Bill > SB301

This bill revises existing Georgia law to strengthen protections for government-owned statues, monuments, plaques, banners, and other commemorative symbols, referred to collectively as "monuments." It makes it unlawful for any person, entity, or government official to damage, destroy, deface, or remove these monuments, with violations potentially leading to misdemeanor charges and significant financial penalties, including treble the cost of repair or replacement plus attorney's fees and exemplary damages. The bill also grants any interested person or group the right to sue to enforce these protections, regardless of direct personal injury, and clarifies that the state waives sovereign immunity and public officials waive qualified immunity in cases involving violations of these provisions. Furthermore, it establishes a process for relocating monuments when necessary for construction projects, requiring them to be moved to a site of similar prominence, and mandates a registry of all public monuments to be maintained by the Department of Community Affairs. The bill also includes specific protections for the Confederate memorial on Stone Mountain, stating it shall never be altered or removed.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70951