Georgia governor signs controversial Republican-backed bill requiring cash bail for more offenses

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (D) on Wednesday signed a controversial bill requiring cash bail for additional crimes that require cash bail. according to To the press release from his office.

Senate Bill 63 (SB 3) add The list of crimes that require cash bail in the Peach State includes extortion, sex trafficking and animal cruelty. The bill was sponsored by five Republicans, including state Senate Majority Whip Randy Robertson, a Republican.

“This bill implements important bail reform, ensuring that dangerous people don’t walk the streets or commit further crimes,” Kemp said at Wednesday’s bill signing ceremony, according to his office. It’s what you do,” he said.

The Georgia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) harshly criticized the bill being signed in a statement Wednesday. Says He said SB 63 is “cruel, expensive, and counterproductive.”

“Research shows that incarcerating people en masse only increases crime and taxpayer costs,” the group said in a statement Wednesday. “We are imprisoning our citizens at a relatively high rate.”

“SB 63 further strengthens that position, forcing more people to languish in prison because of poverty or mental illness,” the statement continues. “We are extremely disappointed that Governor Kemp has sacrificed Georgia’s interests for political gain. The ACLU of Georgia plans to challenge SB 63 in court to prevent it from taking effect. .”