summary
Introduced
01/30/2023
01/30/2023
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2024
03/28/2024
Introduced Session
2023-2024 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to law enforcement officers and agencies, so as to provide for ethical policing; to provide for definitions; to provide for the creation, operation, and powers of certain citizen review boards; to provide for membership and terms; to provide for the creation of a uniform form by the Attorney General for use in recording complaints alleging police misconduct and disciplinary actions; to provide for public inspection; to provide for the filing and investigation of complaints; to provide for procedures and requirements for the offering of employment to certain law enforcement officers; to provide that law enforcement officers shall have a duty to report violations of ethical policing; to provide for measures to protect against retaliation for filing complaints alleging police misconduct; to provide for hearings and public notice thereof; to provide for the revocation of peace officer certificate for certain acts; to require personal liability insurance for law enforcement officers; to provide for an annual report summarizing complaints filed and disciplinary actions imposed; to provide for an early warning system; to provide for accountability for law enforcement officers who are supervisors; to provide for procedures for the reinstatement of suspended law enforcement officers; to provide for instruction on ethical policing; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 21 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state tort claims, so as to remove certain immunities from the actions of certain law enforcement officers; to provide for a definition; to provide that a law enforcement officer alleged to have committed police misconduct or a violation of law while acting within the scope of his or her official duties or employment shall be subject to lawsuit or liability; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, the Ethical Policing Act, aims to enact several provisions to promote ethical policing in Georgia. Key provisions include:
1. Defining terms like "ethical policing," "police misconduct," and establishing citizen review boards to provide oversight of law enforcement agencies.
2. Requiring law enforcement agencies to investigate all complaints of police misconduct, maintain detailed records, and make the information publicly available.
3. Prohibiting the hiring of law enforcement officers with a history of misconduct, and requiring them to carry liability insurance.
4. Mandating law enforcement officers to report violations of ethical policing and protecting them from retaliation for doing so.
5. Revoking the certification of officers who commit serious misconduct, and requiring training on ethical policing.
6. Removing certain immunities that previously shielded law enforcement officers from liability for actions within the scope of their duties that deprive individuals of their constitutional rights.
Overall, the bill seeks to increase transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within Georgia's law enforcement agencies.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/01/2023)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/63720 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/212996 |
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