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Committee hears debate over bill to expand 'law enforcement officer' definition to include certain federal agents
Summary
Senate Bill 99 would define 'law enforcement officer' in state code to encompass certain federal officers when assisting local agencies or acting in exigent circumstances; supporters say it offers liability protection, critics warn it could be broader than intended.
The Georgia Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a hearing on Senate Bill 99, a proposal to clarify the statutory definition of “law enforcement officer” so it can include certain federal officers when they are assisting state or local agencies or must act immediately to protect public safety.
Sponsor Senator Whit Robertson said the change is meant to narrow uncertainty in statutes that allow arrests and other interventions but do not define who qualifies as a law enforcement officer for that purpose. “The simplest way to resolve this…to allow federal partners who are in a situation where they either witness or are assisting law enforcement officers to make that arrest…
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