PBA of Georgia 2013 State Legislative Report (May)

Georgia Division

May 30, 2013

The 2013 Georgia General Assembly ended on March 28, 2013 after 40 legislative days. A total of 972 bills were introduced in the House and Senate. Much of the PBA lobbying time at the Capitol was successfully spent changing objectionable language in bills impacting our membership. Any bills that did not pass this year, like the numerous pro-gun bills, will carry over to 2014 session, which begins January 13^th. The following bills of interest were passed into law this year, the effective dates are listed.

If you want to know more about any of these bills, go to: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx and enter the appropriate chamber and bill number.

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. This bill will become effective on July 1, 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. This bill became effective May 7, 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. This bill will become effective on July 1, 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 and badge upon retirement. This bill was signed into law by the Governor on April 18, 2013. It is now up to the Boards of Corrections and Parole to set up rules for actual implementation.

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. This bill will become effective on July 1, 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. This bill will become effective on January 1, 2014.

Georgia News

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GA Scholarship Recipient Keeps Family First

April 1, 2026

Underneath the Spanish-moss-covered oak trees of Savannah, Georgia, Hudson Zaragoza was raised in a very close-knit family. In fact, Hudson and his sister, Adeline, couldn?t possibly be much closer without being twins ? they were born just 11 months apart. Hudson?s dad, PBA member Michael Zaragoza, reflected on having two children so close together, noting that Hudson and Adeline were always very competitive. ?When Hudson played baseball, Adeline had to play. When Adeline started basketball, that meant that Hudson had to play basketball.? The two didn?t have much of a choice but to be close, though ? they were even in the same grade in school ? and Michael said that, despite the constant competition between his Irish twins, he wouldn?t have had it any other way.

Back The Badge Car Show 2026

February 18, 2026

The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia Augusta's River Region Chapter is hosting the 5th annual Back the Badge Car Show on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.

UGA Student Uses Scholarship to Fund Study in Music PR

January 28, 2026

"My plans and goals for my career are to work in the media and entertainment industry of advertising," said Callista. "This includes getting my music business certificate from Terry College of Business at UGA."

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