Georgia governor signs package boosting benefits, penalties and safety tools

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed 11 public safety bills into law following Georgia’s annual Public Safety Memorial Ceremony, joining First Lady Marty Kemp, lawmakers and law enforcement officials for what his office framed as a package aimed at recruitment, retention, benefits and tougher penalties for certain crimes.

The measures include SB 452, a Kemp administration priority that increases the state contribution to the 401(k)s of POST-certified state law enforcement officers. Another priority bill, HB 1128, reopens — for one time — the application window for officers with brain injuries to reapply for indemnification benefits and updates provisions related to legal guardians.

The package also addresses the Peace Officers Annuity Board, with SB 285 reallocating 1.5% of local insurance premium tax to help cover revenue shortfalls and allowing for an increase in the monthly benefit multiplier tied to years of creditable service.

Other bills broaden into criminal law and traffic safety. SB 547 revises penalties for pimping and pandering, making those offenses felonies on a first conviction. SB 160 establishes a regulatory framework for using Intelligent Speed Assistance devices as part of limited driving permits after a reckless driving conviction.

Several measures touch agency operations and oversight. HB 1202 supports the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s work related to the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board and corrects a drafting error, while HB 944 is described as part of an annual update to state law for the Department of Public Safety. SB 383, backed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, updates language and deadlines involving review commissions and medical examiners to reflect advances and ensure more timely reporting.

Kemp, a Republican, also signed HB 549, which extends the timeframe for reimbursement of training expenses when a peace officer changes employers. The final measure, SB 433 — known as Rio’s Law — creates a specialty license plate for people with autism or developmental disabilities and requires law enforcement to receive training on interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum.