All Roll Calls
Yes: 383 • No: 3
GeorgiaHB 5822025-2026 Regular SessionHouse
Georgia Survivor Justice Act; enact
Sponsored By: James Burchett (Republican), Stan Gunter (Republican), Soo Hong (Republican), Kimberly New (Republican), Matt Reeves (Republican), Tyler Paul Smith (Republican)
Became Law
Judiciary Non-CivilJudiciaryGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Shorter sentences for abuse survivors
At sentencing, if you prove by a preponderance that family, dating, or child abuse significantly contributed, the judge uses reduced ranges. For death- or life-eligible crimes, the range is 10 to 30 years; with the prosecutor’s consent, the judge may go lower. For other felonies, prison is 1 year up to half the statutory maximum, and fines up to half the maximum. Parole and other reductions still apply. People already serving time can ask to be resentenced under these rules if the offense was before July 1, 2025 or they have new evidence. File within one year of sentencing or within 120 days after you receive the remittitur on appeal, whichever is later. The state has 60 days to respond (one extension up to 180 days). Courts usually hold a hearing and must reduce the sentence if the criteria are met.
Stronger defenses for abuse survivors
In murder or manslaughter cases, if you raise Georgia’s justification defense, you can present evidence that you suffered family, dating, or child abuse by the alleged victim. You may show prior acts, help‑seeking, medical care, and expert testimony about abuse and trauma. The normal evidence rules still apply. Also, you have a duress defense for crimes other than murder when you reasonably believe the act is the only way to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm.
New oaths and penalties for officers
Beginning July 1, 2025, peace officers and sheriffs sworn on or after that date must take the new set oath. Any extra words are only aspirational and have no legal effect. A public officer who willfully violates their legal oath tied to a felony or a high aggravated misdemeanor faces 1 to 5 years in prison. Peace officers can be prosecuted only for violating the specific sworn oaths named in law.
Privacy for victim‑offender dialogues
Talks and records from victim‑centered practices or victim‑offender dialogues are confidential. They are not discoverable or admissible unless the protected person waives. These rules do not block mandatory reporting or disclosures needed to prevent imminent harm. Courts may allow limited proof that a dialogue occurred. Facilitators and staff are immune from civil damages unless they act with gross negligence plus malice or willful disregard for safety or property.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
James Burchett
Republican • House
Stan Gunter
Republican • House
Soo Hong
Republican • House
Kimberly New
Republican • House
Matt Reeves
Republican • House
Tyler Paul Smith
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Bo Hatchett
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/4/2025
Agree to Senate Substitute
Yes: 164 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/2/2025
PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE
Yes: 53 • No: 1
House vote • 3/6/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 166 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/12/2025HouseAct 131
5/12/2025House Sent to Governor
4/10/2025HouseHouse Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
4/4/2025HouseSenate Third Read
4/2/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
4/2/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/28/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/28/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/10/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
3/6/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/6/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/4/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/26/2025HouseHouse First Readers
2/24/2025HouseHouse Hopper
2/21/2025House
Bill Text
HB 582/AP* (v11)
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