Recently, the ACLU of Georgia testified at the Capitol against bills that threaten free speech, promote censorship in schools, and expand criminal penalties that could chill protest.
We’ve secured important amendments in some cases, but several dangerous proposals are still moving forward.
The stakes for our civil liberties are high. We’re under the Gold Dome every week, tracking harmful bills, pushing for changes, and making sure lawmakers hear from the people they represent. Here’s what you need to know.
Supporting Librarians and Access to Books in Georgia
Our team testified against Senate Bill 74, which would criminalize school personnel, including librarians and faculty, for allowing minors to access content deemed “harmful.” Because “harmful” is subjective, the threat of prosecution would likely force librarians and educators to self-censor.
Although our advocacy helped secure significant improvements to the bill, it still passed out of committee. We continue to oppose SB 74 because it promotes censorship and exposes school workers to serious and potentially irreversible consequences.
SB 74 is now on the House Floor, and Speaker Jon Burns has the power to decide if the bill moves forward. With SB 74 one step closer to passing, Burns needs to hear from you today. Email and urge him to oppose the bill and any criminalization of librarians in Georgia.
Advocacy Helps Narrow Overly Broad AI Bill
We also testified against Senate Bill 398, which makes it a crime to use artificial intelligence to generate images of another person without their consent.
The bill’s original language was overly broad and vague and would have criminalized speech protected by the First Amendment, including satire, parody, political commentary, and artistic expression. In response to our advocacy, the committee amended the bill to narrow its scope significantly.
Set of Bills Could Infringe on Protest Activity
Lastly, we testified in opposition to House Bill 1076 and Senate Bill 443, which would create a new felony offense for obstructing law enforcement with a vehicle and increase penalties for obstructing highways.
We raised concerns that these bills could be used to intimidate and criminalize protesters and chill lawful demonstrations.
While House Bill 1076 passed out of committee without amendment, we expect Senate Bill 443 will be revised to address some of these concerns.
What’s Coming Up
Reproductive Justice Advocacy Day, February 26. We’re partnering with reproductive justice organizations across Georgia for a lobby day at the Capitol. Join us in advocating for reproductive freedom for all Georgians.
ACLU of Georgia Capitol Observer Training, March 10. Our capitol observers help us maintain a presence at the Capitol each day of the legislative session by monitoring for potential First Amendment issues. Become a trained volunteer helping to defend democracy and protect free speech under the Gold Dome.
And our Legal Observer Training is on March 17. These observers help maintain a presence at protests by monitoring for potential First Amendment issues. Become a trained volunteer helping to defend democracy and protect free speech and the right to protest.
