Lt. Gov. Burt Jones
In preparation for the 2026 legislative session, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has announced the creation of several study committees – as well as naming his appointments to each committee. Earlier this week, James Magazine Online looked at the committee tasked with looking into chronic absenteeism in the schools. Today, we look at other committees that will be working this summer.
“Each Senator will bring their unique experience and knowledge to these study committees, and I look forward to their expertise contributing to the work of the Senate on critical issues facing constituents across Georgia,” said Jones. “I also want to thank each of the members who sponsored the resolutions creating these study committees. I look forward to learning more from the committees’ findings and addressing their recommendations during the 2026 Legislative Session.”
One of the committees is the Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism. This committee has been tasked with discovering opportunities to promote and develop tourism in all regions of the state. Sen. Drew Echols, R-Gainesville, will serve as Chairman of the committee. Additional Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Frank Ginn, R–Danielsville, Sen. Russ Goodman, R-Cogdell, Sen. Sonya Halpern, D-Atlanta, and Sen. Emanuel Jones, D-Decatur.
“As a business owner in the hospitality sector and a champion for Georgia’s creative economy, I understand firsthand how tourism fuels jobs, small business growth and cultural vitality,” said Halpern. “From our world-class airport and restaurant scene to our music, history, and natural beauty, Georgia has every ingredient to lead the nation, and I’m excited to help us get there.”
Lt Gov. Jones appointed Minority Leader, Sen. Harold Jones II, D–Augusta, Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Improving Family Caregiver Services.
“This issue is critically important to families across Georgia,” said Sen. Jones. “Every day, people across our state bring a loved one home from the hospital and instantly find themselves in the role of a healthcare provider, often without the training or support they need. Our goal with this committee is to determine how the State can better assist families as they care for their loved ones at home. I look forward to hearing directly from people across Georgia as we work to address this pressing issue.”
This committee is tasked with determining policy goals and identifying legislative action to improve family caregiving. Additional Senate members appointed to the committee include Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R–Rome, Sen. Larry Walker III, R–Perry, Sen. Ben Watson, R–Savannah, and Sen. Kenya Wicks, D–Fayette.
Senate Study Committee on Additional Services and Resources for Transition Age Youth in Foster Care
- Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick, Chair, R-Marietta
- Sen. Bo Hatchett, R-Cornelia
- Sen. Derek Mallow, D-Savannah
- Sen. Elena Parent, D-Atlanta
- Sen. Chuck Payne, R-Dalton
Senate Study Committee on Recovery Residences.
- Sen. Randy Robertson, R-Cataula
- Sen. Kim Jackson, D-Stone Mountain
- Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick, R-Marietta
- Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs
- Sen. Brian Strickland, R-McDonough
- Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Commissioner Kevin Tanner, or his designee, shall also serve as a member of the study committee.
Senate Impact of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children and Platform Privacy Protection Study Committee
- Sen. Sally Harrell, Chair, D-Atlanta
- Sen. Shawn Still, co-chair, R-Johns Creek
- Sen. Marty Harbin, R-Tyrone
- Sen. Ed Setzler, R-Acworth
- Sen. Sheikh Rahman, D-Lawrenceville
Senate Study Committee on Higher Education Affordability
- Sen. Nan Orrock, Chair, D-Atlanta
- Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania
- Sen. Gail Davenport, D-Jonesboro
- Sen. Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega
- Sen. Rick Williams, R-Milledgeville
