Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has released a statement discussing his recently signed bill that aims at getting more businesses to post required human trafficking notices.
The bill addresses a September 2013 Georgia state law that required certain businesses to post a notice that contains phone numbers for national and Georgia human trafficking hotlines.
According to Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, who has pushed to end human trafficking in the state, the fines issued for violating the law were as little as $1. The new legislation raises that fine to between $500 and $1,000 for the first offense and between $1,000 and $5,000 for any subsequent offense.
“It may not sound like much, but the reality is this simple step could save lives if the notice reaches the right person,” said Mrs. Kemp.
Governor Kemp signed the bill on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion.
“Human trafficking is a reprehensible crime that has no place in our state or our country,” said Kemp. “By signing SB 42 into law, we are once again sending a message that we will not rest until we have secured justice for victims and removed this evil from our communities. I want to thank Senator Mike Hodges, Representative Will Wade, Chairman John Albers, Chairman Tyler Paul Smith and the members of the GRACE Commission, led by First Lady Marty Kemp for their tireless work in this critical effort to protect the vulnerable and hold those who perpetrate these heinous acts accountable.”
First lady Marty Kemp also released a statement on the bill’s signing.
“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the vulnerable and robs individuals of their freedom,” said Mrs. Kemp. “I am thankful for the Georgia General Assembly’s overwhelming and bipartisan support for this important piece of legislation and the tireless work of my fellow GRACE Commission members. We must continue to work together, across all levels of government and with our community partners, to end this scourge and provide justice for survivors.”
