Senator Albers Applauds Progress of “Justice for Victims of Drug Induced Homicide Act”
Thursday, February 22, 2024
House Bill 167, carried in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), progressed out of the Senate Committee on Public Safety this week and will soon reach the Senate floor after unanimously passing in the House in 2023. This bill, known as the “Justice for Victims of Drug Induced Homicide Act,” will strengthen and enhance the protections for victims of the dangerous impacts of illegal drugs.
Sen. Albers collaborated with Cherokee County District Attorney Susan Treadaway on crafting the language and actions to be taken by this piece of legislation.
“District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway continues to be a leader in fighting crime and protecting victims,” Sen. Albers said. “This bill will support victims and first responders from the dangerous effects of illegal drugs. I am grateful for Susan’s leadership and tenacity to prosecute these horrific crimes.”
The “Justice for Victims of Drug Induced Homicide Act” aims to update and revise Georgia’s criminal laws relating to the offenses and penalties regarding the regulation of certain controlled substances, including those that manufacture, deliver, distribute, or sell in cases that a death or serious bodily injury occurs.
“Over the course of the last five years, more than 6,000 families buried loved ones in Georgia as a result of the drug epidemic, with fentanyl serving as a primary contributing factor,” said District Attorney Treadaway. “This proposed change in the law will provide prosecutors with the appropriate tool to hold all those accountable for the lives lost to this crisis, and in turn, serve as a deterrent for those inclined to possess and distribute controlled substances in Georgia. I look forward to the continued partnership with Senator John Albers as we work to provide greater protections for first responders and all Georgians. ”
You can find more information on HB 167 here.
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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at [email protected]