Group plans to sue if Georgia governor signs bill to expand cash bail

(The Center Square) — The ACLU of Georgia said it would sue the state if Gov. Brian Kemp signs into law a measure that expands the number of offenses for which suspects must “post bail or surety.”

State Sen. Randy Robertson, R-Cataula, introduced Senate Bill 63 in January 2023, but lawmakers did not advance the measure before last year’s session ended. However, both the state House and Senate signed off on the measure this year.

“Not only is SB 63 bad policy, it is illegal. It unconstitutionally criminalizes poverty and restricts conduct protected by the First Amendment, and the ACLU of Georgia will sue if the governor signs this bill into law,” Cory Isaacson, legal director of the ACLU of Georgia, said in a statement. “We can’t allow the state to enact a system in which a person’s freedom is determined by the color of their skin and the amount of money in their wallet.”

Spokesmen for Kemp, a Republican, did not respond to a request for comment on the ACLU of Georgia’s announcement. However, Lt. Governor Burt Jones said the state wouldn’t kowtow to the threat of a lawsuit.

“I was thrilled to see Senate Bill 63 reach final passage this week, and I look forward to Governor Kemp signing it,” Jones, a Republican, said in a statement to The Center Square. “Georgia will not allow left-wing activists to thwart our efforts to protect Georgia families and businesses from violent criminals.”

- Advertisement -

In a statement, The Bail Project said the “reliance on cash bail doesn’t keep us safe; public safety, not wealth, should determine whether someone is incarcerated pretrial.”

“By limiting judicial discretion through requirements that cash bail be set for a variety of misdemeanors, and by restricting charitable bail organizations, churches, and individuals from supporting members of their community with bail assistance, SB 63 fuels mass incarceration and removes a lifeline to impoverished Georgians who are incarcerated solely because they can’t pay bail,” the group said. This is like placing restrictions on a food pantry while claiming to solve hunger.”

In a legislative update, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia said county officials should confer with their sheriffs and courts to understand how the legislation might impact jail and court operations.

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Founded on this day in 1837, Cheyney University Celebrates Its Legacy as the Nation’s Oldest HBCU

Cheyney University, originally known as the African Institute, was...

Attorney General Bondi Moves to Gut DEI, Targets Private Sector and DOJ Policies

The Trump administration’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion...

This Day in History: Dr. Carter G. Woodson Establishes Negro History Week in 1926

On February 7, 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established...

Sean Duffy takes helm of $110 billion U.S. Department of Transportation

(The Center Square) – Sean Duffy, a former U.S....

Sen. Murray says federal funding freeze is hurting critical projects in WA

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.,...

Educators urge patience with new funding outcomes

(The Center Square) - Educators and families say the...

East Palestine, Norfolk Southern reach $22M settlement

(The Center Square) – Nearly two years after a...

North Carolina proposal scraps DMV for new authority

(The Center Square) – Renaming and redirecting chain of...

More like this
Related

Founded on this day in 1837, Cheyney University Celebrates Its Legacy as the Nation’s Oldest HBCU

Cheyney University, originally known as the African Institute, was...

Attorney General Bondi Moves to Gut DEI, Targets Private Sector and DOJ Policies

The Trump administration’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion...

This Day in History: Dr. Carter G. Woodson Establishes Negro History Week in 1926

On February 7, 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established...

Sean Duffy takes helm of $110 billion U.S. Department of Transportation

(The Center Square) – Sean Duffy, a former U.S....