Senator Larry Walker Introduces Senate Bill “Back the Blue Act”

Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus, Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry), introduced Senate Bill 110, the “Back the Blue Act”

This legislation would provide financial support for Georgia’s sheriff’s departments by establishing a voluntary “check off” on auto insurance premium invoices to allow Georgians to conveniently donate $3 to local law enforcement. The donations would be collected by insurance companies, then remitted to the Georgia Department of Insurance. The Insurance Commissioner would then distribute the donations equally to the Sheriff of each county in Georgia.

“Georgia’s sheriffs throughout the state work tirelessly every day to protect the citizens of their communities,” said Sen. Walker. ”Because of this, we should all want to help make sure each sheriff’s department is properly funded and, with this legislation, civic minded citizens can contribute to safer communities and  show their support and appreciation of our sheriff’s departments. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to advance this bill through the legislative process.”

“Thank you Senator Walker for sponsoring this critical piece of legislation which gives Georgia citizens the opportunity to show their support for law enforcement officials. It is critical that we give law enforcement the tools and resources they need to protect Georgia communities,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “My support for our brave men and women in blue will not waiver and I am forever grateful for all they do to keep our state, families and communities safe.”

SB 110 has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor.

First Reader Summary – A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 33 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions for insurance, so as to establish the Back the Blue Fund that distributes voluntary contributions made through motor vehicle insurance policies for the purpose of increasing the pay to or enhancing the benefits of law enforcement officers in this state; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov