This episode features two bipartisan bills aimed at protecting vulnerable Georgians. Lawmakers passed new legislation to support survivors of domestic violence during sentencing and to crack down on the unregulated roadside sale of pets.

This episode of Lawmakers Huddle highlights two pieces of bipartisan legislation focused on protecting vulnerable communities in Georgia. Representative Mary Ann Santos, a freshman Democrat, shared her personal experience as a survivor while supporting the Georgia Survivor Justice Act, which allows courts to consider the role of domestic violence in criminal cases during sentencing. The law aims to offer survivors more opportunities for justice and healing, acknowledging the circumstances that may have shaped their actions.

The episode also covers Representative Beth Camp’s successful bill banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in unregulated settings like parking lots and roadside stands. The law targets large-scale sellers who often bring in animals from out of state under poor conditions, and links have been drawn to organized crime. By steering pet sales toward safer, regulated environments, lawmakers hope to reduce animal cruelty and ease pressure on overcrowded shelters.

Tags: Georgia