HB497: HB497 Penal institutions; inmate be allowed to dress in plain clothes during trial proceedings; provide

25 LC 48 1430 House Bill 497 By: Representatives Clark of the 108th, Miller of the 62nd, Ridley of the 22nd, Jackson of the 68th, and Kendrick of the 95th A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the Official Cod e of Georgia Annotated,1 relating to conditions of detention generally, so as to provide that an inmate be allowed to2 dress in plain clothes during trial proceedings; to provide for a penalty; to provide for related3 matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Geor gia Annotated, relating to7 conditions of detention generally, is amended by adding a new C ode section to read as8 follows:9 "42-5-58.1.10 It shall be unlawful for any sheriff, jailer, or other officer to require any person imprisoned11 in a penal institution to appear in any court for trial dressed in the uniform or dress of a12 prisoner or inmate, or in any uniform or apparel other than ordinary civilian dress, or with13 a shaved or clipped head. No person charged with a criminal offense shall be tried in any14 court while dressed in the uniform or dress of a prisoner or in mate, or in any uniform or15 apparel other than ordinary civilian dress, or with a head shaved or clipped by or under the16 H. B. 497 - 1 - 25 LC 48 1430 direction or requirement of any sheriff, jailer, or other officer, unless the head was shaved17 or clipped while such person was serving a term of imprisonment for the commission of18 a crime. Any sheriff, jailer, or other officer who violates th e provisions of this Code19 section shall upon conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor."20 SECTION 2.21 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.22 H. B. 497 - 2 -