ATLANTA (January 25, 2024) — On Thursday Jan. 25, House Bill 30 received final passage by substitute through the Georgia General Assembly during the 2024 Legislative Session. Sponsored by Rep. John Carson (R–Marietta) and carried through the Senate by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), this significant legislation addresses the escalating issue of antisemitism in Georgia.
The bill, which received support from both sides of the aisle, is poised to make a substantial impact on combating antisemitic acts and harassment within the state. Sen. Kennedy, who served as the author to the bill’s substitute, commented, “This is a meaningful and effective bill that provides a guide to the government as to what antisemitism looks like. This bill sends a message to bad actors that, when committing an already illegal act discriminating against the Jewish community in Georgia, the state is equipped to discern and address this form of discrimination effectively. I appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for prioritizing this legislation and look forward to seeing HB 30 signed into law in the coming months.”
“I applaud President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy and the Senate for Passing HB 30,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Antisemitic speech and hate will not be tolerated in Georgia. Today and every day, we stand with Georgia’s and our nation’s Jewish Community.”
Georgia has witnessed a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with citizens facing harassment and discrimination based on their religious identity, as well as their perceived national original and race. The substitute introduced by Sen. Kennedy requires government agencies to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when enforcing anti-discrimination policies. The latest push to pass this legislation comes in response to incidents like the hanging of an effigy at a local synagogue in Macon, where congregation members fear attending services due to such acts of hate. Moreover, the substitute outlines the government’s duties, requiring state agencies to consider the IHRA definition when determining sentencing enhancements related to hate crimes. The legislation respects existing criminal procedure and the adjudicatory process.
This measure has now been sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature. You can find more information on HB 30 here.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.