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Senate committee backs bill to curb commercial mugshot sites and require requester identification
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Summary
The committee unanimously advanced SB 482, which would require in-person, notarized identification for requests for arrest images and videos and narrow abuse by for-profit sites that monetize mugshots and police footage, while stakeholders urged preserving legitimate press access.
Senate Bill 482, presented by Senator Strickland, would tighten access to arrest images and law-enforcement videos by requiring that a requester identify the person whose image they seek and submit a notarized statement in person when requesting the image; the substitute also covers requested law-enforcement videos.
Strickland framed the bill as a response to an industry that profits by publishing arrest images and charging for removal even when charges are dismissed. He recounted prior legislation (2013 and 2014) that sought to limit commercial exploitation and said the new language aims to identify who is requesting images so civil or criminal enforcement can follow when companies monetize those images.
Press and media advocates urged the committee to preserve legitimate access. Reagan Marsh (Troutman Pepper, speaking for the Georgia Press Association) said the association supports curbing abusive practices but warned that additional hurdles could impede legitimate reporting and public access under Georgia's open-records laws. Jeremy Collins (Georgia Association of Broadcasters) said the sponsor had worked with broadcasters to find workable language.
Law-enforcement witnesses, including Ron Freeman (president, Georgia Sheriffs' Association) and Ashley Henson (Paulding County sheriff), described how online mugshot sites and video uploads can lead to scams, family harassment and long redaction burdens for county staff. Freeman described the staff time required to process bulk video requests and urged measures that would reduce exploitative requests.
Committee members pressed the sponsor and press representatives to refine language that protects public access while cutting off commercial monetizers. Senator Goodman moved to pass the bill; the motion carried by unanimous voice vote, advancing the measure to the next stage.
The committee heard no recorded opposition testimony; multiple stakeholders said they were working with the sponsor to preserve legitimate newsgathering while blocking bad actors.
