The scene of a crime is often the result of a tragic situation that demands the utmost care. Georgia recently passed a bill in an effort to limit the damage and potential legal ramifications that could result from trauma scene waste service providers failing to show the proper sensitivity to a situation. Lawmakers sought to pass new legislation after an incident involving a Georgia crime scene crew taking insensitive photos of a victim’s belongings occurred.

Georgia SB 153 requires trauma scene waste management service providers to post a $25,000 surety bond and to acquire a license. A trauma scene is defined in the legislation as “a location soiled by or contaminated with potentially infectious material or regulated biomedical waste due to the occurrence of a homicide or suicide, or the occurrence of a death of a human being in which there is advanced decomposition of the body.”  All working in any environment falling under this definition will need to follow the updated state regulations.

The new bill amends previous Georgia Code Section 43-30-01 with updates regarding the requirement of a surety bond and a license to legally clean crime scenes in the state. Georgia is the first state in the United States to enact such laws.

How do I get a Georgia Trauma Scene Waste Management Service Provider License?

Regulated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, there are certain requirements applicants must meet before receiving a trauma scene waste management service provider license. All applicants will need to pay an initial $100 registration fee, as well as a registration renewal fee of $100 every three years. Additionally, applicants will be subject to a fingerprint background check conducted by the Georgia Crime Scene Information Center and Federal Bureau of Investigation. All applicants will also need to provide proof of $100,000 worth of liability insurance coverage for all employees involved with the trauma waste management scene business.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will keep an updated list of all applicants maintaining state codes surrounding the required surety bond and license regulations. Those in violation of any of the code enacted by the State of Georgia are subject to a fine of $5,000.

Why do I need a surety bond?

A surety bond is required to ensure that any damages caused by trauma scene waste management service providers could be accounted for by a third party. A surety bond works as an agreement between three parties: the principal, the governing body requiring a surety bond, the obligee. The trauma scene waste management service provider posting a bond is the principal and the surety is the insurance company backing the bond. Not only does purchasing a surety bond allow trauma scene waste management service providers to continue to legally work in Georgia, but ensures any crime scene damage is covered by the bond.

Ready to apply for a bond as a Georgia trauma scene waste management service provider?

Whether you need to update your current bond or you are getting bonded for the first time, the experts at SuretyBonds.com have years of experience issuing surety bonds, meaning they can get you the bond you need while saving you time and money. Call 1 (800) 308-4358 or visit SuretyBonds.com today to find out how much you can save.