May 4, 2024
ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp signed three bills Wednesday aimed at human trafficking in Georgia.
“We are taking three important steps forward to make sure Georgia is a safe haven for survivors … turning Georgia into a national leader for victims’ rights and putting criminals behind bars,” Kemp said during a bill signing ceremony at the state Capitol.
Senate Bill 370 will expand the businesses required to post notices containing information on how to reach a human trafficking hotline to include convenience stores, tattoo parlors, manufacturing facilities and medical offices. The law already includes bars, airports, rail and bus stations, truck stops, highway rest areas, and adult entertainment establishments.
Mike Griffin, Public Affairs representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the governor and first lady, Marty Kemp. "I am so thankful for the leadership and work that First Lady Marty Kemp is doing on the human trafficking issue in Georgia," Griffin said, "Our governor and our legislative leaders are helping to address this important problem in today's society. "
House Bill 993 creates the offense of grooming a minor and prohibits digitally altering a photographic image to make it look like an identifiable minor is engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
House Bill 1201 allows the vacating of prison sentences for victims of human trafficking who have been convicted of crimes committed while they were being victimized.
“Those victimized by this brutal industry deserve a chance to rebuild their lives,” Kemp said.
The governor also signed a package of bills Wednesday aimed at helping military families, including legislation allowing military spouses to use an existing out-of-state license to obtain employment in Georgia and exempting military medical personnel from certification requirements to serve provisionally as a nurses aide, paramedic, cardiac technician, or emergency medical technician.
