The Georgia General Assembly adjourned Sine Die on April 2nd to complete the 2026 general legislative session. It was a very productive year!  Listed below are some of the many important bills which await Governor Kemp for signature into law. Our work continues all year long and I will be hosting committee meetings, serving on study committees, meeting with constituents, speaking at events, and preparing for 2027!

The 2026 Legislative Session has officially come to a close, and while our work under the Gold Dome has concluded for the year, my work on your behalf continues. I now look forward to bringing that same focus and commitment back home to the 56th Senate District, where it matters most.

One of our most important responsibilities each year is passing a balanced state budget, and I am proud of the one we delivered for Fiscal Year 2027. Because we have exercised responsible stewardship of your tax dollars, we are able to invest in key priorities while maintaining Georgia’s strong financial position. This includes meaningful support for education, our workforce and our state’s largest industry: agriculture.

One area where we recognized the need for greater focus is early childhood literacy. Currently, only about a quarter of Georgia students are reading on grade level, which is simply unacceptable. In response, we invested $70 million to place literacy coaches in every K-3 public school and passed the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026.

These measures will help identify struggling readers earlier, provide targeted support and ensure students are better prepared for long-term success. This is not only an investment in education, but also in Georgia’s future workforce and overall economic strength.

We also passed House Bill 463 to help you keep more money in your pocket. This bill will gradually reduce the state income tax rate to 3.99% while increasing the standard deduction to $18,000 for individuals and $36,000 for families over the next several years. By lowering the tax burden and allowing more income to remain tax-free, this legislation provides meaningful relief as many Georgians continue to feel the strain of rising gas and grocery prices.

In addition, we acted swiftly to provide long-term relief to families amidst the rising cost of homeownership. Under legislation passed by the General Assembly, local governments must now cap annual reassessment increases at no more than 3% or the rate of inflation, bringing predictability and protection for families facing rising home values. In addition, counties and cities now have new tools, pending voter approval, to significantly reduce or even eliminate property taxes through local sales tax options like the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) and the Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST).

These measures could save you and your family hundreds of dollars as soon as this year, with even greater relief in the years ahead. In many communities, homeowners could see their property tax bills cut in half or, in some cases, eliminated entirely, while ensuring that growth and investment remain balanced and sustainable.

Senate Republicans would not have been able to create and pass cohesive, commonsense legislation without your input, including bills that I sponsored. That is why I’m proud to share more about Senate Bill 143, which provides additional benefits for members of the Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund. I will always advocate for Georgia’s firefighters, who consistently put their lives at risk to keep us safe. These brave men and women deserve a dignified retirement after all the sacrifices they have made, and SB 143 will improve their financial security and make the transition from service to retirement smoother as well as continuing their service to our communities.

Although the Legislative Session has ended, my commitment to serving Senate District 56 remains constant. It is an honor to serve you and your family, and I look forward to seeing you back home in the district. Thank you for your support every step of the way.

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]. 

With just one week left under the Gold Dome, we are not slowing down. We are fulfilling our responsibility to lower costs, protect your family and make sure Georgia continues to lead in responsible government.

Let’s be honest, what you’re seeing in Georgia stands in stark contrast to what’s happening in Washington and in many Democrat-led states. While others continue to spend recklessly, raise taxes and grow government, we’ve taken a different path rooted in discipline and respect for your hard-earned money.

That approach is on full display in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

This week, the Senate took up House Bill 974, a $38.5 billion budget that reflects both the strength of Georgia’s economy and our commitment to conservative financial stewardship. Unlike the federal government, which continues to rack up debt with no tangible plan to pay it back, Georgia is constitutionally required to balance its budget, and we do it the right way.

We are making targeted investments in education and our future workforce, including $70 million to place a literacy coach in every K-3 classroom. At the same time, we are expanding the Georgia PROMISE Scholarship to give families more options and greater control over their child’s education, because we trust parents, not bureaucracies, to make those decisions.

While some on the left continue to push one-size-fits-all education policies, we are empowering families with real choices and real opportunities. We’re also standing by the people who have dedicated their lives to public service. By contributing $100 million to the Employees’ Retirement System, we are ensuring that Georgia’s retirees can remain here, continue contributing to our communities and live with the dignity they’ve earned.

In our classrooms, Senate Republicans are choosing focus and safety over distraction. House Bill 1009 establishes a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in high schools. Parents and teachers alike have seen the impact of constant screen time, less engagement, more distraction and fewer real conversations. This legislation helps restore discipline in the classroom, improve academic outcomes and ensure students are attentive in emergency situations.

The issue of speed cameras and the fines associated with speeding violations has been a major debate, and this week, the Senate took decisive action. House Bill 651 passed out of the Senate this week to provide better oversight and accountability by preventing revenue-based policing with speed cameras or speed traps. HB 651 will make reduced-speed zones clearer to drivers and allow the Department of Public Safety to revoke speed-detection device permits if it finds evidence of misuse. While the safety of children in school zones and Georgia motorists is incredibly important, we also want to keep bad actors from profiting off these systems.

I’m also proud to report that Senate Bill 470, the Emergency & Public Safety Signal Protection Act, passed the Senate several weeks ago and is now on its way back from the House for final consideration. Signal jammers pose a real danger to the safety of all Georgians, and this bill would ban their manufacture, sale, and use to protect law enforcement and critical infrastructure.

Finally, it was my pleasure and great honor to present Senate Resolution 1000 and celebrate House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones’s decades of service to the great state of Georgia. Speaker Pro Tempore Jones has been a true friend and an even better legislator in the General Assembly, tirelessly advocating for education initiatives in Georgia. She also broke barriers as the first female Speaker of the House, and I’m confident her leadership will continue to inspire for generations to come.

As we approach our final legislative day, I encourage you to stay engaged and reach out with any questions or concerns. Your voice matters, and it continues to shape the work we do here 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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

With just days remaining in the 2026 Legislative Session before Sine Die on April 2, Republicans under the Gold Dome are in a full sprint to deliver on the promises we made to you. Every vote, every bill, and every late night is focused on defending your hard-earned money and preserving the conservative values that make Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

While others talk, Senate Republicans are delivering.

From day one, we have made it clear that Georgia’s economic success should reach every community, not just a select few. That’s why we passed House Bill 376 to expand tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic properties, with a strong focus on rural counties often left behind. This measure will help to revitalize our main streets, support small businesses and make sure that no part of Georgia is overlooked in our state’s growth.

Through our diligent financial stewardship of your tax dollars, we are once again in a position to give money back to you and your family. The Senate passed House Bill 1000, paving the way for a fourth round of income tax rebates. That means up to $250 for individuals, $375 for heads of household and $500 for married couples filing jointly. While Washington continues to spend recklessly, Republicans in Georgia are proving that conservative leadership means putting money back in your pocket when you need it most.

With the continued rise in gas prices, we are taking meaningful steps to ease the burden many Georgians are feeling at the pump as well. The Senate has unanimously passed HB 1199, legislation that will suspend the state gas tax for the next 60 days. At a time when families and communities are already facing significant financial pressures, this is a practical way to help lower costs and provide some immediate relief over the coming months.

We are also taking decisive action to protect our classrooms from foreign influence. House Bill 1379 ensures transparency by requiring schools and universities to disclose funding from hostile foreign nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Georgians deserve to know who is attempting to shape what our students are taught, and Republicans are standing firm to ensure our education system reflects our values, not those of our nation’s enemies.

When it comes to public safety, we’re sending a clear message to criminals: if you bring deadly drugs into our communities, there will be consequences. With the passage of House Bill 535, we are cracking down on fentanyl traffickers by imposing tough, mandatory penalties on those who poison our streets. This measure is a step in the right direction in the fight to stop a crisis that has devastated too many lives across our state and nation.

The final days of session are always the most critical, and Republicans are not letting up. We will continue fighting to lower costs and defend the principles that have keep Georgia strong.

Finally, I am proud to share updates on several important public safety bills moving toward final passage. House Bill 1086, the “Preston Fant and Brant Chesney Firefighter Safety Act,” honors two dedicated Georgia firefighters who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Both were responding to structure fires involving lightweight, truss-type roof construction, which is more prone to collapse during a fire. This bill requires buildings of this type to display clear indicators so firefighters can adjust their approach and better protect themselves and those inside. On Friday, the Senate passed this measure unanimously and sent it to the Governor. I am honored to have helped push this measure forward, providing even a moment of clarity to these brave men and women who otherwise have to act quickly to save lives.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 160 passed out of the House this week and is on its way back to the Senate for final adjustments. SB 160 will hold reckless street racers accountable for endangering the lives of Georgia commuters by increasing penalties for reckless driving and allowing intelligent speed assistance devices to be installed in their vehicles. These devices, by court order, can be installed to help control a vehicle’s speed within the bounds of the law. Thousands of Georgians lose their lives in car-related accidents each year, so this bill is an important step toward improving safety for drivers and families across our state.

As always, it is an honor to serve you. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, I encourage you to reach out. Your voice drives the work we do every day 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 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].

With Crossover Day behind us, the Senate is now turning its attention to House legislation and one of our most important responsibilities: crafting a fiscally responsible Fiscal Year 2027 state budget. This week, Senate leaders met with agency heads and stakeholders from across Georgia’s industries to review funding needs and ensure our state remains on a strong financial path.

This process may take time, but it’s one of the reasons Georgia is consistently recognized for responsible financial management. Every dollar we approve is taxpayer money, and we take that responsibility seriously. That means asking tough questions, carefully reviewing requests and investing in programs that truly benefit Georgia families.

Protecting your finances is a top priority we addressed this week. The Senate passed House Bill 945, which strengthens protections against financial exploitation. Unfortunately, scams targeting seniors and vulnerable individuals have become more common and increasingly sophisticated. This bill allows banks to place a temporary 15-day hold on transactions if they suspect someone is being financially exploited. Financial institutions are often the first to notice suspicious activity, and this legislation gives them the ability to step in and help prevent someone from losing their hard-earned savings.

We also took an important step toward helping more children find permanent homes. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 771, creating the Senate Study Committee on Adoption and Permanency Affordability. For many loving families, the cost of adoption can be a major barrier. This committee will study ways to make adoption more affordable and accessible so that more children in Georgia have the opportunity to grow up in safe, stable homes.

The Senate Committee on Public Safety passed several important bills this week, but one in particular stands out for its potential to save the lives of Georgians and our firefighters. House Bill 1086, the “Preston Fant and Brant Chesney Firefighter Safety Act,” is named in honor of two dedicated Georgia firefighters who tragically died in the line of duty. Both men were responding to structure fires in DeKalb and Forsyth counties involving lightweight, truss-type roof construction, which is more prone to collapse during a fire. This bill requires buildings with this type of construction to display a notice outside so firefighters can adjust their approach before entering and be more aware of the risks inside. I am truly honored to carry this legislation forward on behalf of my fellow firefighters. While it may seem like a small change, it will make a life-saving difference for firefighters across our state.

Finally, I was grateful to honor the life of Claire Bartlett alongside her family and friends in the Senate chamber. Mrs. Bartlett was not only a great friend, but also a fearless advocate for conservative values. She fought tirelessly to defend the right to life for Georgia’s unborn children, leaving a legacy that will impact our state for generations to come. Her commitment to volunteerism and her service to the Republican Party of Georgia will not be forgotten. Claire was a friend and exceptional member of our Roswell community. I will carry her memory with me as I continue my work under the Gold Dome.

As always, hearing directly from you is one of the most important parts of my job. If you have questions, concerns or ideas about issues affecting our community, please do not hesitate to contact my office. It is an honor to serve you 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 counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-8055 or by email at [email protected].

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.

# # # #

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.

# # # #

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.

# # # #

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.

# # # #

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.