. Single digit lows are likely north of I-20 with teens across the rest of North and Central Georgia. Extreme Cold Watches and Warnings will be possible on Monday night and Tuesday morning. Burst pipes and other infrastructure issues are possible with this level of extreme cold. High temperatures Tuesday afternoon will reach the upper 30s to lower 40s with a gradual warming trend through the end of next week.

Please continue to closely monitor forecast updates from your local National Weather Service office and reliable media outlets through early next week. If you are in the Watch area, plan for treacherous road conditions and potential power outages this weekend. Travel should be avoided, if possible, Saturday afternoon through Sunday night. Hazardous road conditions could also affect the Monday morning commute.

Potential Power Outages

Georgia Power Outage & Storm Center: LINK
Cobb EMC Outage & Storm Center: LINK
Sawnee EMC Outage & Storm Center: LINK

Always assume downed power lines are energized, live, and dangerous. Stay at least 30 to 100 feet away, call 911 immediately, and never touch anything the line touches, such as fences or water. Do not drive over downed lines. If a line falls on your car, stay inside until help arrives.

Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) encouraged middle and high school students in the 56^th Senate District to apply for the Senate Page Program. As a Senate Page, students deliver important information to senators on the chamber floor and serve as messengers around the State Capitol.

“The Senate Page Program is an incredible opportunity for young people to see government in action,” said Sen. Albers. “By serving as a page, students can experience the pace of the legislative process in a way that cannot be replicated in a classroom. There is nothing more important than staying engaged in the civic process, and our Senate Page Program is an excellent way to start.”

Students selected as pages serve for one day at the State Capitol can develop their communication and organizational skills while immersing themselves in the daily operations of the Senate. The program is open to students between the ages of 12 and 18 who demonstrate academic responsibility and have an interest in public service.

Instructions for how to apply to the Senate Page Program may be found here.

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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

This week marked the beginning of the 2026 Legislative Session, and we have officially finished five days of legislative business. This year, I am honored to continue serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, where I can support legislation and policies that will defend our first responders and protect the hardworking people on the frontlines.

Meanwhile, your Georgia Senate has immediately hit the ground running. On January 15, Governor Brian Kemp addressed the Senate and the House, laying out a bold vision for the 2026 Legislative Session in his State of the State Address. His agenda is aimed at investing in transportation infrastructure across Georgia, improving teacher retention, and returning another $1 billion to taxpayers. These tax cuts alone will provide individual filers with $250 and married, joint filers with $500. Over the past 7 years, this will bring us close to $10 billion in tax rebates and cuts while we continue reducing the state income tax rate to help our families and small businesses.

We will see additional support for education and school safety, which will contribute to a better-trained, more efficient workforce. All in all, the Governor and Legislature are prioritizing economic development and affordability across numerous sectors and industries, and I am committed to realizing those goals.

Senate Republicans understand that affordability isn’t an abstract policy debate. It’s about whether a family can afford groceries, pay their bill and still have something left at the end of the month. That’s why our priorities align with Governor Kemp’s focus on lowering everyday costs, holding the line on utility rates and advancing reforms that are already bringing down insurance premiums. These are real savings Georgians feel at the checkout line and will help families breathe easier, plan ahead and keep more of what they earn.

While Democrats push short-sighted proposals they know will never pass, Republicans are delivering real, tangible changes that strengthen our economy and give families meaningful flexibility. In an era defined by Democrat-driven financial strain, nothing is worse than a broken promise. That’s why Republicans will continue doing the work to clean up the mess left by negligent federal policies and the costly effects of Bidenflation.

As we work to uphold the American Dream, I am proud to sponsor Senate Bill 392, the “Zero-Based Budgeting Act.” With zero-based budgeting, every dollar of spending must be justified from the beginning of the budget process, rather than repeating last year’s spending. SB 392 would bring the same common-sense budgeting practices used by Georgia families into state government. It requires us to take a kitchen-table approach and look at where we can cut back. I believe it is crucial that we continue to ask hard questions and prioritize what truly matters if we want our history of sound budgeting to endure.

It remains an honor to serve under the Gold Dome, and I look forward to another Legislative Session. I will continue to advocate for a safer, more affordable state for all Georgians, and I encourage you to contact my office with any questions, comments or concerns. 

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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) introduced Senate Bill 392, the Waste Reduction Act of 2026, also known as the Zero-Based Budgeting Act, legislation designed to bring the same common-sense budgeting practices used by Georgia families into state government.

In homes across Georgia, families do not build their household budgets by simply repeating last year’s spending. Instead, they sit down, look at what they earn, and make thoughtful decisions about what they truly need and where they can cut back. Senate Bill 392 applies that same kitchen-table approach to the state budget.

Under zero-based budgeting, every dollar of government spending must be justified from the ground up during each budget cycle. Rather than assuming prior-year spending automatically continues, agencies must clearly demonstrate why programs are needed and how taxpayer dollars will be used. The goal is simple: ensure every dollar in the state budget serves a clear, necessary, and accountable purpose.

“Every Georgia family knows what it means to tighten their belt when costs rise,” said Sen. Albers. “They don’t get to spend money they don’t have, and they don’t keep paying for things that no longer make sense. Georgia has earned a reputation as one of the most fiscally responsible states in the nation, but that kind of stewardship requires constant commitment. If families are forced to account for every dollar at the kitchen table, taxpayers deserve a government that does the same.”

Sen. Albers added, “Fiscal responsibility isn’t something you do once and forget about. It’s something you recommit to year after year. Our history of sound budgeting will only endure if we continue to ask hard questions, eliminate waste, and prioritize what truly matters.”

You can find more information about SB 392 here.

# # # #

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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

As we welcome the New Year, I want to wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. A new year brings fresh opportunities to reflect on our shared values, recommit to our goals, and work together to build a stronger future for our community and our state. I am grateful for the trust you place in me and remain committed to serving you with integrity, common sense, and a focus on results. May the year ahead bring hope, opportunity, and continued blessings to all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Too often we are caught up in “political correctness” and miss the reason for the season. I am proud to wish you great tidings of joy and hope you will pass it along.