From AJC Politics
From AJC Politics

Kemp signs Georgia DUI breathalyzer bill

The high court unanimously found that part of the state’s DUI law violates the U.S. Constitution’s protections against self-incrimination. The ruling sets the stage for a re-write of the law by the state legislators.
By
April 29, 2019

A new Georgia law prevents police officers from telling drivers that their refusal to take breathalyzer tests could be used against them in court.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure into law in Savannah on Sunday.

The legislation, House Bill 471, changes the language police officers read to suspected drunk drivers when they're pulled over.

The bill passed the Georgia General Assembly after the state Supreme Court ruled in February that requiring suspects to blow into breathalyzers is a violation of constitutional protections against self-incrimination.

Officers can still mandate blood or urine tests, and they can also ask drivers to voluntarily take breathalyzer tests.

Kemp also signed several other bills Sunday, including a measure that prohibits use of drones to deliver contraband to prisoners.

About the Author

Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.

Follow Mark Niesse on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Derek Dooley wasn't very successful as football coach of the Tennessee Vols. He's hoping for better results in his campaign for U.S. Senate. (File 2012 AP)

Credit: AP

What Tennessee fans think of their old coach, Derek Dooley, running for U.S. Senate

As their former head football coach, Derek Dooley, runs for Senate, most Tennessee fans in Georgia didn’t even know he was in the race.

Clark Dean preps outsider-themed GOP run for Georgia governor

The business executive files paperwork to join a Republican field that includes several prominent candidates.

Early voting begins for special state Senate runoff election

Those who live in Senate District 21 can cast their ballot at select voting sites ahead of the Sept. 23 runoff election.

The Latest

Derek Dooley wasn't very successful as football coach of the Tennessee Vols. He's hoping for better results in his campaign for U.S. Senate. (File 2012 AP)

Credit: AP

What Tennessee fans think of their old coach, Derek Dooley, running for U.S. Senate

Clark Dean preps outsider-themed GOP run for Georgia governor

Early voting begins for special state Senate runoff election

Featured

A rendering of the columbarium memorial that is estimated to be completed by next summer or fall in the southeast part of Oakland Cemetery, officials said. (Courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

Credit: Historic Oakland Foundation

For the first time in 145 years, you can reserve a spot at Oakland Cemetery

For the first time since 1880, Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta is offering public burial spaces through a new columbarium project near East Hill.

Four decades after her body was found in Cobb woods, she finally has a name

Officials say the death of Veronica Jane Miller is being investigated as a homicide after she was identified through DNA and forensic genetic genealogy.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor who embezzled federal COVID funds is off November ballot

Jason Lary cannot run for Stonecrest City Council or vote, the DeKalb County elections board ruled.