Georgia laws take effect July 1 with new protest penalties, senior fraud safeguards
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
A wide range of new laws will take effect across Georgia on July 1, bringing changes that could affect thousands of people statewide.
The measures touch on everything from protections for senior citizens and tougher criminal penalties to new rules for protests and expanded opportunities for students.
New protections for seniors
Among the new laws are House Bills 945 and 439, which are aimed at protecting senior citizens from fraud.
The legislation sets new rules for financial institutions and senior care agencies to help spot and prevent scams targeting older adults. That includes fraud involving gift cards and money transfer kiosks, both of which are commonly used in scams.
Criminal laws expand
Several new criminal laws are also set to take effect.
Senate Bill 547 makes pimping a felony in Georgia.
Senate Bill 470 bans the use of signal jammers, including devices that interfere with cellular, GPS and radio signals.
New penalties tied to protests and public disruptions
Georgia is also enacting several laws that increase penalties for certain protest-related actions.
Under Senate Bill 443, blocking a highway or street will now be considered an aggravated misdemeanor. Obstructing a sidewalk will remain a standard misdemeanor.
Senate Bill 591 makes it a misdemeanor to disrupt a religious service, memorial or funeral.
House Bill 1075 creates tougher consequences for repeat offenders, making four or more qualifying misdemeanors within a 10-year period a felony punishable by one to 10 years in prison.
Changes for schools and scholarships
In education, House Bill 1123 requires schools to make after-school programs available to prekindergarten students beginning this fall.
Lawmakers have also created the DREAM Scholarship, which allows advanced fine arts courses to count toward eligibility for HOPE Scholarships.
More details on how the laws will be enforced and how Georgians may be affected are expected as the measures take effect.
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