We have officially reached Crossover Day, the deadline for Senate bills to move to the House in order to remain eligible for consideration this year. Now the process begins again in the House, where lawmakers will carefully review, debate and vote on these proposals before they can move forward.

One of the greatest threats to the American Dream today is the rising cost of housing. Across Georgia, families are finding it harder than ever to purchase a home. In metro Atlanta alone, institutional investors now own roughly one-quarter of all rental properties. Large corporations are buying up single-family homes at a rapid pace, leaving hardworking Georgians competing with Wall Street firms just to purchase a place to live.

The consequences are real. The average age of someone entering a 30-year mortgage has climbed to 41 years old. That means many Georgians will struggle to retire at 65. It also means couples are delaying starting families or considering leaving our state in search of more affordable housing. If we are serious about making Georgia more affordable, we must address this issue head-on.

Senate Bill 463 takes an important step in that direction. This legislation would prevent large corporations from owning more than 500 single-family residential properties in Georgia and would prohibit foreign companies from owning single-family residential rental homes altogether. The goal is simple: ensure that the homes in our communities remain available to Georgia families, not large investment firms. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, and we cannot allow Wall Street to push hardworking families out of the housing market.

We are also working to make it easier to build new homes across our state. Senate Bills 437 and 447, both of which have passed the Senate and now move to the House, will streamline the homebuilding process and improve transparency for families looking to build.

Senate Bill 437 shortens construction review timelines and allows certified private companies to conduct certain building, plumbing and electrical inspections. These inspections are an important part of ensuring safe construction, but unnecessary delays can drive up costs for future homeowners. By making the process more efficient, we can help bring more housing to the market and make homeownership more attainable.

Senate Bill 447 increases transparency between local governments and future homeowners by requiring clear and timely explanations when building permits are denied. Families considering where to build their homes deserve straightforward answers, and this legislation helps ensure Georgia remains a welcoming place for those looking to put down roots.

We are also taking steps to keep Georgia’s children safe in an increasingly digital world. As technology continues to evolve, we must ensure our laws keep pace with the dangers that can accompany it. Senate Bill 540 would protect minors from harmful AI-generated content by prohibiting the creation of explicit material involving children and requiring online platforms to provide stronger privacy tools. There is no place in Georgia for online exploitation, and this bill holds bad actors accountable while strengthening protections for young people.

Finally, we passed several pieces of public safety legislation this week that I was proud to support. Last year, the CDC headquarters in Atlanta came under fire from an armed perpetrator who was intent on harming those working in that building. Luckily, Emory University Police Department officers acted swiftly to block off connecting roads and confront the assailant, preventing any further harm and saving potentially dozens of lives. However, this police department and similar ones representing other institutions do not have the same qualified immunity as every other law enforcement agency in Georgia. That’s why I was proud to support the passage of Senate Bill 565, which redefines law enforcement units to include police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities. The officers of these institutions act with the same bravery as our other state officers, so they deserve equal protection and benefits under the law for their service.

With Crossover Day behind us, we will begin reviewing House legislation and voting on bills that may soon head to the Governor’s desk. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or ideas as the Session continues. It is an honor to serve you.

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

The Georgia General Assembly crossed the halfway mark of the 2026 legislative session. With Crossover Day later this week, we are debating legislation, refining, and advancing the strongest bills that will make it to the Governor’s desk. The pace has been intense and productive as we focus on delivering meaningful results for our families, small businesses, and communities across our district and throughout Georgia.

Today, the Senate passed Senate Bill 470, the “Emergency & Public Safety Signal Protection Act,” sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), to prohibit interference with emergency and public safety communications.

SB 470 would ban the manufacturing, sale, distribution, possession and use of signal jammers, devices that disrupt wireless communication. The bill would also establish penalties for targeting communication systems relied upon by emergency services. Limited use of such technology would be permitted only for authorized state entities and certain approved actors to support public safety operations.

“The most important function of government is to protect the people, and we have to empower our first responders to do so without interruption or delay,” said Sen. Albers. “In an emergency, wireless systems are essential for coordinating response efforts and keeping the public informed. Signal jammers can disrupt 911 centers, alarm systems and other critical infrastructure, putting both responders and the communities they serve at serious risk. This legislation closes a dangerous gap in the law by establishing clear penalties for interference and ensuring our public safety agencies can communicate when every second counts. By protecting these vital systems, we are strengthening Georgia’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis.”

SB 470 now moves to the House for further consideration. Read more about the bill here.

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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’ve officially reached the halfway point of the 2026 Legislative Session, and I want you to know exactly where things stand.

Senate Republicans have strived to keep Georgia families safe, make life more affordable and protect the conservative values that have made our state strong this session. At the halfway mark, I’m proud to say we’re delivering real results.

This week, the Senate passed the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, the first of the two balanced budgets we pass every session. Unlike Washington politicians who print money and leave the bill for the next generation, Georgia lives within its means. Our Constitution requires a balanced budget, and this Senate body takes that responsibility seriously.

The amended budget sets the financial framework for the remainder of this fiscal year, which runs through July 1. We combed through every agency request, every program and every dollar with one question in mind: Is this a responsible use of your money? That is why the Senate agreed with the Governor’s tax rebates of $250 for single filers, $375 for head of households, and $500 for those filing jointly. We also agreed with the House on the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant, which would provide about $500 for every homeowner. In total, the Senate’s budget would deliver significant relief to families struggling to make ends meet across our state. That is a $1,000 tax refund to Georgia families!

Senate Republicans are also investing in public safety so that law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect our communities. I was especially proud to support continued funding for our Next Gen 911 efforts, which will modernize the technology that connects first responders with Georgians in need as quickly as possible. The budget also includes critical funding for the Department of Corrections to replace outdated locking controls and fire alarm systems and to strengthen perimeter security at prisons across the state.

Additionally, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will receive funding to enhance software connectivity with federal DNA databases and to construct a new investigative office. Our first responders put their lives on the line every day, and we will continue to stand behind them.

Lastly, I commend the Senate for allocating over $400 million to the construction of a new mental forensic hospital, which would be the first of its kind in our state since the 1960s. This facility will provide bed space for individuals who would benefit more from mental health rehabilitation than being placed in a jail cell. This solution offers the best path to rehabilitation for eligible individuals and provides critical assistance to sheriffs managing crowded county jails.

Every dollar in this budget comes from hardworking Georgians. It’s your money, which is why we deliberate carefully and move deliberately. The results of that discipline speak for themselves. Georgia maintains a AAA credit rating. We’ve built strong reserves and continue to lead the nation as the number one state to do business year after year. Now, this amended budget heads back to the House for consideration.

Beyond the budget, we are continuing to advance policies that empower families, especially in education. This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 446, which ensures Georgia permanently participates in the new federal school choice tax credit program created by Congress in 2025. I firmly believe parents should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their children’s education, rather than out-of-touch government bureaucrats.

Every child learns differently. Some thrive in traditional public schools. Others benefit from charter schools, private schools, faith-based schools or specialized programs. SB 446 invests in our families by giving them more options and more flexibility. It puts students first and reinforces the idea that education should serve our children, not the systems that are meant to guide them.

Budgeting is something every family must navigate, and it is not always easy. The decisions we make under the Gold Dome directly affect your household budget, which is why it is so important that Georgians understand how and why state dollars are spent. That is also why I am proud to share that my legislation, Senate Bill 392, the “Waste Reduction Act of 2026,” passed out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations this week.

This bill revives a proven budgeting strategy that emphasizes accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Zero-based budgeting requires agencies to justify every dollar they request, rather than relying on the previous year’s spending as a baseline. It is the same commonsense approach many families use when reviewing their own finances. Carefully evaluating each expense and eliminating waste promotes transparency, controls costs, and ensures the state government is focused on core priorities. This legislation will make government more efficient and ease the burden on Georgia taxpayers.

Finally, I was proud to celebrate Donor Day under the Gold Dome on Friday. I will forever be indebted to Georgia’s healthcare system and organ transplant organizations for helping me donate one of my kidneys to my son. Organ donation can provide your loved ones with a new lease on life, and I am fortunate enough to say I was able to do that for one of mine. Donor Day honors the 2,600 Georgians who gave the gift of life to someone they care about last year, as well as the facilities that make this lifesaving process possible.

We’re halfway through the 2026 session, and I promise you that I’ll keep fighting every day to protect your hard-earned dollars, strengthen our communities, and keep Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family.

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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, State Senator John Albers (R–Roswell), chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, and State Representative Brad Thomas (R–Holly Springs), chairman of the House Special Committee on Resource Management, announced that House Bill 1029 has successfully passed the Georgia General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

“I appreciate the leadership of Representative Thomas and our Cherokee delegation for listening to the concerns of our constituents and providing a reasonable and commonsense solution,” said Sen. Albers. “As we move forward together, it is important that all levels of government work together as a team to best serve the people we are sworn to represent.”

“This legislation sets a clear expectation moving forward,” said Rep. Thomas. “Local governments and county stakeholders must work together, communicate openly and transparently, and operate as a unified team when shaping the future of Cherokee County. Our responsibility is to represent the people well and to steward this community in a way that protects its character, strengthens its economy and preserves the quality of life families expect. Holly Springs is a vital part of Cherokee County, and I look forward to continued cooperation as we build a strong and sustainable future together. I appreciate our colleagues in both chambers for their thoughtful consideration of this much-needed legislation.”

If signed into law, HB 1029 would amend the City of Holly Springs’ charter by revising the city’s corporate boundaries and adjusting the composition of the city council to reflect updated district lines.

The full text of HB 1029 may be found here. For additional information regarding the legislation, please contact Rep. Thomas’ or Sen. Albers’ offices.

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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]. 

Representative Brad Thomas represents the citizens of District 21, which includes a portion of Cherokee County. He first was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Special Committee on Resource Management, Vice Chairman of the Governmental Affairs and Technology & Infrastructure Innovation committees and Secretary of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Intragovernmental Coordination, Retirement and Transportation committees.

Today, Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) joined his Senate Republican Caucus colleagues in passing Senate Bill 476 and Senate Bill 477, sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia). These measures will deliver the largest tax relief in Georgia’s history and position the state to completely eliminate the state income tax.  

As neighboring states aggressively cut taxes or move to eliminate income taxes altogether, Georgia must maintain its competitive edge to continue supporting the families and businesses that drive our state’s economy and growth.

“This progress is the result of years of disciplined, conservative decision-making,” said Sen. Albers. “When Republicans first took control of state government, Georgia’s income tax rate was 6 percent, and it had been there for more than 30 years under Democratic leadership. We’ve now lowered that rate to 5.19 percent and returned billions of dollars to the people who earned it. These pieces of legislation were only the next step in that mission.”

Senate Bill 476 follows through on Governor Kemp’s goal of cutting the state income tax rate to 4.99% for both individuals and corporations. It also dramatically increases the standard deduction to $100,000 for married couples and $50,000 for those filing individually, instantly delivering a 5% raise for Georgians across the state. To offset the cost, the legislation eliminates or scales back 29 targeted tax credits and applies a five-year sunset to ensure continued legislative oversight.

“Senate Bill 476 simplifies the tax code and makes life more affordable for the vast majority of Georgians,” added Sen. Albers. “This is the definition of a kitchen-table issue. Families and small businesses know best how to manage their own budgets, and they are the ones who enable us to come to the Capitol every day to fight on their behalf. Our job is to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and these bills do exactly that by providing relief while safeguarding the state’s financial future.”

Senate Bill 477 builds on that commitment by setting the income tax rate at 4.99% and creating a clear path to lower the personal rate to 4.49% in 2027 and 3.99% in 2028, subject to a revenue trigger. The measure also raises the standard deduction to $16,000 for single filers and $32,000 for married couples while retaining the 4.99% corporate rate.

These bills take a targeted approach to addressing affordability challenges facing Georgians while maintaining the state’s strong fiscal position. Georgia’s adherence to responsible budgeting has contributed to its financial stability and will support its continued growth in the years ahead.

You can read more about SB 476 and SB 477 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]. Relief Package

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

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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].