Repeal Of Georgia’s Citizen’s Arrest Law Heads To Governor’s Desk
The Georgia House gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that repeals the state’s citizen’s arrest law.
Emil Moffatt / WABE
A bipartisan bill that repeals key parts of Georgia’s citizen’s arrest law is heading for the governor’s desk.
The state House of Representative gave final approval Wednesday, the final day of the legislative session.
The citizen’s arrest law in Georgia dates back to the 1860s. It came into the spotlight last year when it was used as a defense by the men accused in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick.
The new legislation limits those who can attempt to detain someone they witness committing a crime. Exceptions include business owners or employees.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Bert Reeves, says it also bans using deadly force to protect property.
“Deadly force is only permissible to be used if you are defending yourself or somebody else against a forcible felony or the threat of substantial bodily injury or death,” said Reeves.
Democratic Rep. Carl Gilliard said he strongly supports the bill.
“If we pass this law today, Georgia must hold that truth to be self-evident, on paper and in law, to truly be the state that’s too busy to hate,” said Gilliard.
Gov. Brian Kemp has spoken in favor of the bill and is expected to sign it.
For a deeper exploration of Ahmaud Arbery’s story, listen to WABE’s podcast, “Buried Truths.” Hosted by journalist, professor, and Pulitzer-prize-winning author Hank Klibanoff, season three of “Buried Truths” explores the Arbery murder and its direct ties to racially motivated murders of the past in Georgia.
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