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Chris Bailey, Communications Specialist

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Governor signs Senate Bill 23

Sen. John Douglas says the bill will help the justice system check the immigration status of criminal offenders

ATLANTA– Governor Sonny Perdue has signed into law Senate Bill 23, sponsored by Sen. John Douglas (R-Newton County). The bill will allow Judges and the State Board of Pardons and Parole to consider the immigration status of convicted criminals when determining their eligibility for parole or bail.

If the court determines that the defendant is in this country illegally, then the court may determine if deportation could occur during their probated sentence. If the court finds that a deportation may occur during the probation, the courts may decline to allow the probated sentence. This law will also allow the immigration status of a defendant to be considered in the decision to grant bail before trial.

“This new law will give the courts another tool to help them serve the best interests of the state of Georgia,” Sen. Douglas said. “This bill is another step in trying to control illegal immigration in Georgia. In judicial matters, often those who are in this country illegally will not pay their debt to society after breaking the laws of this state or nation. They flee to their home country if they are granted bail or even parole. Allowing the courts to consider the immigration status of these defendants just makes good sense.”

The new law takes effect July 1 and provisions of this law can be applied to those defendants already in the court or correctional system.

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Sen. John Douglas serves as Chairman of the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes Newton County and portions of Henry, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton counties.