Rep. Houston Gaines Applauds the Signature of New Immigration, Public Safety Laws

ATLANTA - Today, State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens) applauded Governor Brian Kemp as he signed into law a bill that cracks down on criminal illegal immigrants and another that requires bail for violent offenders - House Bill 1105 and Senate Bill 63. Rep. Gaines played a key role in passing both public safety measures during Georgia's 2024 legislative session.

House Bill 1105, which Rep. Gaines co-authored along with Representative Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah), requires law enforcement to report illegal aliens in custody to federal immigration authorities. It further requires that law enforcement honors detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. HB 1105 will also remove state and state-directed federal funding from jurisdictions that fail to comply.

"Our community will never forget the senseless murder of Laken Riley, a young woman with an incredible future," said Rep. Gaines. "Laken was failed over and over again - the perpetrator should've never been on the streets. HB 1105 will restore safety to our communities by defunding local governments with sanctuary policies and ensuring total compliance with immigration authorities."

Senate Bill 63, which Rep. Gaines carried in the House, adds cash bail requirements to a number of crimes to ensure offenders show up to court for sentencing. Specifically, the law adds cash bail requirements to offenses that involve victims, such as battery, theft, trafficking and domestic terrorism. It also strengthens Georgia law to stop illegal aliens from posting bail and fleeing the country.

"While we continue to see liberal states go down the dangerous path of eliminating cash bail, in Georgia we're fighting back to keep our communities safe," added Rep. Gaines. "Instead of enabling the revolving door of criminals who commit crime after crime without consequence, this measure will make sure defendants are held accountable for their actions."

Representative Houston Gaines represents the citizens of District 120, which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the House Majority Caucus and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Ethics, Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Public Health, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees.

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