(RestoreAmericanGlory.com) – On Wednesday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed into law a contentious bill that extends the requirement for cash bail to include additional offenses. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 63 (SB 3), now mandates cash bail for crimes such as racketeering, sex trafficking, and animal cruelty in Georgia. The bill was championed by five Republican lawmakers, including the Senate Majority Whip, Sen. Randy Robertson (R).
During a bill signing ceremony, Governor Kemp highlighted the legislation’s role in bail reform, asserting that it is crucial for keeping dangerous individuals off the streets to prevent further crimes. His office released a statement emphasizing these points.
However, the bill has faced significant opposition from civil rights groups. The Georgia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement condemning the bill, labeling it as “cruel, costly, and counterproductive.” The ACLU criticized the bill for exacerbating the issues with the state’s incarceration system, which already has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation. They argued that SB 63 would unjustly increase the number of people detained pre-trial due to their economic status or mental health issues.
The ACLU of Georgia expressed profound disappointment in Governor Kemp’s decision, viewing it as a move for political leverage rather than public good. The organization also announced plans to legally challenge SB 63 to prevent its implementation, citing the potential negative impacts on the community and the state’s finances.
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