Daren Lewis Saving Lives Act; enact
Starting January 1, 2026, all law enforcement agencies in Georgia will be required to implement these written pursuit policies and establish pursuit review committees. These committees will be accountable for evaluating the adherence of each pursuit to established policies, ensuring thorough assessments of decision-making processes and the outcomes of each pursuit. The agencies will also need to publish annual reports detailing the number of pursuits, resulting injuries and fatalities, and other important metrics, which will increase transparency and accountability.
House Bill 1011, known as the 'Daren Lewis Saving Lives Act,' seeks to enhance the safety of vehicular pursuits carried out by law enforcement in residential areas. It mandates the development of written policies governing how such pursuits are conducted, with specific protocols regarding when pursuits can begin and when they must be terminated. The legislation's goal is to reduce the risk of injury or death to civilians during high-speed chases, particularly in populated areas where the potential for harm is significantly elevated.
The bill may face contention over concerns regarding its potential impact on law enforcement's ability to perform their duties effectively. Critics might argue that stringent pursuit policies could hinder police officers' response times in critical situations, where immediate action is necessary to prevent more serious crimes. Advocates for the bill, however, emphasize the importance of public safety and the need for law enforcement to operate with proper oversight and defined strategies to minimize risks associated with high-speed chases.