A new bill in Georgia could criminalize bail funds, expand cash bail

A Republican-backed Georgia bill that would criminalize state bail funds and expand the list of charges that require cash or property bail is moving forward.

A controversial Republican-backed bill that would criminalize state bail funds and expand the list of charges that require cash or property bail has passed the Georgia Senate.

The legislative move comes amid ongoing protests against the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, dubbed "Cop City" by its critics, which will be used for specialized training for both law enforcement and fire department service workers.

The bill adds roughly 30 charges that would be ineligible for release without a property or cash bond. These charges include unlawful assembly and obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and racketeering and conspiracy -- charges that have been made against several"Cop City" protesters.

At least 61 people have been charged for allegedly violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in connection with protests over the controversial training center. Three activists involved in a bail fund, the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, that posted bond for protesters arrested in connection to "Cop City" were also recently charged with charities fraud and money laundering for allegedly "misleading contributors by using funds collected through the Network for Strong Communities, which runs the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, to fund the actions of Defend the Atlanta Forest," according to the Associated Press.

The bill would also make it a misdemeanor for "any individual, corporation, organization, charity, nonprofit corporation, or group in any jurisdiction" to submit more than three cash bonds per year.