ATLANTA – State Representative Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, today joined Governor Brian Kemp at the State Capitol as he signed House Bill 993 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Powell, this legislation will create a criminal penalty for those who knowingly and intentionally groom minors in person, through a third party or through electronic means to coerce them into committing sexual offenses or acts of human trafficking.
“I am proud to see this important legislation get signed into law today by Governor Kemp to protect Georgia’s minors from predators,” said Chairman Powell. “As technology and social media use continues to evolve and grow in popularity, it is imperative that we take steps to ensure that minors cannot fall victim to those who wish to groom them and cause them harm. Now, we are sending a clear message to these perpetrators that this behavior will not be tolerated in Georgia.”
House Bill 993 creates a criminal penalty for those who groom a minor through a pattern of activity or communication and either through a third party or through the use of electronic means to persuade, induce, entice or coerce that minor to engage in a sexual offense or human trafficking. A person who commits this crime will be subject to felony imprisonment of one to five years. This crime only applies to a person over the age of 18 and who is not within four years of age of the alleged victim. This applies to conduct completed within or outside of the state or conduct aimed at a minor outside of this state if the actions occurred within this state. This bill will become effective on July 1, 2024.
Representative Alan Powell represents the citizens of District 33, which includes Franklin and Hart counties and portions of Madison County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1990 and currently serves as Chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Governmental Affairs, Interstate Cooperation, Motor Vehicles, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Rules, Small Business Development and Technology and Infrastructure committees.
###