Ga. State Rep. Jesse Petrea touts bill to scrutinize parolees Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. (Source: WTOC) By Mariah Congedo | April 6, 2021 at 11:48 PM EDT - Updated April 6 at 11:48 PM
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A bill passed during this yearâs Georgia legislative session aims to help keep you safe from violent felons.
State Representative Jesse Petrea who represents the Chatham County islands says he has been attacking the issue of parole reform head-on because of the enormity of violent crimes that have happened over the years right in Chatham County.
âMost of those crimes are committed by a small subset of people who commit violent crimes over and over and over again,â said Rep. Petrea.
Savannah Morning News
Gov. Brian Kemp appointed former Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, state officials announced late Thursday evening.
Heap has criticized the board in the past, calling for more transparency, particularly for victims. Heap, who is replacing former State Rep. James Mills, said she was humbled by the appointment and wants to show the parole board operates.
“I’ve always been a very strong advocate for victims and their rights,” she said. “Their rights begin when the crime occurs, and it carries through the conviction. If a person is sentenced to either prison or probation, I think (victims) have a right to be heard and notified of any hearing. I think they should have a meaningful voice in the system.”
Bryan County News More
By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism. Family Promise completes merger of three area affiliates
Family Promise’s three area affiliates – in Savannah, Bryan and Effingham counties – have undergone some significant structural changes. The last details are being finalized, but for all intents and purposes, Family Promise’s three area affiliates have merged, and the new organization is now known as Family Promise of the Coastal Empire.
Before making the decision in 2019 to go ahead with the merger, the three boards discussed the potential benefits for months. They arrived at the conclusion they could better serve homeless and at-risk families throughout the region by joining forces and even making future plans to continue the expansion, eventually moving into Liberty County.