Rep. Eric Bell Urges Public Support at Committee Hearing on House Bill 464

ATLANTA - State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) is urging public support as he presents his legislation, House Bill 464, before the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. in room 132 of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia.

"Victims of serious violent and sexual crimes often avoid contacting law enforcement out of fear that doing so could lead to their own arrest, prosecution or court sanctions for unrelated offenses uncovered during reporting," said Rep. Bell. "This fear contributes to the widespread underreporting of crimes such as rape, aggravated assault and kidnapping, which allows offenders to remain free and increases the risk of future victimization. HB 464 is a necessary step to remove these barriers, as it creates limited immunity for victims of specified violent and sexual offenses who seek law enforcement assistance in good faith. It prevents arrest, charging, prosecution or related court sanctions when evidence of a violation arises only because the victim sought help."

HB 464 would provide immunity to anyone who, in good faith, seeks police assistance while being a victim of a violation of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, female genital mutilation, kidnapping, rape, aggravated sexual battery or aggravated sodomy. Those who have immunity could not be arrested, charged or prosecuted for any crime, if the evidence for that incident resulted solely from seeking assistance. Individuals with this immunity also could not be subject to related penalties for a violation of a temporary protective order, temporary restraining order, permanent protective order or permanent restraining order; or sanctions for a violation of a condition of pretrial release, probation or parole based on a drug violation.

"This legislation is essential for community safety as increased reporting leads to higher clearance rates before violent crimes can escalate," added Rep. Bell. "HB 464 does not decriminalize conduct or provide blanket immunity. The bill applies only to victims who are not the predominant aggressors, and it explicitly excludes accomplices. By ensuring victims can seek help without fear of arrest or court sanctions for unrelated issues, this bill will strengthen public safety and help hold dangerous offenders accountable."

The full text of HB 464 may be found here.

WHO: Rep. Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro)

WHAT: House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Georgia State Capitol, Room 132, 206 Washington Street S.W., Atlanta, GA 30334

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