Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Officer Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill increasing assault penalties for code enforcement officers
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 483, which would extend enhanced protections and penalties for assaults on code enforcement officers similar to protections for utility workers.
House Bill 483, a measure to expand criminal protections for code enforcement officers, was advanced unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee after sponsor testimony and committee questions.
Representative Prince told the committee HB 483 provides protections for code enforcement officers “much like we did last year” (referencing previous legislation on utility workers). The sponsor described the bill as raising assault penalties when the victim is a code enforcement officer performing official duties.
Why it matters: Supporters said code enforcement employees sometimes face threats or assaults while performing inspections or enforcement duties; sponsors and committee members cited incidents in multiple counties, including Richmond County (Augusta), as motivating the bill.
Committee discussion: Senators asked how often attacks occur and whether the bill is likely to deter would-be assailants; sponsors described the incidents as scattered across the state and said the bill is intended to provide clearer legal protections for officers doing their jobs. Some committee members noted they interact frequently with building inspectors and code personnel and supported added protections as a deterrent.
Committee action: The committee recorded a unanimous do-pass vote and indicated a Senate sponsor would carry the measure; no amendment language was recorded in committee.
