Governor Perdue Signs Legislation Repealing Jim Crow Era Laws

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue today signed four bills that repeal Jim Crow-era laws from the Official Code of Georgia – House Bills 25, 26, 27 and 372.  Governor Perdue was joined by State Representatives Tyrone Brooks and Billy Mitchell for the bill signing in the Governor's Office at the State Capitol.

            “Today I think is another important step in the ongoing process of putting real meat to the process of racial reconciliation in Georgia,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “I'm proud to sign the repeal of these laws from a rather tragic era in our past.”

HB25 repeals a Jim Crow-era law that granted the Governor the authority to close any college if there is any threat of violence.  HB26 repeals a Jim Crow-era law that granted the Governor authority to suspend compulsory K-12 attendance laws if there is any threat of violence.  HB27 repeals a Jim Crow-era law that empowered the General Assembly to provide taxpayer-financed grants to students for K-12 education outside of public schools.  HB372 repeals a Jim Crow-era law that allows local public school systems and local governments to lease public facilities to private schools.  Repeal of these laws is effective July 1, 2005.