A Time for Justice in Georgia – Support HB 426 The Georgia Hate Crimes Act

It is a time for justice in Georgia. The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse calls on the Georgia state Senate to support and pass House Bill 426 when the Georgia General Assembly reconvenes. It is our hope that this be the first vote taken upon reconvening.

HB 426, also known as the Georgia Hate Crimes Act, is authored by Representative Chuck Efstration, and was passed by the Georgia House. HB 426 is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Georgia is one of four states in the U.S. that does not have a hate crimes prevention law. If a crime is committed and motivated by bias, there is currently no enhanced penalty.  That can and should be fixed immediately. 

The GCSA appreciates that Governor Brian Kemp stated he is open to legislation that imposes additional penalties on hate crimes. Georgia needs, and people deserve, action. This is the time for this important legislation to pass.