Georgia NOW News for Monday March 16, 2026

Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that could make it harder to obtain mugshots and police body camera footage. Senate Bill 482, which passed the Senate unanimously, would require people requesting the materials to appear in person, submit a notarized request, and identify individuals in the footage by name. Supporters say the measure would stop websites from profiting off arrest photos, while critics warn it could limit public oversight of law enforcement. Meanwhile, the father of the suspect in the 2024 Apalachee High School shooting has been found guilty of murder, marking one of the first cases in the country where a parent has been criminally convicted in connection with a school shooting. Applications have also opened for the Georgia Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program, which provides more than $500 million to farmers whose losses were not covered by federal disaster aid. Eligible producers have six weeks to apply. And with Crossover Day now passed, several bills backed by the ACLU of Georgia failed to advance this session. Those include a proposed Georgia Civil Rights Act, legislation limiting police searches based solely on the smell of marijuana, and a bill granting criminal immunity to certain victims seeking help from law enforcement. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW. Grab the app or listen online at georgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNews #GaPol