A bill that would pretty much outlaw bail bonds from charitable organizations has cleared the Georgia General Assembly and is headed for Governor Brian Kemp’s desk.  The General Assembly wrapped up the 2024 legislative session last week and sent the bill for the governor’s approval.

The bill is a response to protest groups such as the ones who have protested at the Atlanta police-training facility, dubbed “Cop City”.  The bill removes the discretion of a judge to allow a prisoner to be released on their own recognizance ahead of trial on the listed charges. Some amount, even if it is nominal, must be paid as a bond to secure release.

The bill would require any individual or group raising money as a charitable bail fund and soliciting donations for the release of accused persons to register and meet the requirements of a bail bond company. Under Georgia law, a county sheriff has absolute discretion over who can register as a bondsman, giving local law enforcement an effective veto over the bail component of political protests.