Sen. John Albers

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, so as to provide for the preservation of religious freedom; to provide for the granting of relief; to provide for definitions; to provide for construction; to provide for statutory interpretation; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings and determinations; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 514) formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote inclusion for individuals with autism. The resolution highlights the importance of early intervention and support services while shifting focus from awareness to acceptance. It was adopted by the Senate on April 2, 2025, and directs the Senate Secretary to distribute copies to the public and press.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a temporary Senate committee to study whether Georgia should adopt the FairTax - a national proposal to replace income taxes with a sales tax. The committee, led by the Senate Finance Committee chair and composed of five senators, will examine the FairTax's potential impact on Georgia's tax system and report findings by December 1, 2025. It does not change tax law but directs a formal review of this specific reform idea. The committee’s work is limited to analysis and recommendations, with no authority to implement changes. This procedural resolution affects Georgia legislators involved in the study, not the general public or tax rates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Senate Study Committee focused on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Georgia. It addresses rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities (with Georgia ranked 6th most dangerous state for pedestrians in 2022), current laws that often treat pedestrian strikes as minor offenses, and gaps in enforcement and reporting. The committee will study these issues and recommend legislative changes to strengthen penalties, improve enforcement, and prioritize safety infrastructure. The committee, composed of five Senate members appointed by the President, must submit findings by December 2025. This is a procedural step to research solutions, not a law that changes policy directly.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a temporary Senate Study Committee focused on examining unscrupulous companion animal breeding practices, such as puppy mills and backyard breeding operations. The committee, composed of five appointed Senate members, will study issues including animal welfare concerns, enforcement gaps in existing laws, and impacts on shelters and communities. It will issue recommendations by December 1, 2025, but does not enact new laws or directly affect any specific group. As a procedural resolution, it solely establishes a study body with no immediate policy changes.

Maddy summarySR 391 creates a Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Currency to examine issues related to these technologies in Georgia. The committee, appointed by the Senate President with six members, will study AI's impact on sectors like healthcare and finance, digital currency risks, and potential safeguards against fraud or bias. It will operate until December 1, 2025, and may recommend future legislation, but the resolution itself does not enact new laws or directly affect citizens or businesses. This is a procedural resolution focused solely on research, not policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Senate Study Committee on Franchise Fees to examine how electricity utility providers pay fees for using county rights-of-way in unincorporated areas. The committee will study current fee structures, including how residents in unincorporated areas pay municipal franchise fees to cities they don't reside in, and assess the impact of growing large electricity customers. It will recommend potential policy changes but cannot enact laws itself. The committee must report its findings by December 1, 2025, before disbanding. This is a procedural resolution focused on research, not immediate policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Senate Study Committee to examine unregulated intoxicating cannabinoids (like delta-8 THC) in consumable hemp products sold in Georgia. The committee, composed of five appointed Senate members, will study safety concerns and industry impacts before recommending potential regulations, with a final report due by December 31, 2025. It does not enact new laws but sets the stage for future policy decisions based on the committee’s findings.

A RESOLUTION applauding Senator Brandon Beach for his exceptional service in the Georgia State Senate, his leadership in both public and private sectors, and congratulating him on his recent appointment as United States Treasurer in the current Trump Administration; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Judge Reuben Green, a Cobb County Superior Court judge who established Georgia's Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court, after his passing following a battle with cancer. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy of service, including his military career, legal work, and dedication to veterans and community support. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. It was adopted by the Senate in March 2025.