Georgia bill to reduce prison sentences for domestic violence survivors on its way to becoming law

Chairman Stan Gunter applauds after announcing the results of the Georgia State House GOP Caucus leadership elections for the upcoming 2023 legislative session. Gunter is the lead sponsor of HB 582. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

A Georgia bill that would reduce sentences for those who could tie their crimes to domestic abuse is on its way to becoming law.

Women nationwide are in prison for killing their abusive partners in self-defense. Others were coerced into committing crimes with their abusers. Women of color are especially likely to end up in prison for crimes tied to abuse, experts have said.

House Bill 582 passed the Senate 53-1 on Thursday after the House overwhelmingly passed it last month. Once the House approves final changes, which it is expected to, it will go to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for his signature.