Amid soaring murder rates in Georgia’s Democrat-led cities, the Georgia Senate has approved a bill to increase recruitment and retention of law enforcement officers.
The “Back the Blue Act” would require insurance companies to include an option for Georgia consumers to make a $3 donation to support law enforcement when buying or renewing auto coverage.
“Starting July 1, 2024, the donations would go to the ‘Back the Blue Fund,’ which would be managed by the Georgia Commissioner of Insurance. The commissioner would divide up the money evenly between the sheriff’s offices in each of Georgia’s 159 counties and distribute the funds in July 2025,” Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
Republican State Sen. Larry Walker, Perry, said the money could have a large impact in Georgia’s rural communities where law enforcement is often “woefully underpaid.”
“They have a lot of responsibility, and we need to figure out a way to help them on their compensation and show them our appreciation for keeping our communities safe,” Walker said.
Republican Lt. Governor Burt Jones originally filed the bill last year and worked with Walker to bring the bill forward this year, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
“We hope this will provide them additional measures for salaries, bonuses, as well as benefits,” said Jones.
The bill now heads to Georgia’s House of Representatives for further debate.