State lawmakers and community advocates joined The “Wake Up With Dee Morning Show” to outline a slate of legislative proposals aimed at saving lives, protecting vulnerable populations and addressing predatory housing practices across Georgia.
The conversation brought together Sen. Donzella James, Reps. Carl Gilliard and Eric Bell, and Maryland advocates Linda Grantham and her son, Eric Grantham, whose work inspired “Eric’s ID Law,” a measure now advancing in the Georgia General Assembly. The discussion also highlighted legislation related to autism safety alerts, police pursuit policies and homeowners association reform.
Lawmakers emphasized that the bills are being advanced collaboratively during the current legislative session, with a shared focus on preventing avoidable deaths and harm. Among the proposals is House Bill 465, known as the Autism Alert Bill, which would establish an alert system when individuals with autism wander from their homes, particularly into dangerous areas such as highways or waterways.
Rep. Gilliard also discussed House Bill 1011, the Darren Lewis Saving Lives Act, named after a Savannah man killed during a high-speed police chase. The bill focuses on improved training and guidance for both civilians and law enforcement, including when to terminate pursuits in residential areas to reduce risk to bystanders.
Another major focus of the discussion was Eric’s ID Law, legislation inspired by Eric Grantham, a young advocate with autism. The measure would allow individuals with invisible disabilities to voluntarily place a butterfly symbol on their state-issued identification, signaling to law enforcement that additional care or communication may be needed during interactions. The bill also mandates statewide police training and public awareness efforts.
“This law is not a Black law or a white law,” said Linda Grantham. “It’s a law for all people with invisible disabilities, such as autism, mental health, whatever you have that the police cannot see.”
Eric’s ID Law was first passed in Maryland in 2025 and has since gained national attention, with several states drafting similar legislation. Georgia lawmakers said the bill is already filed and moving through the legislative process, with bipartisan collaboration and community advocacy playing a key role.
Rep. Eric Bell, who is carrying the bill in the House, described the proposal as a commonsense public safety measure that balances awareness, dignity and accountability. He noted that the butterfly symbol would not expose medical records or require additional fees, while required training would help officers better understand how to interact with individuals who have invisible disabilities.
In addition to public safety legislation, Sen. James addressed concerns about predatory homeowners associations and rising housing costs. She outlined multiple proposals aimed at preventing excessive fines, liens and foreclosures imposed by HOAs, as well as efforts to allow local governments greater authority to address escalating rents.
Sen. James also encouraged public participation, stressing that constituent engagement is critical to moving the bills forward through committee hearings and floor votes.
“We need everybody’s help,” Sen. James said. “You know, we always say, well, my child doesn’t have autism. It’s someone you know might have it, or your neighbor.”
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.