State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) has released a statement expressing support for GloRilla, an artist and Memphis native, following her recent arrest after attempting to report a burglary at her home. Bell also highlighted his sponsorship of House Bill 464, which aims to protect victims who seek help from law enforcement.
Bell said, “Like many Georgians and anyone who keeps up with pop culture, I was disheartened to learn of the recent arrest of artist and Memphis native GloRilla after she attempted to report a burglary at her home. No one, regardless of fame, background or zip code, should fear being criminalized for doing the right thing.”
He pointed out that cases like GloRilla’s are not uncommon. According to Bell, “Unfortunately, stories like hers are not rare. Too often, victims of crime—especially Black victims—face the threat of arrest simply for seeking help from law enforcement. This breaks down trust, discourages cooperation and drives people toward the streets in search of their own form of justice. That path often leads to more violence, retaliation and harm.”
House Bill 464 is designed as a bipartisan measure that would prevent individuals reporting crimes from being arrested or detained over unrelated minor warrants or technical issues during emergencies. Bell explained its intent: “That is why I proudly introduced House Bill 464, a bipartisan effort to protect victims rather than punish them. This legislation would ensure that people who report a crime are not arrested or detained over unrelated minor warrants or technical issues that have nothing to do with the emergency they are facing. This is not just a policy decision. It is a matter of compassion, safety and basic fairness.”
He expressed gratitude toward colleagues involved in advancing the bill through committee: “I want to thank Chairman Tyler Paul Smith, the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee and my colleagues from both political parties who helped move HB 464 out of committee. But now, we must finish what we started. This bill must become law.”
Bell clarified that HB 464 does not represent leniency on crime but focuses on fair treatment for those cooperating with authorities: “Let us be clear. HB 464 is not about going easy on crime. It is about being smart about justice. It is about making sure the next GloRilla—or our cousins, our neighbors or our children—are not punished for trying to do the right thing. It is about breaking down the barriers that stop people from cooperating with law enforcement and reducing the cycles of harm that continue to devastate our communities.”
In addition to supporting legislative changes, Bell called for all charges against GloRilla to be dropped: “In the meantime, I am calling for all charges against GloRilla to be dropped. She deserves support, not punishment, for trying to protect herself and her home. We cannot send the message that doing the right thing puts you at greater risk.”
He concluded by emphasizing broader implications for Georgia residents: “No one should have to choose between being a victim or being treated like a criminal. Let us get this done—not just for Glo, but for the future of Georgia, for those who call it home and for those who will. Let us act for all of us who believe in real safety and real justice.”
Burns was elected as a Republican representative in Georgia’s 159th House District in 2005 after Ray Holland stepped down.
