Category: Brian Strickland

ATLANTA (May 6, 2026) — This week, Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) celebrated Governor Brian Kemp’s signing of Senate Bill 433, also known as “Rio’s Law.” This landmark legislation aims to improve interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities.

Authored by Sen. Strickland, the bill creates a voluntary specialized license plate designation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities and their families, and requires specialized training for Georgia peace officers beginning January 1, 2027.

“Today is a major step forward for families across Georgia who simply want safer, more informed interactions with law enforcement,” said Sen. Strickland. “Rio’s Law is about compassion, understanding and ensuring officers have the tools and training necessary to recognize and appropriately respond to individuals with developmental disabilities. This legislation has been one of my top priorities because these families deserve to feel seen, protected and supported.”

Under SB 433, the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council will work alongside the Department of Community Health, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and nonprofit organizations to develop training on effective communication, behavioral recognition, de-escalation techniques and emergency response protocols involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities.

“Rio’s Law represents the kind of thoughtful, people-centered policy that can make a real difference in everyday lives,” Sen. Strickland added. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in both the Senate and House for unanimously supporting this effort, and I thank Governor Kemp for signing it into law.”

Senate Bill 433 takes effect on January 1, 2027. You can find more information about the measure here.

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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 42^nd Senate District, which includes Morgan County and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0508 or by email at Brian.Strickland@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

ATLANTA (January 17, 2025) — This week, Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) was reappointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. The committee oversees legislation related to judicial proceedings in both civil and criminal practice, as well as matters concerning civil liberties, constitutional issues and general governmental information.

“I’m honored to serve another biennium as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary,” said Sen. Strickland. “The bills and resolutions that come before this committee require thorough and detailed deliberation. I am grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Committee on Assignments for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading these proceedings. Georgians deserve to know that the legislation impacting our civil and criminal justice system and our Constitutional rights is carefully considered. I’m committed to achieving that goal this session.”

Sen. Strickland, a practicing attorney with Smith, Welch, Webb & White in McDonough, has chaired the Senate Committee on Judiciary since 2021. In addition to being Chairman, he has been appointed to serve on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Banking and Financial Institutions, Ethics, and Health and Human Services. He will also be an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committees on Children and Families and Public Safety.

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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He represents the 42^nd Senate District, which includes Morgan County and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton counties. He may be reached at 404.463.6598 or by email at Brian.Strickland@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.