Georgia lawmakers are pushing for changes to state law in response to the death of a church deacon who died after refusing to sign a traffic ticket and struggling with an Atlanta police officer. The proposed House Bill 1054, which passed the state House by a vote of 156-10, removes the requirement for a driver to sign a citation, allowing officers to write that the driver refused to sign and then give them the ticket. This change aims to reduce conflicts that can lead to risks for both officers and drivers, ultimately ensuring everyone’s safety.
State Rep. Yasmin Neal, the bill’s sponsor, believes that removing the signing requirement will prevent arguments and fights between officers and citizens over traffic tickets. If a driver refuses to sign a citation, they would not be able to prepay the ticket and would be required to appear in court. Neal emphasizes that this measure is meant to standardize existing practices in some cities and counties across the state, with the goal of reserving jail for individuals accused of more serious crimes. The intention is to prevent situations like the one that led to the tragic death of Johnny Hollman Sr., who died after a confrontation with an officer over a traffic citation.
The incident involving Johnny Hollman Sr. occurred after he collided with another vehicle while driving home from Bible study. Body camera footage shows Officer Kiran Kimbrough demanding that Hollman sign the citation, leading to a physical altercation between the two men. Hollman ultimately became unresponsive and later died at a hospital. The autopsy determined that Hollman’s death was a homicide, with heart disease also playing a role. Kimbrough was fired for violating department policy by not waiting for a supervisor before making the arrest, and the district attorney’s office is reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
Hollman’s family has filed a federal lawsuit against Kimbrough, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, and the city, alleging that excessive force was used in the incident. They are seeking punitive damages and other compensation, and have also called for murder charges to be brought against Kimbrough. The case has sparked debate over the use of force by law enforcement officers, with lawmakers and advocates pushing for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Overall, the proposed changes to Georgia’s state law regarding traffic citations aim to enhance safety for both officers and drivers by eliminating unnecessary conflicts. By allowing officers to issue citations without a signature, the hope is to reduce the risk of violence and ensure that everyone involved in a traffic stop can go home safely. The tragic death of Johnny Hollman Sr. has shed light on the need for reform in policing practices, prompting lawmakers to take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
