SB 443; HB 1076; HB 963
While the Trump makes a pretense of supporting people in other countries who seek to protest their government, the noose tightens around those in the United States who want to do the same. To that end the Georgia legislature is playing its part by moving forward bills whose intend is to intimidate open opposition to the government.
SB 443 seeks to charge peaceful protesters with a high and aggravated misdemeanor for blocking a roadway with their bodies; and to levy a misdemeanor charge for blocking a sidewalk.
We oppose HB 1076 on First Amendment grounds. The bill specifies penalties for actions that can be open to interpretation and enforced indiscriminately.
Action: Contact the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and ask that they not support this bill
HB 1076 threatens peaceful protesters with a minimum of 1 year is prison if their motor vehicle obstructs a law enforcement officer.
We oppose HB 1076 First Amendment grounds. The bill specifies harsh penalties for actions that can be open to interpretation and enforced indiscriminately. For instance, the bill’s language would extend to parked or motionless vehicles.
Action: Contact the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask they they not support his bill
HB 963 prohibits non-U.S. citizens and non-legal permanent residents from participating in civic engagement on the state or local levels.
We oppose HB 963 on First Amendment grounds. The bill goes beyond existing federal law to further restrict how people who are not U.S. citizens can contribute or participate in their communities, including supporting engagement around local ballot measures and state constitution amends.