This bill requires all peace officers of the Georgia Ports Authority to be subject to the requirements of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act. While in the performance of their duties, peace officers of the Georgia Ports Authority shall have the same powers of arrest and the same powers to enforce law and order as the sheriff of the county and the chief of police of the county or municipality. It gives them the authority to issue citations to vehicles parked in areas not specifically designated for parking. The issuance of a parking citation shall require the violator to respond by the payment of a fine in the amount of $25.00 or by appearing in the court which handles misdemeanor traffic offenses for the county in which the violation occurred. The amount of the fine shall be fixed at the discretion of the judge of said court, but shall not exceed $25.00.

HB 1201 and 1202 were presented together by Rep. Burke Day (R - Tybee Island) to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. Rep Day indicated that these bills were passed out of committee last years and were vetoed by the Governor. HB 1201 Allows GEMA the same protection offered to other law enforcement. HB 1202 requires all peace officers of the Georgia Ports Authority to be certified and meet the requirements of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training Act.