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HB 319

COURTS-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 319 penalizes state and local officials for failing to enforce laws against concealing illegal aliens, while protecting crime victims and witnesses from penalties.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 319

Summary of House Bill 319

Bill Number: HB 319
Title: Crimes and offenses; illegal aliens; penalties for state and local officials and employees for noncompliance; provide
Status: House Second Readers
Introduced: February 06, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 319 aims to amend existing laws in Georgia regarding the treatment of illegal aliens by state and local officials. The primary intent of the bill is to impose penalties on officials and employees who fail to comply with state laws designed to deter the concealment, harboring, or shielding of illegal aliens, particularly those who may be involved in criminal activities.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Existing Law: The bill revises subsection (d) of Code Section 16-11-201 of the Official Code of Georgia, which addresses offenses related to illegal aliens.

  • Penalties for Noncompliance:

    • State and local officials or employees who knowingly and willfully violate laws related to the concealment of illegal aliens will face prosecution by the Attorney General.
    • In addition to legal penalties, these officials may also be subject to removal and replacement by the Governor.

  • Exceptions: The bill specifies that the penalties do not apply to:

    • Government employees or individuals acting under the direction of a government employee who conceal, harbor, or shelter an illegal alien if that individual is a victim of a crime or a witness in legal proceedings.
    • Individuals holding illegal aliens in detention facilities, such as jails or prisons.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily targets state and local officials and employees, holding them accountable for their actions regarding illegal aliens. It may also indirectly affect illegal aliens, particularly those who are victims or witnesses of crimes, as the bill includes provisions to protect them from penalties.

  • Legal and Procedural Changes: The introduction of this bill could lead to significant changes in how state and local officials handle cases involving illegal aliens, potentially increasing the scrutiny of their actions and decisions.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 06, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 10, 2025: Bill read for the first time in the House.
  • February 11, 2025: Bill read for the second time in the House.

Conclusion

House Bill 319 seeks to strengthen Georgia's legal framework regarding illegal aliens by imposing penalties on officials who do not comply with state laws. By holding state and local employees accountable, the bill aims to deter the concealment of illegal aliens involved in criminal activities while providing protections for those who are victims or witnesses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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