PBA of Georgia 2013 State Legislative Report (May)
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 13th. The following bills of interest were passed into law this year, the effective dates are listed.
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 Division
