The frigid cold has not slowed your Frontline team. As we inch closer toward a pivotal election for the future of Georgia, we are all hands on deck.

FRONTLINE HIRES MEGAN SUMMERS AS ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR…

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Megan Summers to our team as Advancement Coordinator. She has extensive and diverse experiences in the corporate, ministry, and political worlds, and her unique set of skills will keep our team organized, help us reach our audience, and grow this ministry.

… AND YOU’RE ALREADY SEEING HER WORK

If you’ve clicked on a form, signed up for an event, or seen improvement in receiving communications from this organization, it’s because of the work Megan is already putting in. Currently, she’s working to improve our CRM system, advising me on plans to improve email deliverability and reach, and you may also see her at the Capitol some. To welcome Megan to the team, you can email her at [email protected]. 

FRONTLINE HQ ANNOUNCES FIRST CONFIRMED SPEAKER

We will be sharing more about our Frontline HQ program - raising up next generation leaders - and we are urging you to encourage those who feel called to the program to visit https://frontlinepolicy.org/frontline-hq/ to learn more or email Kelbie at [email protected]. 

Beyond that, however, we are thrilled to announce Dr. Andrew Walker as a confirmed speaker for the event. Dr. Walker serves as Associate Dean in the School of Theology, and Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Public Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a renowned author, and, in my opinion, one of the most articulate and biblical voices on matters of faith, politics, and culture.

To purchase his books, you can visit: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01GEQLCXM?ccs_id=d6bc730e-ad23-4141-a267-a8040333a1d3 

To follow him on X, visit: https://x.com/AndrewTWalker

Or, you can learn more about him and his commentaries by checking out his personal website: https://andrewtwalker.com/ 

When it comes to thought leadership on standing for Christ and impacting the political arena, there really are not any better in the country than Dr. Andrew Walker, and I cannot wait for our students to engage with him during Escalation Week July 21-24. Encourage kingdom-minded young leaders to apply for this opportunity at https://frontlinepolicy.org/frontline-hq-apply/ TODAY!

WOULD YOU CONSIDER SUPPORTING HQ?

My goal over the next two weeks: find 5 friends of our ministry willing to become monthly donors specifically to this HQ program. Click here to make a designated monthly gift to HQ: https://secure.anedot.com/frontline-policy-council/hqdonationpage 

ANOTHER BUSY WEEK FOR CHURCH AMBASSADOR NETWORK

This week, CAN Director Joseph D'Angelo took the network's vision across the state—from South Georgia to the Capitol. In Tifton, he addressed nearly 1,000 pastors and church leaders at the South Georgia Church of God Prayer Conference. In Cumming, he provided a legislative update to the Forsyth County Republican Women, discussing both CAN's ministry and Frontline’s upcoming HQ program and its expanding impact. And at the Capitol in Atlanta, CAN participated in Georgia Baptists' Pastors Day, connecting with dozens of Southern Baptists Pastors from around the state. From denominational gatherings to civic forums to the Capitol rotunda, CAN is equipping the Church to engage government biblically—and showcasing the progress Frontline is making for biblical values in Georgia.

AT THE CAPITOL: FIVE BILLS THAT ARE MOVING

It’s early in the process, but here are five bills that have made progress this session that you should know about:

1. SB 74 by Sen. Max Burns, which aligns how we assess content in school libraries with our obscenity code - a strong step toward removing filth from the bookshelves, passed a House Judiciary Subcommittee. Frontline was on hand to provide testimony in support, and we are actively supporting the bill as it takes next steps. 

2. HB 1023 by Rep Chuck Efstration, which strengthens school safety by requiring the use of weapon detection systems at public school buildings. The bill equips schools with modern security tools to help prevent the unlawful possession of weapons on campus, while allowing flexibility for funding and implementation. This bill passed the Education Committee and Frontline was there to support it.  

3. HB 350 Passed the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, Headed to House Floor on Monday with bipartisan support with a vote of 169-0 on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026. This bill will allow for the installation of baby boxes across the state for mothers to be able to anonymously and safely give up their baby. 

4. HB 971 by Rep Rick Townsend, expands educational opportunity by allowing home study and private school students to enroll in college and career academy courses within their resident or adjacent school systems when the space is available. The bill most importantly increases access to local workforce and technical education. It has passed the House Education Committee and Frontline was more than pleased to be of support

5. HB 1009 by Rep Scott Hilton, promotes distraction-free learning by requiring public schools to adopt clear policies limiting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, including at school-sponsored events. The bill restores focus in the classroom while preserving necessary expectations for medical and educational needs. Frontline was present to provide support, and the bill has passed the House Education Committee.

AND, FIVE ISSUES THAT HAVEN’T YET…

It’s early in session, and, just because a bill has not yet moved doesn’t mean it won’t. Here are five key issues Frontline is engaged in that have not yet made formal progress this session:

1. Georgia House Bill 671, known as the STOP Act, is a 2025-2026 proposed bill sponsored by Rep. Carmen Rice. This specific bill aims to protect minors from exposure to sexually explicit conduct. This bill would allow lawsuits against individuals and/or businesses that knowingly permit minors to be present during restricted sexual content. Furthermore the bill gives the Department of Revenue authority to fine, suspend, or revoke business licenses for violations. Lastly the bill helps in establishing a more clear legal definition for minors who might be affected by such exposure. HB 671 has been introduced and advanced through the House Judiciary Committee. 

2. Georgia's Senate Bill 404 updates Georgia’s child custody laws to make joint legal and physical custody the default arrangement in custody cases. Under SB 404 courts would presume that shared custody is in the best interest of the child unless evidence proves otherwise. Judges could still order a different arrangement if equal parenting time is not appropriate, but they would be required to create a schedule that best supports the child's needs. The goal of the bill is to encourage shared parenting while allowing flexibility when the situation calls for it.

3. Senate Bill 433, which is also referred to as Rio’s Law, has been proposed to create special Georgia license plates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities, as well as for their spouse, parent, or legal guardian. In the bill it is outlined how the plates can be obtained, designed, transferred, and penalizes false claims or misuse. Furthermore it requires law enforcement officers, beginning in 2027 to be able to receive training or interact with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities. The training would be developed in collaboration with the Department of Community Health and experienced nonprofit organizations. 

4. We are still optimistic special needs reform legislation will be offered soon. Our goal to make Georgia #1 for valuing our special needs community over the next few years remains unchanged.

5. Additionally, we remain optimistic that Georgia’s children will be protected from puberty blockers. However, there has not yet been progress this session.

OTHER CAPITOL NOTES

Today (Friday), marks legislative day 14 in the 2026 General Assembly, and Frontline has 44 bills that we have endorsed - either carried over from last session or newly introduced this year - that we’re working to get to the Governor’s Desk. Here are some other things to know:

Our team also joined State Senate candidate Steven McNeel at the capitol for prayer and fellowship after Frontline's public endorsement on Thursday. 

NEW CANDIDATE ANNOUNCED FOR GOVERNOR

Rick Jackson, a highly successful businessman, has announced his candidacy for Governor - joining a field that includes Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and businessman Clark Dean seeking the Republican nomination.

As with any candidate, my urging in evaluating their candidacy is simple: look at their character, their plan for victory, and their vision for Georgia. While his entry shakes up the race and I expect you will be seeing a significant ad blitz, we should remain in prayer to discern who God has raised up for such a time as this.

RUN2WIN TAKING SHAPE

More information is coming for Run2Win, but I cannot urge you strongly enough to hold the date for March 14, 2026 at Sinclair Atlanta. You don’t want to miss it!

Raising the Standard,

Cole

PS. We’ve got a lot going on! Can you help us out by signing up to make a monthly donation to our Frontline HQ program? It could be for as little as $5 or as much as you feel led to do. Click here to help us equip next generation leaders!

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