Bill > SB319

This bill, named the "Dorothy Mae Smith Wright Act", amends existing Georgia law to establish stricter standards for when law enforcement agencies can authorize vehicular pursuits. The bill requires all state, county, and local law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies for emergency vehicle pursuits, and specifically limits pursuits to situations where two key conditions are met: first, the requirements of Georgia Code Section 40-6-6 are satisfied, and second, there is probable cause to believe the pursued individuals have committed serious violent crimes. These crimes include murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, rape, armed robbery, or any offense that creates an immediate threat of death, serious bodily injury, or substantial safety risk to another person. The bill also maintains previous provisions that law enforcement agencies failing to comply with these policies may have their state or federally administered funding withheld. By establishing these specific criteria, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance on when high-risk vehicular pursuits are legally justifiable, potentially reducing dangerous chase situations while focusing on pursuing individuals who pose significant public safety threats.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71089