Kemp signs public safety, law enforcement bills in Georgia

The measures include enhanced retirement benefits for officers and new autism-related training requirements.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed several bills Wednesday supporting law enforcement. One of those is House Bill 1128, which allows for a one-time reopening of the application window for officers who have sustained brain injuries, to reapply for indemnification benefits. 

He also signed Senate bill 452, which enhances retirement plans for law enforcement. 

“By significantly increasing the state’s contribution to their 401(k)s,” he said. “In fact, we’re doubling the state’s contribution and accelerating when officers can reach their maximum benefit. This will not only award those who sacrifice so much for us, but it also allows us to better recruit and retain officers for years to come.”

Another piece of legislation Governor Kemp signed was Senate Bill 433, known as Rio’s Law. It creates a specialty license plate for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities and will require law enforcement training on how to interact with those individuals. 

The governor also signed Senate Bill 547, which revises penalties for offenses related to pimping and pandering, making them felonies on the first offense.   

“These criminals that victimize men, women and children should not receive more chances to harm them through lesser penalties, and this bill will help us protect those innocent members of our society,” he said.

Another bill signed, House Bill 1202, protects Georgians as it relates to the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board. Governor Kemp signed five additional bills relating to the Intelligent Speed Assistance and Georgia Department of Public Safety updates. 

Speaker of the House Jon Burns shared this message.

“Crime will not be tolerated,” he said. “And we start by cracking down on reckless driving, strengthening Georgia’s anti-trafficking laws, by increasing criminal penalties, and working to protect the most vulnerable amongst us, by enforcing our child fatality review process. We’re also committed to ensure law enforcement officers have the resources, training and skills they need to safely engage with every Georgian, including those living with autism.”

Governor Kemp also touted pay increases and additional resources for state law enforcement, the creation of a loan repayment program for officers and new prosecution units as accomplishments during his term.