ATLANTA (March 7, 2019) | Tuesday, Senate Bills 9 and 29 were favorably passed out of the Georgia Senate. Both measures, sponsored by Sen. Harold Jones II (D – Augusta), have now been sent to the Georgia House of Representatives for consideration.
“Both of these bills have the potential to help Georgians in need,” said Sen. Jones. “Senate Bill 9 fills a gap in our current law that does not explicitly criminalize the act of coercing an individual into sending nude photos or videos. We heard testimony in committee as to how impactful this bill will be for many in our state who are eager to find justice, and I look forward to guiding this bill through the House. Senate Bill 29 is a pro-law enforcement measure that clarifies that sheriffs, or those who work in sheriff’s offices cannot be sued as individuals. We are simply extending the same privilege afforded to most other government employees in regards to sovereign immunity to now include our sheriffs as well. I want to thank all of my colleagues in the Senate for helping me work on these important pieces of legislation and for their support in getting them passed.”
Senate Bill 9 would create a new crime of “sexual extortion” which would specifically outlaw coercing an individual into sending nude images, videos or any electronic communication of the individual partaking in a sexual act. Those found guilty on a first offense would be charged with a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and upon second or subsequent offenses would be charged with a felony with one to five years of imprisonment. SB 9 passed in the Senate unanimously.
Senate Bill 29 would include sheriffs, sheriff’s deputies and other sheriff’s office employees in the definition of a“local government office employee” when it comes to their waiver of sovereign immunity in motor vehicle claims.
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For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2019
Andrew Allison, Broadcast Specialist
annie.allison@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028