Peach Tree Times

ATLANTA – State Representative Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs) stood alongside Governor Kemp at the State Capitol today as he signed two crucial bills into law aimed at supporting law enforcement and dementia patients in Georgia.

House Bill 500, which creates the offense of arson of a law enforcement vehicle, was hailed by Rep. Silcox as an essential update to the law. She emphasized the importance of prosecuting criminals who engage in such destructive behavior, stating, "HB 500 is a much-needed update to the law to ensure that we have a mechanism to prosecute criminals who set fire to law enforcement vehicles and outlining criminal penalties for this behavior." Silcox expressed her satisfaction with the Governor signing the bill, saying, "This is a common-sense measure, and I am proud that Gov. Kemp signed this bill into law today."

The new law stipulates that individuals convicted of arson of a law enforcement vehicle could face a fine of up to $100,000 or imprisonment ranging from five to 20 years, or both.

In addition to HB 500, Governor Kemp also signed House Bill 571 into law. This bill mandates that the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias State Plan Advisory Council update its state plan every four years to assess the impact of dementia in Georgia. Rep. Silcox highlighted the significance of HB 571, stating, "So many Georgia families are impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s, and HB 571 will allow our state to continue its crucial work to better understand, diagnose and treat dementia and Alzheimer’s."

Furthermore, starting from January 1, 2025, and every four years thereafter, the council is required to submit a report to the governor and the General Assembly outlining the impact of dementia in Georgia and the progress made in implementing the state plan. HB 571 also includes a revision to the council's membership, now incorporating the chair of the House Committee on Public Health.

The legislation reflects Georgia's commitment to allocating resources towards studying these debilitating diseases to enhance health outcomes for its residents.