A bill moving through the Georgia Legislature aims to crack down on websites that profit from mugshots and graphic public records, but it is also raising concerns among free speech advocates and news organizations.

Senate Bill 482, sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Strickland of McDonough, is designed to prevent what lawmakers call exploitative practices, including publishing booking photos or graphic law enforcement footage for profit. Supporters say the goal is to protect victims and ensure sensitive materials are not treated as entertainment.

Under the proposal, requests for mugshots would have to be made in person, notarized, and submitted individually, rather than through email or bulk requests. Requests for law enforcement videos could include details like date, time, and location. The bill would also require a judge’s approval before releasing images or video showing a deceased or dying व्यक्ति, except to next of kin.

Strickland says the changes are meant to increase accountability and ensure officials know who is accessing sensitive materials. The bill also includes an exemption for credentialed members of the Georgia Press Association and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.

However, critics argue that exemption could leave out many modern news outlets, including digital-only and nonprofit organizations. Free speech advocates say requiring in-person requests could make it harder for smaller or independent journalists to report stories, especially in rural areas or across long distances.

Opponents warn the bill could unintentionally limit access to public records and create barriers to news coverage at a time when many Americans rely on digital platforms for information.

The bill has passed a House committee and must clear both chambers by April 2 to become law.

WZQZ publishes daily arrest reports from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and is a member of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters through our affiliation with the Georgia News Network, the largest radio news group in Georgia.