Senate minority leader proposes bill to let survivors of residential gun violence terminate leases without penalty

The Senate minority leader used floor time to announce she will introduce legislation that would allow survivors of residential gun violence to terminate rental leases without penalty. The proposal was framed as a survivorship protection similar to existing statutes that allow survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking to end housing arrangements for safety reasons.

The minority leader recounted a handout showing six children in Georgia who were killed by gunfire and said families need an easier pathway to immediate safety. "I propose a bill this session that would, at the very least, allow survivors of residential gun violence to terminate their leases without fear of penalty from their landlords," she said.

She criticized the Senate majority for what she described as deference to landlords and for limiting public testimony and committee time on such measures. The floor exchange was a policy announcement and a call for hearings; no bill number or formal motion was introduced during the session record and no vote occurred on the proposal.

Next steps: The minority leader said she will file the measure this session; the transcript shows no committee referral or bill text during this sitting.