#GeorgiaSenate | AM 1180 Radio

September 30, 2026

State Sen. Lanny Thomas Praises Georgia Gas Tax Suspension

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State Sen. Lanny Thomas says Georgia motorists are getting some relief at the gas pump following the suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax.

Thomas, who represents Senate District 53, said Tuesday that suspending the tax will save motorists 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. Those figures match Georgia’s current motor-fuel excise tax rates.

“Today, Georgians are waking up to some much-needed relief at the pump,” Thomas said in a statement posted Tuesday morning.

Thomas credited Gov. Brian Kemp and Republican leaders in the General Assembly with taking action to provide relief as Georgians continue dealing with higher fuel and other household costs.

Thomas said the savings could particularly benefit people commuting to work, parents taking children to school, small-business owners and farmers who regularly purchase gasoline or diesel.

The Trion Republican said he supports efforts aimed at allowing Georgians to keep more of their income and described the motor-fuel tax suspension as one way state leaders are addressing affordability.

Thomas currently represents Georgia Senate District 53.

The latest suspension took effect at midnight and is scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days, according to Thomas’ statement.

September 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Family Farm Sustainability Committee To Meet In Rome

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A state legislative committee studying the future of Georgia’s family farms will bring its work to Northwest Georgia, with its second meeting scheduled to be held in Rome.

August 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler Receives 2026 ACCG Legislative Service Award

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State Sen. Chuck Hufstetler of Rome has been honored by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia with a 2026 Legislative Service Award for his work with county governments during this year’s legislative session.

August 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Senator Meets With Summerville Officials About Ongoing Flooding Problems

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State Senator Lanny Thomas met with local and state officials in Summerville to discuss ongoing flooding concerns near Bryant and Sons and other areas of the city.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Republicans Move To Keep Touchscreen Voting System Ahead Of Midterms

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Georgia Senate Republicans have approved legislation that would delay a state law banning the use of QR codes to count votes, keeping the state’s touchscreen voting system in place through the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed the Senate by a 33-19 vote and now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.

The legislation would postpone the QR code ban until January 2028 and create a committee to recommend specifications for Georgia’s next voting system. Lawmakers say the move is necessary to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges because the state has not yet developed or implemented a replacement system.

Gov. Brian Kemp called lawmakers into a special session in part to address the looming July 1 deadline established by a 2024 law that would prohibit counting votes through QR codes. Election officials have warned that making a major change before this fall’s elections could create logistical problems for counties and voters.

Georgia’s current voting system uses touchscreen machines that print paper ballots containing both a human-readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to tabulate votes. Critics have argued for years that voters cannot independently verify the information contained in the QR code, while supporters say changing systems too close to an election could create significant disruptions.

The Senate proposal would also require full hand recounts of the top two races on the ballot, a provision that has generated debate among lawmakers over the time and resources required to conduct such counts.

Democrats generally support delaying the QR code ban but criticized the bill’s process, arguing that the committee tasked with designing a future voting system lacks adequate bipartisan representation.

If approved by the House and signed into law, the measure would keep Georgia’s touchscreen voting system in place through at least the 2026 election cycle while state leaders work toward selecting a long-term replacement.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bill To Delay Ballot QR Code Changes Until 2028

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Georgia lawmakers have taken the first major step toward resolving a voting system issue that threatened to complicate the state’s upcoming elections.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sen. Lanny Thomas Appointed To Key Georgia Senate Committees

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State Senator Lanny Thomas of Trion has been appointed to serve on several key Georgia Senate committees, giving Northwest Georgia a voice in major policy areas.

April 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Lanny Thomas Sworn In To Serve Georgia Senate District 53

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Lanny Thomas was officially sworn in Thursday to serve in the Georgia State Senate representing District 53.

Thomas called it a special day for his family and for Northwest Georgia, saying it is an honor he does not take lightly.

In a statement following the ceremony, Thomas said District 53 now has strong leadership and a voice at the Capitol. He thanked supporters, family, and friends who joined him in Atlanta, and said he is ready to represent all residents, including families, workers, small businesses, and local communities.

Thomas also reminded voters that another election is coming up on May 19th, encouraging residents to make a plan to vote as he seeks to continue serving in the next term.

He said the goal moving forward is to keep Northwest Georgia moving forward together.

April 14, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

State Senator Highlights Major Literacy Investment Following 2026 Session

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As the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up its 2026 regular session last week, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome is pointing to early childhood literacy as one of the most important issues addressed by lawmakers.

April 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Zibluk Congratulates Thomas After State Senate Runoff

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Democratic candidate Jack Zibluk has congratulated Republican Lanny Thomas following Tuesday night’s runoff in Georgia’s 53rd State Senate District.