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GeorgiaHB 3252025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Domestic relations; Protective Order Registry; revise certain definitions

Sponsored By: Josh Bonner (Republican), David Clark (Republican), Rob Leverett (Republican), Reynaldo Martinez (Republican), Matt Reeves (Republican)

Signed by Governor

JudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

New stalking protection for militia members

Beginning July 1, 2025, Georgia militia members can seek stalking protection against another member through a military judge. The stalking must be connected to the militia. Either party’s Title 32 status or state active duty during the conduct creates a presumed connection, which can be challenged. Members submit a verified petition through their immediate commander, or a superior commander when needed. Commanders must forward it to the Office of the State Judge Advocate within 24 hours and arrange service through the respondent’s commander. A judge can grant emergency relief without first hearing from the respondent. Specific facts must support probable cause that stalking happened and may happen again. A hearing is required within 10 days, or as soon as practical, but no later than 45 days after filing. The petitioner must show the claims are more likely true than not. Judges can issue temporary or permanent orders, or consent agreements, to stop stalking or harassment. An order covering both parties requires the respondent’s verified counterpetition at least three days before the hearing, excluding weekends and legal holidays. Commanders and law enforcement must enforce these orders statewide, regardless of duty status. Orders generally end when the respondent leaves the militia, but remain effective during qualifying federal active service. Appeals of granted or denied orders follow domestic-relations appeal procedures. Qualifying military orders and agreements fall within Georgia’s Protective Order Registry law; this alone does not automatically register every order. Eligible military judges include active or retired commissioned officers from the organized militia, another state’s military force, or U.S. armed forces or reserves. They must meet the qualifications in Code Section 38-2-1026(b).

Military members face protective order penalties

Beginning July 1, 2025, military judges can compel obedience to lawful commands under the Protective Order Registry article. They can punish contempt under the rules and limits in Code Section 15-1-4. The contempt framework allows up to a $1,000 fine, up to 30 days’ confinement, or both, subject to applicable law. People covered by the article can also face court-martial or other discipline for contempt, instead of or alongside contempt punishment. A person covered by the Code of Military Justice can face court-martial punishment for knowingly disobeying a militia protective order or consent agreement. This requires knowledge of the order and a duty to obey it. Contempt appeals follow the specified state appeal rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Josh Bonner

    Republican • House

  • David Clark

    Republican • House

  • Rob Leverett

    Republican • House

  • Reynaldo Martinez

    Republican • House

  • Matt Reeves

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brian Strickland

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 220 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 168 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2025House

  3. Act 130

    5/12/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/8/2025House

  5. Senate Third Read

    4/2/2025Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    4/2/2025Senate

  7. Senate Read Second Time

    3/21/2025Senate

  8. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/20/2025Senate

  9. Senate Read and Referred

    3/6/2025Senate

  10. House Third Readers

    3/4/2025House

  11. House Passed/Adopted

    3/4/2025House

  12. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/26/2025House

  13. House Second Readers

    2/11/2025House

  14. House First Readers

    2/10/2025House

  15. House Hopper

    2/6/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 325/AP* (v3)

    PDF

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