hb1019_LC_35_0030_a_2.html
06 LC 35 0030
House Bill 1019
By: Representatives Day of the 163rd, Horne of the 71st, Neal of the 1st, Hanner of the 148th, Chambers of the 81st, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To create and establish the "Taser Certification Act"; to amend Chapter 8 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employment and training of peace officers, so as to require certified training for law enforcement officers for the official use of tasers, stun guns, or other similar devices; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Taser Certification Act."

SECTION 2.
Chapter 8 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employment and training of peace officers, is amended by adding a new Code section immediately following Code Section 35-8-25 to read as follows:
∀35-8-26.
(a) It is the intent and purpose of the Georgia General Assembly that tasers, stun guns, or other similar devices be used by law enforcement officers in a safe and humane manner and consistent with generally accepted practices by the industry and public standards of human decency and the constitutional provisions which prohibit cruel and unusual treatment of persons subject to the custody of state. This Code section shall be broadly construed so as to meet this purpose.
(b) A certified peace officer, as a condition of maintaining his or her certification, shall successfully complete taser certification training approved or provided by the council. Training shall consist of four to eight hours of training pertaining to the use of tasers, stun guns, or other similar devices as determined by the council. Training and taser recertification shall be completed a minimum of once every two years.
(c) Every candidate shall satisfactorily complete as a part of his or her basic training provided in Code Section 35-8-9 and prior to receiving peace officer certification, four to eight hours of taser certification training as determined by council.∀

SECTION 3.
This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2007.

SECTION 4.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.