Georgia Chamber Commends the House for Passing HB 479

The Georgia Chamber commends Governor Kemp, the House of Representatives, and the bipartisan group of bill signers on the unanimous passage of HB 479 to repeal Georgia’s antiquated citizen’s arrest law. Originally crafted in 1863, the state’s current law allows for gross negligence within our judicial system, as seen in the case of Ahmaud Arbery’s senseless murder in 2020. Under this proposal, protections would be put in place for business owners; it clarifies the authority of law enforcement officers, and it does not infringe on our citizens’ right to defend themselves or others from harm.

We are grateful for the bipartisan efforts of our House leaders today, and we look forward to working with the Senate to build on the Hate Crimes legislation passed last year moving us toward a more inclusive future.