Category: US State of Georgia

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 20^th 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.

Source: US State of Georgia

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

Summer is one of my favorite times of year in Georgia.

Families pack up and head to our beautiful Golden Isles, agritourism destinations like the Georgia National Fairgrounds for a livestock show or to a mountain getaway up in northeast Georgia. Communities come together for local festivals, sports tournaments, and backyard cookouts. Children spend more time outdoors, and neighbors reconnect after another busy school year. It’s a season that reminds us of what makes Georgia great and why we have prioritized public safety.

For me, it is also a reminder that the work of state government doesn’t stop when the Legislative Session ends. As we celebrate 250 years since the birth of our nation, it is clear that the decisions we make as legislators still directly impact the safety and well-being of Georgia families every day of the year.

Public safety is one of our most important responsibilities as state legislators. During the 2026 Legislative Session, we pledged to prepare first responders for new challenges and make thoughtful investments that protect families before emergencies happen.

One example of that commitment in action is Georgia’s Back the Blue Fund, which is already providing meaningful support for local law enforcement. In 2024, I had the privilege of carrying this legislation in the Senate as a priority because I believed we needed a practical way to support law enforcement officers serving communities across our state.

These men and women work long hours, take on tremendous responsibility and sacrifice time away from their own families to protect ours. I know this is especially true in rural Georgia, where local law enforcement agencies have fewer resources and greater difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified officers. That reality inspired me to work alongside public safety experts across our state to carry and support the Back the Blue Fund.

The fund gives Georgians the option to contribute a voluntary $5 donation when renewing their vehicle registration or obtaining a license plate. Those contributions are distributed to sheriff’s offices in each of Georgia’s 159 counties to assist with retention and provide bonuses to qualifying certified peace officers.

Since the fund was established, Georgians have contributed more than $1 million. That progress is a good example of state government working in partnership with communities. Participation is voluntary, the purpose is clear and the support goes directly to local law enforcement agencies across our state. I’m confident this fund will continue to flourish and change lives for years to come, and I encourage you to donate if you haven’t already.

Public safety doesn’t end at backing the blue. We must also continue to invest in the infrastructure that families and businesses use every day to travel throughout our state. Anyone who regularly drives Interstate 75 knows that Georgia has grown tremendously. It’s brought great opportunity, but it has also placed greater demands on our transportation system. That’s why the General Assembly approved more than $1.68 billion in the amended FY 2026 to reduce congestion on our roadways across Georgia. These investments will make travel safer for the millions of Georgians and visitors who travel on our roadways each year.

For decades, Georgia has also faced a shortage of mental health treatment capacity, creating delays that affect patients, law enforcement officers and our criminal justice system alike. This year, we invested $409 million to construct the first new state forensic mental health hospital in decades. By expanding treatment capacity, we can help Georgians in crisis receive care in the appropriate setting instead of cycling through emergency rooms or in county jails.

Another important step forward came with the passage of Senate Bill 433, better known as Rio’s Law. Every interaction between law enforcement officers and members of the public is unique. For individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities, those encounters can become unnecessarily stressful or confusing for everyone involved.

Rio’s Law requires specialized training for Georgia peace officers beginning in 2027 and creating a voluntary specialized license plate designation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities, and their families. The law equips officers with additional training to recognize key behavioral characteristics and respond appropriately during emergencies, helping foster more informed interactions with the public.

It is the honor of a lifetime to serve this state and your family. Safe safe as you spend time with your loved ones this summer, and please do not hesitate to reach out if my office can be of help to you.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He represents the 20^th 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.

Source: US State of Georgia

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced 44 appointments and reappointments to various state boards, authorities, and commissions.

Board of Corrections

William H. Whaley is a physician with Georgia Cancer Specialists, a subsidiary of Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, where he has practiced hematology and oncology in the Atlanta and Blue Ridge communities since 2004. Over a career spanning nearly six decades, he has served as medical director for a number of Atlanta-area cancer and treatment programs, including the Cancer Program at West Paces Medical Center and RAPHA’s outpatient substance abuse program, and spent more than a decade as Medical Review Officer for Delta Air Lines’ drug abatement program. A Vietnam veteran, he served as a Navy medical officer from 1967 to 1969 and later retired from the Naval Reserve as a Commander in the Medical Corps. He graduated from Dartmouth College and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, going on to complete his residency and a hematology/oncology fellowship in Atlanta at Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University. He currently serves on the Blue Ridge City Council and the Fannin County Board of Public Health. He and his wife live in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Georgia Joint Defense Commission

Michael Gazarik is the Director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and a Georgia Tech Senior Vice President. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has led major research and engineering organizations across government, industry, and academia. He spent eight years as Vice President of Engineering at Ball Aerospace, where he helped grow the company from a specialized science contractor into a major national security asset that doubled in size, and before that spent years at NASA, including as director of engineering at Langley Research Center and as the first associate administrator to lead the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. He most recently taught as faculty director of the Engineering Management Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and went on to earn both a master’s and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He is a Fellow of the AIAA and was elected to its Board of Trustees in 2025.

State Employee Benefit Council

Angie Surface and Monirah T. Womack were reappointed.

Gerlda B. Hines is Georgia’s State Accounting Officer, overseeing the state’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, statewide accounting standards, financial and human capital management systems, and payroll operations. A Certified Public Accountant, Hines previously served as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services after serving as Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner, Chief Financial Officer, and Interim Commissioner. She also served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Georgia Department of Community Health and held financial leadership roles with the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. Hines earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Loyola University New Orleans. She serves on the National Association of State Comptrollers Executive Committee and the boards of the State Properties Commission, Georgia Building Authority, and State Depository Board.

Private Colleges and Universities Authority

Tyler S. McCracken is President and Founder of Gray Dog Investments, Inc., a private asset-based lending and accounts receivable financing firm serving businesses and real estate investors throughout Georgia and North Carolina. He has more than 30 years of experience in commercial credit, real estate finance, investing, and business leadership. McCracken also serves as President of Maxem Enterprises, Inc., which operates TheInsoleStore.com, a national e-commerce retailer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from Albion College. McCracken resides in Savannah with his wife and daughter.

Georgia Mountain Regional Commission Council

Kimberly Waters and Angela Whidby were reappointed.

Coastal Regional Commission Council

Jason F. Coley and Thomas J. Ratcliffe, Jr. were reappointed.

Jay Torbert, Jr. is the President and CEO of Southeastern Bank, having joined the bank in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer before being promoted to president in 2021 and to his current role in 2022. He has spent 23 years in the banking industry, and before that worked at the Albany-based CPA firm Mauldin & Jenkins. He graduated from Valdosta State University in 1994 with a degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1996, later going on to complete graduate banking programs at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Virginia. He is active with the Georgia Bankers Association, currently serving on its Community Bankers Committee and Tax Advisory Committee.

Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board

Trey Allen, John Irby, and Greg Woolard were reappointed.

State Ethics Commission

Joe Cusack was reappointed.

Georgia Commission on Women

Kaaren Johnson Street is President of K Street Associates, a management consulting firm that advises small and medium-sized businesses on government engagement and business development. Street was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as Associate Deputy Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where she oversaw national programs supporting small business development, including SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, the Office of Native American Affairs, and the E-Business Institute. Previously, she served as Vice President of Small Business Development for Enterprise Florida, Vice President of Global Diversity for Burger King Corporation, and President and CEO of the Private Industry Council of Dade County. Street has served on the boards of AssuranceAmerica Corporation, Matria Corporation, and Norrell Corporation, chairing audit, compensation, governance, and executive search committees. Her public service includes leadership roles with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Miami Branch, the Florida Lottery Commission, Florida’s 2020 Energy Commission, Leadership Miami, and the International Women’s Forum Florida Chapter. She completed the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Senior Executive Service executive training program and earned a corporate director certification from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund

Dave Wade is the Fire Chief for Carroll County Fire Rescue, and has been since July 1, 2025, capping more than 25 years of experience in the fire service. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the Haralson County Fire Department in 1999, rising to Lieutenant with responsibility for training and fire investigations, before joining the City of Carrollton Fire Department in 2001, where he reached the rank of Engineer and worked in training, investigations, and public education. He joined Carroll County Fire Rescue as Deputy Chief of Operations in 2021, overseeing daily department operations, budget management, personnel supervision, and equipment readiness before being named Chief. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and an associate degree in Fire Science, and is trained to the level of Fire Officer 4 and Paramedic. He is an active member of the Georgia Firefighters Association, the Georgia Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Georgia Fire Investigators Association.

State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

Jimmy Van Boxel is the owner of Uberzoot Hair Co. on St. Simons Island, where he has grown the business into one of the largest salons in the Golden Isles. A master cosmetologist with more than 24 years of industry experience, Van Boxel has served in salon ownership and management for much of his career. He is a five-time member of Team USA for the OMC Hairworld World Championships and has earned competitive hairstyling awards in the United States and internationally. Van Boxel is also an educator and speaker for salons and cosmetology schools, serves his community through organizations supporting at-risk youth, and has helped develop vocational training programs in Ghana. He and his wife, Paula, have three children.

Jekyll Island-State Park Authority Chairman

William Gross is the President of W.H. Gross Construction, a Kingsland-based commercial and residential contracting and development firm he founded in 1983. The third generation of his family to grow up in Camden County, he built his company into a leading developer of tax-credit-financed senior and affordable housing across southeast Georgia, and his firm has become a regional leader in restoring historic structures, including the Ware Hotel in Waycross and the Romana Riley Lofts in Savannah. He is a graduate of Leadership Georgia’s class of 2009, and in 2022 received the program’s Frederick B. Kerr Service Award for his active support of the organization. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation and Cooperative Healthcare Services, Inc., and previously chaired the Health System’s Camden Advisory Committee for 11 years. He also received the Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation’s 2019 Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Renee, have two children and live in Kingsland.

Georgia Public Defender Council

Christopher Cohilas is is a partner at the Albany-based law firm Watson Spence LLP, where his practice focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation, complex commercial and fiduciary disputes, RICO claims, and white-collar criminal defense. Before entering private practice, he served as Chief Assistant District Attorney for Dougherty County, prosecuting cases ranging from murder to public corruption and leading the office’s division for crimes against women and children. He was twice elected to serve as Chairman of the Dougherty County Commission, holding that role for eight years, during which he led the county through four presidentially declared natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. He was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to the Georgia Public Defender Council and was named to Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians.” He is a founding member of the Lily Pad, a nonprofit supporting victims of sexual assault and child abuse, and received the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in criminal justice from the University of Georgia and a law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. He is married to Karen Cohilas, and the couple have four children.

Georgia Ports Authority

William D. McKnight, Philip Wilheit, Jr., and Joel Wooten were reappointed.

Lauren Curry is Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office, the first woman in the state’s history to be appointed permanently to that role. Over more than two decades in Georgia state government, she has served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Government Affairs and Policy for Governor Brian P. Kemp, and previously held leadership posts at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. She began her career as a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Transportation before returning to Georgia in 2003 to join Governor Sonny Perdue’s administration as a press assistant. A native of Chapin, South Carolina, she graduated from Wofford College with a double major in government and business economics and earned a master’s in public administration from the University of Georgia. She is married to Eugene Lowry Curry Jr., and the couple have two daughters. They live in Marietta.

Trey Kilpatrick is Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Georgia Power, where he leads the company’s strategy on economic development, corporate communication, governmental and regulatory affairs, and region external affairs. He joined Georgia Power in 2024 after serving as Chief of Staff for Governor Brian Kemp, a role he took on in 2020 after 10 years working for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson in various capacities, including deputy chief of staff, senior advisor, political director, state director, and campaign manager. Before entering government, he was a Vice President at the Atlanta-based investment firm Morgan Keegan & Co. He currently serves on the boards of the Georgia Ports Authority, the Atlanta Sports Council, the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation, Camp Twin Lakes, and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2020. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and lives in Atlanta with his wife and three children.

State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Julianne Busbee, L. Dan Davis, and James Frank Mattison IV were reappointed. 

State Board of Dispensing Opticians 

Gloria Jean Ethridge, Angelique Moore, and Amy Stowers were reappointed. 

Jeffrey Knowlin is a Licensed Dispensing Optician with 28 years of experience across the optical industry. He currently practices at Drevagee Optical Boutique in Hiram, Georgia, a role he has held since 2015, where he assists customers in selecting frames, lenses, and other optical products, performs precise measurements including pupillary distance and optical centers, and adjusts and repairs eyewear to customer specifications. He previously spent four years as a Licensed Dispensing Optician at Target Optical in Hiram. He holds certifications from the American Board of Opticianry (ABOC) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLEC), and is licensed as a Dispensing Optician (LDO). He resides in Powder Springs, Georgia.

Chimoa Michaelson is the Opticianry Program Chair at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston, one of only three schools in the Technical College System of Georgia to offer an opticianry program and the only one in Metro Atlanta. She holds credentials as a Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) and Advanced Contact Lens certification (NCLE-AC), an OD, and an MBA. In 2023, she was recognized by Vision Monday’s Optical Women’s Association as one of Optical’s Most Influential Women. Under her leadership, the program offers students pathways to an associate degree, diploma, and technical certificates of credit, preparing them for state licensure and national certification exams. She has three children and currently resides in Lawrenceville.

State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid Dispensing

Jacqueline Darby Hightower was reappointed. 

Gwen Cantrell is the founder of Hearing Aid Factory Outlet, one of Georgia’s largest hearing aid dispenser groups, and has been a licensed hearing aid dispenser in the state for over a decade. She has served as a board member for the Georgia Society of Hearing Professionals for Governmental Relations and is a powerful advocate for Georgia’s deaf and hard-of-hearing community, drawing on personal experience as both she and her daughter live with hearing loss. She has also worked as a special needs teacher. Cantrell was overwhelmingly elected to three terms as the Republican Representative for Walton County Board of Education District 6, gaining extensive training and experience in proper board governance before resigning in 2018 to care for a family member. She lives in Loganville with her husband, Lt. Joseph Cantrell, a School Resource Officer, and their seven children.

Trey Gorman is the Founder and CEO of American Hearing Care, LLC, which operates as an independent Beltone provider with more than 40 clinic locations across Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. He began his career as a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist at Beltone, providing hearing evaluations, fittings, and patient consultations, before going on to own and lead Beltone USA in Douglasville and later serving as Partner and Director of Georgia Operations for Beltone Audiology. Under his leadership, American Hearing Care has grown into one of the largest independent hearing aid dispenser groups in the Southeast, and the company partners with the Beltone Hearing Care Foundation to provide hearing aids to those who can’t afford them. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of North Alabama. He is based in Roswell, Georgia.

Board of Trustees of the Public School Employees Retirement System

Michael Lowe was reappointed.

Board of Trustees of the Georgia Judicial Retirement System

Anne B. Harris was reappointed. 

State Board of Podiatry Examiners

Seanie Zappendorf is the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Discovery Parts, where she helped the company grow from a startup into a multimillion-dollar business. She currently serves as Second Vice Chair of the Georgia Republican Party, where she leads statewide grassroots training, candidate recruitment, and organizational development. Zappendorf has held numerous leadership roles in her community, including service on the Georgia State University Alumni Board of Directors, the Northeast Georgia Council Boy Scouts Executive Board, the Rotary Club of Dawson County, and the Dawsonville Downtown Development Authority. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management and pre-law from Georgia State University and is a graduate of Leadership Dawson and Republican Leadership for Georgia. Zappendorf will serve as the consumer member on the State Board of Podiatry Examiners.

Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority

Dena Adams, Trevor Addison, and James Weidner were reappointed.

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (July 28, 2026) — Senator Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Representative Robert Dickey (R–Musella), Chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, will host the annual Joint Ag Issues Summit on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Perry, Georgia. The summit will also serve as the inaugural meeting of the Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms.

Each year, the Ag Issues Summit brings together lawmakers, industry leaders and members throughout Georgia’s farming community to discuss the issues shaping the future of the state’s number one industry. This year’s event will launch the work of the joint study committee, established by House Resolution 1416 during the 2026 legislative session, to examine the economic challenges facing family farms and identify policies to help preserve Georgia’s agricultural heritage for future generations.

“This summit has always been about bringing the people who feed and clothe our state back to the table so we can hear directly from them about the challenges they’re facing,” said Sen. Goodman. “Chairman Dickey and I are both farmers. We understand that family farms are navigating rising costs, workforce shortages, market uncertainty, and other challenges. The creation of this study committee reflects our commitment to listening to producers, learning from industry experts and developing practical, long-term solutions to keep Georgia’s family farms strong for generations to come.”

“Georgia agriculture has always been built on the strength of family farms, and preserving that legacy requires us to plan for the future,” said Rep. Dickey. “The Ag Issues Summit provides an opportunity for farmers, lawmakers and industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas and help shape policies that strengthen our agricultural economy. I’m proud to join Chairman Goodman in launching this important study committee as we work to ensure family farms continue to thrive across Georgia.”

The Joint Study Committee on the Generational Sustainability of Family Farms will examine the conditions and challenges facing Georgia’s family farms and recommend legislative solutions to strengthen existing markets, prepare the next generation of farmers and address the long-term sustainability of the state’s agricultural economy. Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell) and Rep. Robert Dickey (R–Musella) will serve as co-chairs. Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Drew Echols (R–Alto), Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D–Dawson) and Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie). House members include Rep. Jaclyn Ford (R–Tifton), Rep. David Huddleston (R–Roopville) and Rep. Angie O’Steen (R–Ambrose), along with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.

The summit will convene in the Miller Murphy Howard Building, located at 401 Larry Walker Parkway in Perry. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the official program will begin at 9:00 a.m. Coffee and lunch will be provided. A detailed agenda will be released in the coming weeks.

This event is open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by emailing Sarah.Tauchert@senate.ga.gov. Members of the media planning to attend should RSVP to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents the 8^th Senate District, which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce counties, as well as a portion of Ware County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1318 or by email at Russ.Goodman@senate.ga.gov. 

Representative Robert Dickey represents the citizens of District 134, which includes Crawford and Upson counties, as well as portions of Lamar and Peach counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 and currently serves as Chairman of the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Banks and Banking, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Higher Education, Natural Resources and Environment and Ways and Means committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management.

For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (July 28, 2026) — Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp, the Senate Committee on Assignments and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Jon Burns (R–Newington) announced appointments to the Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee. The bipartisan legislative panel was established by Senate Bill 3EX, authored by Sen. Max Burns, during the 2026 Special Legislative Session to develop recommendations for Georgia’s next uniform election system.

Governor Kemp appointed Deidre Holden, Paulding County Elections and Voter Registration Supervisor; Chris Harvey, Executive Director of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and former Elections Director and Chief Investigator in the Secretary of State’s Office; and Sam Hatcher, Executive Counsel for the Governor’s Office, to serve as the committee’s public members. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Assignments, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. Max Burns (R–Sylvania) to serve as Senate co-chair, along with Senators Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) and Rick Williams (R–Milledgeville). Speaker Burns appointed Rep. Victor Anderson (R–Cornelia) to serve as House co-chair, along with Representatives Tim Fleming (R–Covington) and Scott Holcomb (D–Atlanta).

“As a former Secretary of State and current Governor, I know firsthand just how much our system of governance rests on being able to trust the results of the ballot box,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That’s why we’ve made it easy to vote and hard to cheat in Georgia, and I look forward to the recommendations from the committee on how we can preserve that trust.”

“I’m proud of the work the Georgia General Assembly did during the special session to fight for election integrity in Georgia by requiring immediate manual recounts of major races. We owe it to the voters who elected us to instill further confidence in our election systems, and I look forward to the work of this committee advancing this commitment,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones.

“Georgia has made significant progress in strengthening election integrity, and I look forward to the contributions the Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee will make as we transition our elections system to hand-marked paper ballots, strengthen transparency, and ensure every Georgian can have confidence in their voice at the ballot box,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I want to thank Co-Chairman Victor Anderson, Rep. Tim Fleming, and Rep. Scott Holcomb for their willingness to serve and lend their expertise to this important work.”

“Georgia has long been recognized as a national leader in election administration, and it is our responsibility to ensure our election systems continue to earn the confidence of the people we serve,” said Sen. Max Burns. “I am honored to serve as Senate co-chair of this committee and look forward to working alongside Rep. Anderson and the full committee as we consider a new generation of election equipment for our state. By bringing together election officials and other stakeholders, we will conduct a thorough review and develop thoughtful recommendations to keep our elections secure, transparent, and accessible for years to come.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as co-chair of the Joint Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee and am eager to get to work on this important issue,” said Chairman Anderson. “Throughout the interim, this committee will work diligently to develop recommendations for uniform standards for Georgia’s election equipment that strengthen the integrity, security and reliability of our elections. We will work to ensure that every voter has confidence that our elections are conducted fairly and accurately. I look forward to working alongside my Senate co-chair and the members of this committee as we take on this important responsibility for the people of Georgia.”

The committee is tasked with evaluating specifications and requirements for election equipment utilizing hand-marked paper ballots produced through ballot-on-demand printing.

The committee will convene its first meeting on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. in room 606 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. Additional details forthcoming.

Senate Bill 3EX directs the committee to seek input from election officials, cybersecurity experts, accessibility and disability advocates, and other stakeholders before submitting a report by Jan. 31, 2027. The report will provide recommendations to help state policymakers develop plans for appropriations, procurement, and implementation of a new uniform election system, beginning with the 2028 election cycle. The legislation also establishes mandatory statewide hand recounts in certain close statewide elections and provides for state reimbursement of eligible county recount costs.

More information about Senate Bill 3EX is available here.

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Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 23^rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro and Warren counties, as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1376 or by email at Max.Burns@senate.state.gov.

Representative Victor Anderson represents the citizens of District 10, which includes Rabun County, as well as most of Habersham County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Industry and Labor, Intragovernmental Coordination and Public Safety and Homeland Security committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (July 23, 2026) — Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta) has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the bipartisan organization representing the nation’s state legislatures.

The NCSL Executive Committee serves as the organization’s governing body, providing strategic direction and oversight for its operations, programs and policy priorities. Comprised of 63 elected members, the committee works to strengthen state legislatures and advance the interests of states through bipartisan collaboration and the exchange of policy ideas.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures,” said Sen. Kirkpatrick. “NCSL plays an important role in bringing together state leaders from across the country to share ideas and develop practical solutions to the challenges our states face. I look forward to representing Georgia, contributing to those conversations and helping ensure state legislatures remain strong, effective institutions that best serve the people.”

The Executive Committee meets four times each year to oversee the development and implementation of NCSL’s policies and strategic initiatives.

In addition to her election to the Executive Committee, Sen. Kirkpatrick was nominated to serve as Georgia’s Host State Member for the 2027 NCSL Legislative Summit, which will be held in Atlanta. In that role, she will help showcase Georgia while supporting preparations for one of the nation’s largest gatherings of state legislators and legislative staff.

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chairwoman of the Children and Families Committee and Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. She represents the 32nd Senate District, which includes portions of Cobb and Cherokee counties. She may be reached by phone at 404.656.3932 or by email at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (July 22, 2026) — This week, Senators John Albers (R–Roswell), Jason T. Dickerson (R–Canton) and Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta) issued the following statements regarding the City of Holly Springs’ lawsuit over House Bill 1029.

Background:

Over the past several years, Cherokee County has experienced significant residential and commercial growth, bringing increased attention to municipal boundaries, infrastructure and future development. In 2022, local governments throughout Cherokee County entered into a growth boundary agreement intended to provide greater certainty regarding future annexation and development. As questions continued to arise surrounding annexation in and around the City of Holly Springs, members of the Cherokee County legislative delegation met with residents and local officials on numerous occasions to hear concerns and discuss potential solutions.

Those discussions ultimately led to the introduction and passage of House Bill 1029 during the 2026 Legislative Session. Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed the legislation into law on May 12, 2026. Following the bill’s enactment, the City of Holly Springs filed a lawsuit alleging that House Bill 1029 is unconstitutional.

Statements from the Cherokee County Senate Delegation:

“House Bill 1029 was the result of months of collaboration among the Cherokee County legislative delegation, local leaders and residents who voiced concerns about the city’s annexation policies and the direction of future growth,” said Sen. Albers. “After hearing from hundreds of citizens and carefully considering the issues before us, the General Assembly acted to amend the city’s charter through the legislative process. I remain confident in the work that was done and appreciative of my colleagues who worked together to advance legislation we believed was in the best interest of our community.

It is deeply disappointing that, rather than continuing to work collaboratively with the delegation and local officials, the City of Holly Springs has chosen to challenge this law in court. That decision will require additional taxpayer dollars from both the city and the state to litigate a matter that could have been addressed through continued dialogue and cooperation. As someone who has always believed government should be a responsible steward of taxpayer resources, I cannot support spending public dollars on unnecessary legal battles when those funds could instead be directed toward serving citizens.

I am hopeful that, moving forward, we can return to the spirit of cooperation that has long existed throughout Cherokee County. Our residents deserve local and state leaders who work together to solve problems, respect the legislative process and stay focused on what is in the best interest of the people we serve.”

Sen. Dickerson added, “It is unfortunate that this issue has reached the courts after the thoughtful work that went into HB 1029. This bill came about because people in Cherokee County made it clear they wanted their concerns heard. I was proud to support legislation that responded to those concerns, and I believe our responsibility is to continue putting the interests of our constituents first.”

Sen. Kirkpatrick concluded, “HB 1029 reflects the General Assembly’s responsibility to address matters affecting local governments when circumstances call for legislative action. I supported this measure alongside my colleagues in the Cherokee County delegation, and I continue to believe it represents a balanced approach that puts the community first. My hope is that this matter is resolved promptly so everyone can return their focus to serving the people of Cherokee County.”

About House Bill 1029:

House Bill 1029 amends the charter of the City of Holly Springs by revising the city’s corporate boundaries, updating city council district boundaries, expanding the city council from five members to six members and establishing four-year terms for council members, along with making other conforming changes to the city’s governing structure. Gov. Kemp signed the legislation into law on May 12, 2026, and it took effect upon his signature.

More information about HB 1029, including the full text of the legislation, can be found 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 John.Albers@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Jason T. Dickerson represents the 21^st Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1378 or by email at Jason.Dickerson@senate.ga.gov. 

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Majority Caucus Secretary and Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families. She represents the 32^nd Senate District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. She may be reached by phone at (404) 463-2518 or by email at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (July 22, 2026) — Today, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs, Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta), announced the launch of the “21st Century Community Forums for AI Progress,” a comprehensive project designed to bridge the gap between rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the needs of Georgia constituents.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than public understanding, and we have a responsibility to make sure every Georgian has a voice in how these technologies affect our communities,” said Sen. James. “These forums are an opportunity to bring people together and have honest conversations about how innovation can serve the public good. My goal is to ensure Georgia moves forward without losing sight of the people we serve.”

The forum series will provide a platform for the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs to meet with constituents and stakeholders and discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence. Their conversations will focus on how AI is shaping government services, education and the workforce, while also exploring critical issues such as public trust and misinformation, privacy, workforce readiness, and responsible innovation.

The initiative will include five community forums held throughout the legislative interim, culminating in an Urban Affairs Committee AI Public Good summit this November. Feedback gathered throughout the series will inform future discussions and potential legislation on artificial intelligence during the 2027 Legislative Session.

For more information about the upcoming forum schedule and how to participate, please contact the office of Sen. Donzella James.

# # # #

Sen. Donzella James serves as Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Urban Affairs. She represents the 28^th Senate District, which includes portions of Cobb, Douglas and Fulton counties.  She may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1379 or by email at Donzella.James@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA – Today, First Lady Marty Kemp and GBI Director Chris Hosey released a public service announcement highlighting the See Something, Send Something app available for download on Apple and Android devices. The State of Georgia is considered a major destination for human trafficking due to its position as an international transportation hub via the airport and its extensive highway system. The See Something, Send Something app makes it easy to anonymously report suspicious activity related to human trafficking and other crimes, helping law enforcement keep communities safe.

“As we work to raise awareness about the risks and signs of human trafficking, it’s critical that Georgians know how to report suspicious activity,” said First Lady Marty Kemp. “By downloading the See Something, Send Something app and reporting concerning behavior, you can help end human trafficking in our communities.”

“Georgia remains steadfast in the mission to eliminate human trafficking and ensure traffickers no longer operate in the state,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “he See Something, Send Something mobile app is a powerful tool in the fight against human trafficking. Every voice matters. Download the app, learn the signs of human trafficking, and join us in the fight for victims..”

View the full PSA here. It will also be available across social media platforms.

Together, we can take action to help victims. Download the “See Something, Send Something” app. to your phone from the App Store. If you see suspicious activity, it only takes a few minutes to report it anonymously through the app.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.

Use the power of your phone to fight human trafficking in Georgia. See Something, Send Something. You could help save a life.

If you want to learn more about the signs of human trafficking and how to spot and report them, you can take the free training available through the GRACE Commission here. 

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following judicial and prosecutorial appointments: W. Michael Burnham to the Superior Court of the Southern Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Brian McDaniel; Kellye C. Moore to the Superior Court of the Houston Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Edward D. Lukemire; Michael H. Rogers as District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Marie G. Broder; and Kathleen Van Pelt Davis as District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Clayton M. Fuller.

W. Michael Burnham is a life-long resident of the Southern Judicial Circuit. He is a partner at the law firm of Dodd & Burnham, where he has handled domestic, criminal, and civil matters throughout his legal career. He is a skilled civil mediator, arbitrator, and domestic relations mediator who regularly assists in high-asset and high-conflict divorce and custody cases.

Burnham earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Valdosta State University and a Juris Doctor from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. He is married to Stephanie Burnham, and they have two children, Boston and Tripp.

Kellye C. Moore is the managing partner of Walker, Hulbert, Gray and Moore, LLP in Perry, Georgia, where she has a general civil litigation practice. Previously, Moore served as Judge Pro Tempore for the Houston County Juvenile Court under Judge Monica Wilburn. In addition to her private practice, she serves as general counsel to both the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and the Constitutional Officers’ Association of Georgia, advising Sheriffs, Superior Court Clerks, Probate Judges, and Tax Commissioners.

Raised in a U.S. Air Force family, Moore earned her Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from the University of Georgia and her Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law. Kellye lives in Houston County, and she and her late husband, Chris, shared two daughters.

Michael H. Rogers currently serves as Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. He has successfully prosecuted misdemeanor cases and major felonies in the Superior, Juvenile, Magistrate and Probate Courts throughout the Circuit. Prior to joining the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Rogers practiced privately in Thomaston, specializing in criminal defense, domestic relations, and estate law. He also served as an assistant public defender.

Rogers is actively involved in his community and is a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2022, as well as past president of the Thomaston Bar Association. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from Columbus State University and his Juris Doctor from Mercer University. Rogers, his wife, and two children reside in Upson County and attend Christ Chapel Church of Zebulon.

Kathleen Van Pelt Davis currently serves as a Special Assistant Attorney General representing the Division of Family and Children Services and the Division of Aging services for the four counties of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. She has been a director of her law firm, Bowers & Davis, LLC, for eleven years, representing litigants in criminal and domestic matters. She also conducts mediations throughout Northwest Georgia. Previously, Davis worked as an associate Special Assistant Attorney General, serving under the Honorable Steven M. Ellis.

Davis attended the University of Georgia School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. While in law school, she participated in the Prosecutorial Clinic and served under District Attorney Kermit McManus of the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. Prior to law school, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science. Davis, her husband, and her four children reside in Catoosa County.