ATLANTA – State Representative Steven Sainz (R-St. Marys) today announced that Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 188, or Mariam’s Law, into law on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Named in honor of murder victim Mariam Abdulrab, HB 188 would expand requirements for sexual offenders following their release from prison.
“I’m grateful to Mariam’s family for turning their tragedy into a light that will prevent others from suffering,” said Rep. Sainz. “Since my first year in the legislature in 2018, I have been working on legislation to help ensure that dangerous predators don’t have an opportunity to create more victims in Georgia. Mariam’s family and friends brought smart policy ideas that aligned with the goal of increasing GPS monitoring for sex offenders. Their support formed a larger coalition and made it harder for a small handful of special interest groups to argue against the bill’s merits. Mariam’s tragic murder exemplifies the harsh reality of what perpetrators could unleash on Georgia victims. I hope to continue this partnership of safeguarding citizens from those who look to victimize our most vulnerable through some of the most egregious crimes.”
House Bill 188, or Mariam’s Law, implements several changes related to sexual offenses in Georgia. First, this bill changes the name of the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board to the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board (SORRB) and clarifies SORRB’s risk assessment evaluation process/timelines for sexually dangerous predators. HB 188 also adds definitions of certain sexual felonies and adds punishments for such crimes. Furthermore, this legislation establishes harsher penalties for individuals previously convicted of sexual felonies who are convicted again. Electronic monitoring will now be required as a condition of probation for such individuals. The bill also improves how the state handles sexual offenders who move to Georgia.
“It was my honor to assist Representative Sainz and the family of Mariam,” said State Senator John Albers, who sponsored HB 188 in the Senate. “We did something special to honor her memory and protect all Georgians.”
Rep. Sainz’s legislation is named after Mariam Abdulrab, who was found dead after being kidnapped outside of her home in southeast Atlanta in 2021. The suspect in Mariam’s case is a previously convicted sex offender who failed to undergo a risk level assessment from the Georgia Sex Offender Registration Review Board. The suspect spent several years in prison and was released less than a year before Mariam’s kidnapping.
HB 188 received the support of the state’s Sexual Offender Registration Review Board and the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.
“Mariam’s brother, family, friends and many others should be so proud of their fight for change,” said Tracy Alvord, executive director of the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board. “This law will allow Georgia to quickly identify and address repeat offenders for the safety of others. SORRB appreciated being a part of that process, and we will work diligently to do our part in honoring the mission of this law.”
“We couldn’t be happier to see Mariam’s Law pass unanimously through both the House and Senate this legislative session,” said Ali Abdulrab, brother of Miriam Abdulrab. “All of our hard work has finally paid off, and we wouldn’t have even been able to see the finish line without the help of our friends in the State Capitol. A big thank you to Representative Sainz, who further strengthened his sex offender prevention legislation by adding our policy recommendations, and Senator Albers, who agreed to sponsor the legislation in the Senate and championed it through his public safety committee, for leading the way and making it happen for not only us but for everyone in the state of Georgia.”
“On behalf of Georgia sheriffs, the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association applauds the efforts of Representative Steven Sainz and Senator John Albers during this year’s legislative session for their teamwork on the passage of House Bill 188, also known as ‘Mariam’s Law,’” said J. Terry Norris, executive director of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. “Mariam Abdulrab’s kidnapping and murder at the hands of a previously convicted sex offender is a tragic reminder of the threat sexual predators pose to our community. There is absolutely no doubt that Mariam’s Law will result in enhanced public safety. In cases where sentences may be split between imprisonment and lifetime probation, mandatory electronic monitoring will be an invaluable tool for law enforcement to track the whereabouts and movements of sexual predators, especially those who are transient or homeless. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mariam’s family. Thank you for letting us be part of her memory.”
Legislative affairs experts also lent their expertise to help the bill cross the finish line during the 2023 legislative session.
“It’s been a privilege representing Mariam’s friends and family under the Gold Dome,” said Charlotte Davis, legislative director at the J.L. Morgan Company. “We appreciate the General Assembly’s passage of Mariam’s Law and are grateful for the hard work of many who continue to honor her life and legacy.”
“The enactment of Mariam’s Law, House Bill 188, increases the sentences the courts may impose for repeat sex offenders here in Georgia allowing courts and law enforcement to monitor those offenders whose convictions require enhanced sentences,” said Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council. “Also known as the Georgia Dangerous Sexual Predator Prevention Act, it amends numerous sexual offenses to permit lifetime probation and use of electronic ankle monitoring upon a second conviction for a ‘sexual felony.’ Studies support that electronic monitoring is effective in reducing rates of recidivism. We appreciate Representative Sainz’s committed hard work to the passage of this piece of legislation and Senator John Albers’ as well as the rest of the General Assembly’s goal of keeping the citizens of Georgia safe.”
For more information on HB 188, please click here.
Representative Steven Sainz represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden County and portions or Glynn County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Special Rules Committee and as Secretary of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources and the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Governmental Affairs, Judiciary Non-Civil, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Technology and Infrastructure Innovation and Ways & Means committees.
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