Bruce’s public service dates back to 1998, when he was chosen to participate in a small business conference in Washington, DC, hosted by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former RNC chairman Michael Steele. Nationally, 500 candidates were selected and extensively screened for the opportunity to be one of the 50 finalists chosen for the conference. During the conference, a United States Senator moderated the five member tables and facilitated discussion regarding the business climates in members’ respective states, as well as challenges and barriers created by the federal government.
Serving His Local Community
A Better Place to Live & Work
Senator Thompson immediately rolled up his sleeves and began utilizing his business experience to make Georgia a better place to live and work, authoring several key pieces of legislation that were signed into law by Governor Deal and Governor Kemp.
Over the past 8 years, he has served as the Chairman of Science and Technology, the Chairman of Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security, and currently chairs Economic Development and Tourism.
Additionally, Senator Thompson has chaired several important study committees on cyber security and travels the country speaking at conferences and meeting with experts in this field.
In 2020, Bruce acknowledged the need to assemble a diverse group of professionals to explore opportunities and solutions to the current racially charged environment. He launched the Systemic Racial Inequality Taskforce, comprised of men and women from all spectrums and viewpoints. The collaborative efforts of this taskforce led to the Governor signing Senate Bill 105, to streamline probation sentencing for non-violent offenders in order to help them become productive citizens once their debt to society has been paid.
Results of Bruce's Key Legislation Include:
- Establishment of the GBI Forensic Crime Lab in Augusta as a result of SR 360.
- A provision requiring the state to acquire cybersecurity insurance to protect against the increasing number of cyber-attacks against Georgia’s IT resources.
- (SB 263) Provision to allow police officers retiring due to disability to retain their badge and service weapon.
- (SB 331) Provision to allow mothers to terminate parental rights of the father of a child conceived as the result of a rape.
- (SB 141) Provision to require carnivals to allow equipment inspections to ensure the safety of riders.
- (SB 315) An “Anti-Hacking” bill making it illegal for a person to intentionally access another person’s computer or other electronic equipment without the owner’s express consent. This bill was vetoed by the Governor.
- (SB 170) codified the “Honor and Remember” flag as the state’s emblem of service for the armed forces.
- (SB 337) The “Revenge Porn” bill makes it a crime to fabricate a nude or sexually explicit image or video of another person.
- (SB 27) provides military personnel an extended time to use their military experience to qualify for a trade license once they complete their service commitment.
- (SB 60) allows public safety officers to be paid should they suffer a stroke, heart attack, or vascular rupture at the conclusion of the day once they have left work for the day.
- (SB 218) “Life or Heartbeat” bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Thompson. Ultimately, the legislation passed as a House bill.
- (SB 51) “Dexter Mosley Act” was incorporated into SB 42 and passed. This allows homeschoolers to participate in extra-curricular activities in the public school that they normally would attend.
Cyber Security Expert
Due to his high-level government security clearances and his extensive knowledge of information systems, Senator Thompson is considered by his colleagues as the Georgia Senate’s resident cybersecurity expert. He consults on how to protect against the rapidly increasing number of security breaches resulting in data theft.
In addition to chairing Economic Development and Tourism, other committee assignments included Appropriations, Banking and Financial Institutions, Finance, and Military, Veterans, and Homeland Security.