Peach Tree Times

State Representative Yasmin Neal from Jonesboro has announced the recent passage of House Bill 283 by the Georgia House of Representatives. This bill offers citizens the option to choose whether or not to sign a traffic citation when stopped by law enforcement.

Rep. Neal expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, “It is a pleasure to move legislation that everyone can get behind that helps citizens, law enforcement and saves taxpayer dollars all at the same time.” She added, “It’s a great day in Georgia! I look forward to attempting to move additional good legislation that everyone can get behind to help our great state.”

The proposed legislation allows individuals to refuse signing a citation without facing immediate arrest or needing to post bond, provided they agree to appear in court. The intention behind HB 283 is to reduce negative interactions between citizens and law enforcement, lower costs for taxpayers, allocate law enforcement resources more efficiently towards higher priority tasks, and decrease unnecessary jail occupancy. The bill received bipartisan support and is now awaiting consideration by the Senate.

For those interested in reviewing the complete text of HB 283, further details are available online.