The state House voted 169-0 to approve Senate changes to House Bill 479, sending it to Gov. The legislation was one of the top legislative priorities this session in the aftermath of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. The pressure for the hate crimes law became overwhelming last year after a public outcry over Arbery’s fatal shooting, which was recorded on video. One prosecutor assigned to the case cited Georgia’s citizen's arrest law to argue that the shooting was justified. The changes would retain Georgia’s “stand your ground” law that says a person isn’t required to retreat.

Lawmakers paused to remember him at the Georgia state Capitol, and President Joe Biden offered thoughts on the slaying one year ago of Ahmaud Arbery. As three men await trial for murder, those closest to Arbery sought to make sure his death isn't overlooked again. Pleas for justice by Arbery's family went largely unheard as Georgia and the nation entered lockdown in the coronavirus pandemic. AdThe anniversary march was organized by the 2:23 Foundation, a group founded by Vaughn and Arbery's cousin, Demetris Frazier, to fight systemic racism. Vaughn, who coached Arbery at Brunswick High School, said the slaying remains painfully fresh.