ATLANTA (March 27, 2013) – The State Senate passed HB 150, carried by Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro), by a vote of 53-0. This legislation makes it illegal to charge a fee to remove booking photographs of exonerated people from websites.
“There were many testimonies in committee from victims of this crime,” said Sen. Stone. “Their stories of exorbitant fees and inability to find employment because of their viral mug shots showcased the terrible consequences of this scam. Getting people back on their feet and working again is the most important step to Georgia’s economic recovery, and House Bill 150 steers our state in that direction.”
Any organization that publishes mug shots online for profit must remove the photograph upon written request and cannot charge a fee for the removal. Exceptions are made for digital newspapers, magazines, radio or television stations, or websites that disseminate news commentary.
To become law, HB 150 must now receive the Governor’s approval.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028