ATLANTA – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Garden City) issued the following statement on House Bill 479, legislation which was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp today, Monday, May 10, to repeal Georgia’s citizen’s arrest statute:
“Today, I am overwhelmingly thankful that Georgia has moved forward in repealing its citizen’s arrest statute. As the original sponsor of House Bills 1203 and 45, legislation which mirrors HB 479, I am reminded of more than 158 years of an outdated, antiquated law that was responsible for a racist past of 1863. This law that played a role in the unfair detainment and lynching of African Americans has shined a bright light for a new Georgia.
“Repealing Georgia’s citizen’s arrest statute is just the beginning. I am currently working with State Senator Michael Gianaris to repeal a similar law in New York and State Representative Wendell Gilliard to do the same in South Carolina. Now, Georgia moves forward to become the state that is too busy to hate.”
To coordinate an interview with Rep. Gilliard, please contact him directly at 404-656-7859.
Representative Carl Gilliard represents the citizens of District 162, which includes portions of Chatham County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development and the Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, State Properties, Creative Arts & Entertainment and Transportation committees.
###