Yesterday, Sen. John F. Kennedy (R - Macon) was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee.

“I would like to thank Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan for the opportunity to serve the Senate, as well as our state, as Chairman of the Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Over the summer and fall months, Georgia participated in perhaps the most challenging Census in history. Now, as a committee, we must sort through the data and information we gathered and apply that to how our state’s legislative districts should be drawn. This will be critical work, as it will determine the level of political representation each citizen of Georgia has at the state and federal levels. While this will be challenging, I have trust in the skills and experience of the members of the committee to take their roles seriously in the service of all citizens of Georgia.”

In addition to serving as Chairman of the Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee, Sen. Kennedy will also serve as Vice Chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, Secretary of the Judiciary Committee, Secretary of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, and an Ex Officio member of the Appropriations, Health and Human Services, and Rules Committees.

“These committee chairs are uniquely qualified to develop real and lasting solutions aimed at building a better Georgia,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “The Senate will continue to prioritize diligent committee work and sound public policy, and I look forward to working closely with each one of our chairs, and their committee members, as we work to enact policies that advance both the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.”

Once a piece of legislation is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned to a committee, depending on its topic. If the committee gives the legislation a “do pass” recommendation, then the proposed law is sent to the Rules Committee for consideration. The appointed chairs will oversee the operation and order of Senate committee meetings, including calling for action on bills, resolutions or other matters assigned to that committee.

The first session of the 156^th Georgia General Assembly convened on January 11, 2021, at the Georgia State Capitol.