Senator Bill Cowsert is a Republican representing Georgia State Senate District 46, which includes Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Oconee, and Walton counties. Elected in 2006 and sworn in January 2007, he has served multiple terms, including as Majority Leader and currently as Chairman of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Secretary of the Rules and Reapportionment and Redistricting Committees. Notable achievements include the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Legislator of the Year from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Legislator of the Year from the Georgia Senior Living Association for his work on House Bill 987 reforming assisted living and personal care homes.

Born September 1, 1958, in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Macon, Georgia, he is a founding partner of the Athens-based law firm Cowsert & Heath. He and his wife, Amy, have three grown children—Will, Bob, and Caty—and are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, where he serves as an elder. He has been past president of the Athens Sertoma Club and Clarke County Heart Association, and a past board member of the Athens Touchdown Club.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Macon Central High School; B.S. in Business Administration from Presbyterian College; Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law.
• Political Experience: Elected to Georgia State Senate in 2006 for District 46; leadership roles include Majority Caucus Chair , Majority Leader, and current committee chairs and vice chairs in Regulated Industries and Utilities, Judiciary, Rules, and Reapportionment and Redistricting; also serves on Insurance and Labor, Finance, and Health and Human Services committees.