Source: US State of Georgia
ATLANTA (July 31, 2026) — This week, Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III (R–Perry) attended the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Chicago, where he joined Representative Beth Camp (R–Concord) onstage during NCSL’s closing general session to accept NCSL’s host state gavel from Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. The ceremonial gavel signifies the transition to Georgia as the next host state for the Legislative Summit, which will be held in Atlanta from August 9–11, 2027.
“It’s an honor for Georgia to accept the host state gavel and begin the countdown to welcoming our nation’s legislators and legislative staff to Atlanta in 2027,” said President Pro Tempore Walker. “The Legislative Summit is one of the premier gatherings of state leaders in the country, and we’re proud to have the opportunity to showcase everything that makes Georgia such a special place. From our thriving economy and world-class venues to our unmatched Southern hospitality, Atlanta is the perfect place to bring together policymakers from across America. I look forward to welcoming our colleagues to the Peach State and providing them with an unforgettable experience.”
The NCSL Legislative Summit brings together state legislators and legislative staff from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories for three days of collaboration, innovation and bipartisan dialogue. As the nation’s largest gathering of state legislators and legislative staff, the Summit provides opportunities for attendees to discuss emerging policy issues and share best practices for effective governance.
Founded in 1975, the National Conference of State Legislatures serves America’s state legislatures by providing bipartisan research, technical assistance, professional development and opportunities for interstate collaboration. Every state legislator and legislative staff member is a member of NCSL and has access to its extensive policy resources and educational programming.
For more information about the National Conference of State Legislatures, visit www.ncsl.org.
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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia Senate. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.