Groups file suit to stop Georgia law banning charity bail: 'cruel and costly'

Two groups have filed a federal lawsuit to stop parts of a state law that they say bans charitable bail activities.

The ACLU of Georgia and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University Law Center filed a lawsuit Friday, asking a judge to declare Section 4 of Georgia Senate Bill 63 unconstitutional and issue a temporary restraining order preventing the law from taking effect in July. 1.

The groups filed an application on behalf of Barred Business Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, as well as John Cole Vodicka and Steve Williams, both members of Oconee Street United Methodist Church in Athens.

Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta, Georgia, associated with a federal lawsuit challenging cash bail restrictions. — Two groups have filed a federal lawsuit to declare Section 4 of Georgia Senate Bill 63 unconstitutional. AP Photo/Mike Stewart, Son

Vodicka coordinates the charitable bail fund administered by the church’s Justice and Outreach Committee, and Williams volunteers for the project.

“SB 63 is cruel and costly, forcing people to languish in prison because they cannot pay for their release, and barring others from being able to help them become free,” said Cory Isaacson, legal director of the SB 63. ACLU of Georgia, in a statement. A declaration.

“With this law, the state of Georgia prohibits people from exercising their First Amendment rights to help those who are detained solely because they are poor,” Isaacson added. “This is petty and unconstitutional, and we hope the courts will step in to stop the state from doing even more harm.” »

Earlier this month, The Bail Project announced the closure of its Atlanta location, effective June 10, due to SB 63.

A spokesperson for Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who advocated for the measure, had no immediate comment on the legislation, instead pointing to a May statement issued after Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill. measure.

“Passing these bills allows law enforcement to do their jobs and allows violators to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Jones said in the May statement. “We will not allow criminals to roam freely on our streets. These bills continue our efforts to keep Georgians safe.