PBA of Georgia 2013 State Legislative Report (April)
Apr 1, 2013
The 2013 Georgia General Assembly ended on March 28, 2013. The following bills have passed both the House and Senate this year. HB 55 has already been signed into law by the Governor. But the Governor has up to 40 days to sign or veto the other bills or they will become law on the effective date of the bill without his signature.
Alcohol/DUI
HB 407
by Alan Powell & others
This bill amends OCGA 40-5-63 & 40-5-64 to change the ignition interlocking period to one year and makes other changes related to a DUI conviction. Unless vetoed by the Governor, this bill will become effective on July 1, 2013. Passed by the House, passed by the Senate by substitution, and House Agreed to the changes on March 28, 2013
Corrections/Jail
HB 150
by Roger Bruce & others
This bill amends OCGA 35-3-37 to require commercial websites that publish booking photographs to remove those upon request in certain circumstances. Unless vetoed, this bill will become effective in 40 days or upon the Governor’s signature. Passed by the House, passed by the Senate as amended, and House agreed to the changes on March 28, 2013
Law Enforcement Benefits/Requirements
HB 366
by Bill Hitchens & others
This bill amends Title 35 primarily for housekeeping purposes. However, it amends OCGA 35-8-21 by creating a new section (g) that makes a POST regulation into law. Section (g) requires officers to provide documentation to POST confirming training for the previous year. Failure to attain minimum training or provide documentation of training shall result in emergency suspension of an officer’s arrest powers. Unless vetoed by the Governor, this bill will become effective on July 1, 2013. Passed by the House on March 5, 2013 and passed by the Senate on March 28, 2013
HB 482
by Jay Neal & others
This bill amends OCGA 42-2-16 and 42-9-9 to allow certified corrections and parole officers with at least 20 years of honorable service to retain department issued weapon upon retirement. Unless vetoed by the Governor, this bill will become effective on July 1, 2013. Passed by the House March 5, 2013 and passed by the Senate on March 28, 2013
Warrants/Other Legal Process
HB 55
by Rich Golick & others
This bill amends OCGA 16-11-64 to allow wiretapping and surveillance warrants to have statewide application. This bill was signed into law by the Governor and became effective on February 13, 2013.
HB 146
by Tom Welton & others
This bill amends OCGA 17-4-40 and 17-5-21 to allow arrest and search warrants to be issued by video conferencing under most conditions. Unless vetoed by the Governor, this bill will become effective on July 1, 2013. Passed by the House March 5, 2013 and passed by the Senate on March 21, 2013
HB 242
by Wendell Willard & others
This bill is a major revision of OCGA Title 15 and others as related to juvenile justice reform. Unless vetoed by the Governor, this bill will become effective on January 1, 2014. Passed by the House on Feb 28, 2013 and passed by the Senate on March 21, 2013
Georgia Division
