Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Aug. 5 signed into law a new measure pushed by Republicans that grants enhanced legal protections for police officers, and provides additional criminal penalties for those who target officers.
House Bill 838 criminalizes what it calls “bias-motivated intimidation.” Under the measure, individuals who cause the death or serious bodily injury of a police officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The crime also applies to individuals who cause more than $500 in damage to property owned by first responders.
