Four Georgia state Senators have sponsored SB 146  that would — among other restrictions – prohibit the electroshocking of children, require informed written consent for the procedure, and the opening of records on the practice. Informed consent must include information about common side effects which include, says the bill, “…possibility of death , memory loss, brain damage, physical trauma, fractures, cardiac ischemia, cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged apnea, post-treatment confusion, prolonged seizures,  treatment-emergent mania, exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, headache, muscle soreness, and nausea and vomiting.” Sponsors include Sen. Donzella James, Sen. Steve Henson, Sen. Michael Rhett and Sen. Gail Davenport.

Sen. Donzella James’ crusade against electroshock (ECT) began after her sister, a high school valedictorian, was institutionalized and given ECT. ““We found out she’d had 460 volts of electricity given to her more than one time,” said Sen. James in an interview reported by the Citizens Commission on Human Rights.  “This is a young woman that loved to read, loved to study and was athletic in school.” Sen James went on to say that her sister gained weight and became like a zombie.