Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HB 497: Penal institutions; inmate be allowed to dress in plain clothes during trial proceedings; provide

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 20, 2025 · Introduced

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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 Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conditions of detention generally, so as to provide that an inmate be allowed to dress in plain clothes during trial proceedings; to provide for a penalty; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conditions of detention generally, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

"42-5-58.1.

It shall be unlawful for any sheriff, jailer, or other officer to require any person imprisoned in a penal institution to appear in any court for trial dressed in the uniform or dress of a prisoner or inmate, or in any uniform or apparel other than ordinary civilian dress, or with a shaved or clipped head. No person charged with a criminal offense shall be tried in any court while dressed in the uniform or dress of a prisoner or inmate, or in any uniform or apparel other than ordinary civilian dress, or with a head shaved or clipped by or under the direction or requirement of any sheriff, jailer, or other officer, unless the head was shaved or clipped while such person was serving a term of imprisonment for the commission of a crime. Any sheriff, jailer, or other officer who violates the provisions of this Code section shall upon conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor."

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.