As Speaker, he serves as the House’s chief administrative officer. Speaker Burns also presides over House floor sessions, assigns bills to committees, and calls matters before the House for debate.

As a legislator, Speaker Burns has worked to bring sound environmentally balanced economic development, world class healthcare, quality education, and improved transportation to Georgia.

Speaker Burns served as House Majority Leader from 2015 until his nomination as Speaker. He previously served as Chairman of the House Game, Fish & Parks Committee and as Chairman of the House Special Rules Committee.

No stranger to public service, Speaker Burns was the 12th Congressional District member on the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) Board prior to serving in the State House.

Speaker Burns was born and raised in Effingham County. He graduated from Effingham County High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern College. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School.

Speaker Burns and his wife, Dayle, live on the family farm in northern Effingham County. Mrs. Burns is a retired educator. Speaker Burns is an active member and Sunday School Superintendent at Mizpah Church. They have two grown sons, two lovely daughter-in-laws, and five beautiful grandchildren.