Governor Brian Kemp signed multiple pieces of legislation this week aimed at strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement officers across Georgia during a ceremony following the annual Public Safety Memorial Ceremony in Forsyth.

Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, lawmakers, and public safety leaders, signed 11 bills into law covering areas including law enforcement retirement benefits, autism training for officers, anti-trafficking penalties, and protections for injured officers.

“The Kemp family will always back the blue,” Governor Kemp said during the signing ceremony, adding that the measures reinforce support for officers throughout their careers and retirement.

One of the major bills signed was Senate Bill 452, which significantly increases state contributions to 401(k) retirement plans for POST-certified state law enforcement officers in an effort to improve recruitment and retention.

Kemp also signed Senate Bill 433, known as “Rio’s Law,” which creates a specialty license plate for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities and requires additional law enforcement training for interactions involving autism.

Other legislation signed includes House Bill 1128, reopening benefit application windows for officers suffering traumatic brain injuries, and Senate Bill 547, which increases penalties for pimping and pandering offenses by making first offenses felonies.

Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns both praised the legislation, saying Georgia continues prioritizing public safety, support for officers, and stronger criminal penalties.