ATLANTA – State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) today issued the following statement in support of GloRilla and his legislation, House Bill 464:
“Like many Georgians and anyone who keeps up with pop culture, I was disheartened to learn of the recent arrest of artist and Memphis native GloRilla after she attempted to report a burglary at her home. No one, regardless of fame, background or zip code, should fear being criminalized for doing the right thing.
Unfortunately, stories like hers are not rare. Too often, victims of crime—especially Black victims—face the threat of arrest simply for seeking help from law enforcement. This breaks down trust, discourages cooperation and drives people toward the streets in search of their own form of justice. That path often leads to more violence, retaliation and harm.
That is why I proudly introduced House Bill 464, a bipartisan effort to protect victims rather than punish them. This legislation would ensure that people who report a crime are not arrested or detained over unrelated minor warrants or technical issues that have nothing to do with the emergency they are facing. This is not just a policy decision. It is a matter of compassion, safety and basic fairness.
I want to thank Chairman Tyler Paul Smith, the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and my colleagues from both political parties who helped move HB 464 out of committee. But now, we must finish what we started. This bill must become law.
Let us be clear. HB 464 is not about going easy on crime. It is about being smart about justice. It is about making sure the next GloRilla—or our cousins, our neighbors or our children—are not punished for trying to do the right thing. It is about breaking down the barriers that stop people from cooperating with law enforcement and reducing the cycles of harm that continue to devastate our communities.
In the meantime, I am calling for all charges against GloRilla to be dropped. She deserves support, not punishment, for trying to protect herself and her home. We cannot send the message that doing the right thing puts you at greater risk.
No one should have to choose between being a victim or being treated like a criminal. Let us get this done—not just for Glo, but for the future of Georgia, for those who call it home and for those who will. Let us act for all of us who believe in real safety and real justice.”
Representative Eric Bell represents the citizens of District 75, which includes a portion of Clayton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2023 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging and Small Business Development committees.
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