ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a law aimed at blocking “defund the police” efforts in larger Georgia cities and counties, saying it's unfair to “condemn and demonize” police officers.
The Republican governor signed the bill Friday at the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office gun range in Bethlehem.
The law would limit governments’ ability to cut police funding by more than 5% a year. Atlanta and Athens-Clarke County officials had last year debated but ultimately rejected plans to cut or redirect spending following racial injustice protests.
Most Democrats opposed restricting local control. A similar measure has become law in Florida, while other states are considering them.
