Legislation Assigned to the Senate Public Safety Committee (47)
Use the drop down to the left to select the next 25 bills to display.

Date of Last Recorded Action: 4/25/2024

HB 0079 NeutralRequire Law Enforcement to Purge Tag Reader Information John Pezold
7/1/2018 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/02/16 Report 2018/03/09 Report Debra Nesbit Econ. Dev. & Transportation General County Government
Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts Traffic Enforcement
This legislation allows law enforcement to use high speed cameras to capture images of license plates.  However, the data captured from the images may not be used for anything other than law enforcement purposes.  The data must be destroyed no later than 30 months after it is collected unless the data is needed for law enforcement purposes.  The collected data is exempt from the open records law.
HB 0116 NeutralSuperior Court Exclusive Jurisdiction of Juvenile Cases Involving Aggravated Assault Albert Reeves
1/8/2018 Senate Recommitted Judiciary Non-Civil Public Safety -
Correctional Institutions/Jail Criminal Procedure Debra Nesbit Firearms/Carry Laws Health and Human Services
Juveniles Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts Superior Court
This legislation gives the superior court exclusive jurisdiction over juveniles charged with aggravated assault with a firearm.  The language of this legislation was added to SB 160 "Back the Badge".
HB 0149 NeutralRequirement for Counties to Use Only GBI Approved Trauma Scene Cleanup Services and Consolidation of Fire Services Alan Powell
3/29/2018 Senate Disagreed House Amend or Sub Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2017/03/06 - Report 2018/03/16 Report 2018/03/23 Report Business and Occupation Tax Code Enforcement
Coroners/Medical Examiners Debra Nesbit Emergency Management/Preparedness EMS/Ambulance Fire Services
Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons Georgia Bureau of Investigation Health and Human Services Law Enforcement Nat. Res. & the Environment
Public Safety and Courts Sheriff Solid Waste
This legislation preempts county and city governments from requiring licenses or permits for trauma scene waste management practitioners or regulated waste transporters.  When hiring a company to cleanup or remove trauma scene waste, counties and cities must hire a company approved by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.  This bill was amended to include S.B. 319 which provides for the Consolidation of all Fire Services into a separate state agency.
HB 0251 SupportAllow EMS Personnel Access to Private Property During Declared State Emergency Darrel Ealum
7/1/2017 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2017/02/03-Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/17 - Report Debra Nesbit Emergency Management/Preparedness
EMS/Ambulance Fire Services Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts
This legislation gives EMS and all first responders the right to enter private property during a disaster declared by the governor, for search and rescue, debris removal and providing aid.
HB 0253 SupportDog and Cat License Plates Wendell Willard
3/27/2018 Senate Tabled Motor Vehicles Public Safety -
2017/03/24 - Report Agriculture Animal Control General County Government Health and Human Services
Nat. Res. & the Environment Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Tags/Titles Todd Edwards
This legislation amends the special license plates to help fund dog and cat reproductive sterilization support.
HB 0405 NeutralGEMHSA to Establish State-wide System for Transport and Distribution During State of Emergency Bill Hitchens
7/1/2017 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2017/02/17-Report Debra Nesbit Econ. Dev. & Transportation Emergency Management/Preparedness Law Enforcement
Public Safety and Courts
This legislation requires Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA) to implement a state-wide system for transport and distribution for essentials during a declared start of emergency.  GEMHSA will develop a certification process for businesses and entities that can facilitate transport and distribution of essentials.
HB 0412 NeutralMotor Vehicle Title Applications - Electronic Submittal Timothy Barr
7/1/2017 Effective Date Motor Vehicles Public Safety -
Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Tags/Titles
This legislation requires that applications for titles for commercial vehicles, apportioned vehicles, and all applications submitted by vehicle dealers must be submitted electronically to the Department of Revenue beginning in 2018.
HB 0419 SupportFireworks - Counties May Limit Hours of Use Deborah Silcox
7/1/2018 Effective Date Regulated Industries Public Safety -
2017/02/24 - Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/24 - Report 2018/03/23 Report Fireworks
General County Government Local Legislation Population Acts Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards

This legislation allows cities and counties to regulate the hours of firework usage within their communities on all but seven days of the year via the adoption of a noise ordinance, so long as said ordinance is general and applicable to all manner of sounds and noises.  Before adopting the ordinance, counties must post notice in the legal organ or on their Web site stating the date, time and place of the meeting and informing the public that the ordinance will affect the use of fireworks.  Statewide use remains allowed from 10:00 a.m to 11:59 p.m. on January 1, December 31, July 3 and July 4, the Saturday and Sunday preceding Memorial Day, Labor Day, and from 12:00 midnight to 1:00 a.m. on January 1 annually. On the downside, for counties not adopting an ordinance, fireworks usage extends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. every day of the year.  Previously, usage was allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.      

HB 0452 NeutralGBI Shall Post on Website Aliens Released From Federal Custody/Measures to Address Domestic Terrorism Jesse Petrea
7/1/2017 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
Correctional Institutions/Jail Debra Nesbit General County Government Georgia Bureau of Investigation Immigration
Public Safety and Courts Sheriff
This legislation requires the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to publicly post on their website information on aliens who are released who are released from federal custody and notify the sheriff's offices within 12 hours.  SB 1 was added to this legislation which sets forth requirements for domestic terrorism.
HB 0474 SupportDriver's Manual Shall Include Best Practices for Drivers During a Traffic Stop Carolyn Hugley
1/8/2018 Senate Recommitted Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
Debra Nesbit Econ. Dev. & Transportation Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts Traffic Enforcement
This legislation requires that the drivers' manual developed by the Department of Driver Services include best practices during a traffic stop by law enforcement.
HB 0487 SupportLeave with Pay for Certain State Employees to Participate in Disaster Relief Services Josh Bonner
3/15/2018 Senate Read Second Time Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
Compensation Debra Nesbit Emergency Management/Preparedness General County Government Public Safety and Courts

This legislation allows state employees who are certified disaster service volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary to be given p to 15 days of leave per year to assist county emergency management agencies. 

HB 0699 SupportAcceptance of Military Firefighter Training as Required Basic Firefighter Certification Dave Belton
7/1/2018 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/02/09 Report 2018/03/09 Report Debra Nesbit Fire Services Public Safety and Courts
Training
This legislation allows military firefighter training in lieu of the required basic firefighter training for full time firefighters, upon the approval of the Firefighters Standards and Training Council.
HB 0703 SupportCreation of the Governor's Office of Public Safety Support Bill Hitchens
5/7/2018 Act 439 Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/01/26 Report 2018/02/09 Report 2018/03/16 Report Debra Nesbit Emergency Management/Preparedness
EMS/Ambulance Fire Services Health and Human Services Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts
This legislation creates the Governor's Office of Public Safety Support which will provide peer to peer counseling for public safety officers who experience traumatic events.  This office will be housed within the Department of Public Safety and will be staffed by employees of the department.  The legislation is contingent on funding.
HB 0751 Support911 Legislation - Georgia Emergency Communications Authority Act Alan Powell
7/1/2018 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/01/26 Report 2018/02/09 Report 2018/02/16 Report 2018/03/09 Report 2018/03/16 Report
911 Debra Nesbit Health and Human Services Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance
This legislation is similar to 911 legislation passed last year.  It increases the prepaid fee to $1.50, eliminates cost recovery, and reduces the administrative fee retained by the providers from 3 percent to 1 percent.  Please click here for a detailed summary by section.  Please click here for talking points.
HB 0761 NeutralElectronic Filing of Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Jason Ridley
5/8/2018 Effective Date Motor Vehicles Public Safety -
2018/02/09 Report 2018/02/23 Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
Tags/Titles
This legislation allows motor vehicle dealers the option of electronic filing of applications for titles; current law requires dealers to file electronic applications. As a result, dealers would have the option of filing applications at county tag offices. In addition, a dealer would have the option of filing title applications in the county where the dealer is located rather than in the counties where the purchasers reside.
HB 0779 NeutralCreation of the Homeland Security Division of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency Alan Powell
7/1/2018 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/02/02 Report 2018/03/16 Report Debra Nesbit Emergency Management/Preparedness Firearms/Carry Laws
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Government Immunity Health and Human Services Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts
This legislation creates the Board of Homeland Security to be administratively attached to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of the Board is to coordinate all homeland security activities.
HB 0826 NeutralAllows Alarm Companies to Contract for Alarm Verification Services Geoff Cauble
2/23/2018 Senate Read and Referred Regulated Industries Public Safety -
911 Debra Nesbit Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts
This bill allows alarm companies to contract for verification services to provide a verification prior to law enforcement dispatch.
HB 0867 EvaluatingRevision of Requirements for Transaction of Business of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council Bill Hitchens
7/1/2018 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/02/16 Report Debra Nesbit Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts
This legislation changes the required quorum of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training Council (P.O.S.T) from seven members to eleven members.
HB 0898 NeutralFleet Vehicles Registration Alan Powell
7/1/2018 Effective Date Motor Vehicles Public Safety -
Econ. Dev. & Transportation Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Tags/Titles
This bill would lower the threshold for a company to register its vehicles as a fleet from 1000 vehicles to 100 vehicles. The bill further lessens the requirements for such fleet registrations, and requires electronic registration with the Department of Revenue rather than county tag agents.
HB 0978 NeutralUse of Cameras and Automated Devices to Enforce Law Regarding School Buses and Enforcement of Speed Limits in School Zones Chad Nimmer
7/1/2018 Effective Date Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
2018/03/2 Report 2018/03/23 Report Debra Nesbit Econ. Dev. & Transportation General County Government
Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Solicitors State Court

This legislation allows private companies to place cameras in school zones and enforce civil penalties for speeding in school zones.   The fine is $75 for the first offense and $125 for subsequent offenses with an additional processing fee up to $25 assessed per offense. Additionally, should a local government chose to use cameras in school zones, signs must be placed within the approaching school zone warning drivers of the use of speed detection cameras. Money collected from such fines are to be used by the local governing body only for law enforcement or public safety initiatives. 

This bill also allows private companies to operate and maintain cameras placed on school buses. Additionally, the bill reduces the civil penalty for passing a school bus that has its stop sign activated from $300 to $250. This fine is to be paid to the governing body of the law enforcement agency. 

HB 0992 NeutralDeletion of Outdated Requirements for External Defibrillators Jodi Lott
3/29/2018 Senate Conference Committee Appointed 50th, 56th, 11th Public Safety and Homeland Security Public Safety -
911 Debra Nesbit EMS/Ambulance Fire Services Health and Human Services
Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts
This legislation eliminates sections of the statute relating to external defibrillators that are no longer relavent.
SB 0042 EvaluatingMandatory Standards for Law Enforcement Engagement in Vehicular Pursuits Gail Davenport
1/24/2017 Senate Read and Referred -Public Safety -
Debra Nesbit Law Enforcement Mandate Preemption Public Safety and Courts

This legislation requires written policies for emergency pursuits to include a requirement that a vehicle pursuit may only occur if probable cause exists to believe that the person committed or is committing murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, hijacking, interference with custody, trafficking for labor or sexual servitude, rape, armed robery, or any offnese that creates an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury.  The policy must also require that the driver of the emergency pursuit vehicle comply with the requirements of O.C.G.A. ยง 40-6-6:  driving through a red light or stop sign only after slowing down as necessary for safe operation, exceeding the speed limit only if it does not endanger life or property, and using the blue lights and siren.

SB 0049 NeutralWeapons License - Allow for Larger Knife before Conceal License is Requierd Bill Heath
1/8/2018 Senate Recommitted -Public Safety -
2017/02/17-Report Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
Under current law, a person needs a weapons carry license to conceal a knife with a blade greater than five inches in length.  This legislation changes the license requirement to a knife with a blade greater than 12 inches.  
SB 0084 SupportGuns - Authorize Locals to Destroy Unclaimed Firearms Lester Jackson
1/30/2017 Senate Read and Referred -Public Safety -
Firearms/Carry Laws Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons Law Enforcement Public Safety and Courts Sheriff
Todd Edwards
This legislation revises the procedures to dispose of firearms seized by law enforcement.  It allows local law enforcement agencies to destroy the firearm rather than being required to auction it off. 
SB 0091 NeutralGuns - Cannot Sell to Terrorists Steve Henson
1/30/2017 Senate Read and Referred -Public Safety -
Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Open Records/Meetings Act Probate Court Public Safety and Courts
Todd Edwards
This legislation prohibits the sale or transfer of firearms to individuals who are known or suspected terrorists without judicial review.
Green background on status indicates a bill has been acted on the last recorded legislative day.








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