ATLANTA (March 31, 2021) | In response to the passage of House Bill 479, which would end citizen arrest in Georgia, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) Chairwoman Senator Tonya P. Anderson (D – Lithonia) issued the following statement:
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is proud to have led the effort to end the antiquated practice of citizens arrest. With the Senate voting favorably for this bill, we ask the Governor to sign House Bill 479 quickly.
In the name of Ahmaud Arbery and so many others who died at the hands of vigilantes, we are glad to move one step closer to criminal justice reform in our state.”
Also sharing his thoughts on passage of House Bill 479 is Representative Carl Gilliard, sponsor of the original legislation House Bill 45, stating “I am elated this outdated, obsolete law from 1863 is now being repealed. Because of our tireless work, legislators in New York and South Carolina are introducing similar measures.”
Established in 1975, the GLBC is a 501(c)3 non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprising of 68 Georgia House and Senate members.
For more information about the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, please visit www.gablackcaucus.org or write to media@gablackcaucus.org.
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For Immediate Release:
Mar. 31, 2021
Kami Briden, Sr. Communications Associate
404.656.0028