Georgia Senate advances bill restricting public mugshot access

A Georgia bill aimed at cracking down on “mugshot mills” is moving to the House after passing the state Senate without opposition.

According to WRDW, Senate Bill 482 would keep mugshots and police body-camera footage public but require anyone requesting them to appear in person and submit a notarized statement promising not to misuse the material.

Supporters say the bill would protect people whose charges were dismissed but whose arrest photos remain online.

“We have people where cases have been dismissed or they were found not guilty, yet their mugshot lives everywhere. It follows them forever,” said Republican Sen. Brian Strickland.

But the proposal is drawing criticism from press freedom advocates. WRDW reports the Georgia First Amendment Foundation says the added steps could make it harder to monitor law enforcement.

“Putting up barriers that shut down access to this information will obviously lead to less oversight — and I think that will make people less safe,” said Sarah Brewerton-Palmer.

Reports say they plan to push for changes as the bill moves forward.