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GeorgiaHB 6682025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Crimes and offenses; change references to assistance and guide dogs to service dogs

Sponsored By: Katie Dempsey (Republican), Derrick McCollum (Republican), Devan Seabaugh (Republican), Darlene Taylor (Republican), Brad Thomas (Republican), Dale Washburn (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Public and Community HealthPublic SafetyGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Repayment for Service Dog Owners' Losses

After a conviction under Georgia's service-dog protection law, courts must order repayment to the dog's owner. Repayment covers veterinary expenses and needed training to restore the dog's skills. If the offense kills the dog or leaves it unable to work, repayment also covers its actual replacement value. It also covers training the replacement dog and its handlers. The law sets no fixed dollar cap.

Service Dog Access Has Clear Limits

Georgia law allows qualifying service dogs on public transit with a person with a disability or the dog's trainer. A service dog must be individually trained to do tasks directly related to the person's physical or mental disability. The disability must substantially limit daily activities over an extended period. Dogs still in training must work under a trainer's guidance. Dogs providing only comfort, companionship, or emotional support do not qualify.

Stronger Criminal Protections for Service Dogs

Georgia law punishes intentional interference or harm when someone knows or should know the dog is a service dog. Interference includes harassment, hindering the dog's work, or allowing another dog to harass it. A first conviction carries up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Repeat convictions are higher-level misdemeanors. Causing pain or physical harm, acts likely to cause harm, and allowing one's own dog to cause harm are higher-level misdemeanors. They carry six to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $5,000, or both. Intentionally killing a service dog or injuring it enough to materially impair its work is a felony. It carries two to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000. The first two years cannot be suspended, probated, deferred, or withheld. A court can sentence below that minimum when the prosecutor and defendant agree.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Katie Dempsey

    Republican • House

  • Derrick McCollum

    Republican • House

  • Devan Seabaugh

    Republican • House

  • Darlene Taylor

    Republican • House

  • Brad Thomas

    Republican • House

  • Dale Washburn

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Kay Kirkpatrick

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 409 • No: 22

House vote • 3/31/2026

Agree to Senate Substitute

Yes: 168 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

MOTION TO TABLE REMAINING LEGISLATION ON THE RULES CALENDAR

Yes: 26 • No: 22 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/6/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 168 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026House

  3. Act 440

    5/11/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    3/31/2026House

  6. Senate Tabled

    3/27/2026Senate

  7. Senate Taken from Table

    3/27/2026Senate

  8. Senate Third Read

    3/27/2026Senate

  9. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/27/2026Senate

  10. Senate Read Second Time

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/18/2026Senate

  12. Senate Read and Referred

    3/9/2026Senate

  13. House Third Readers

    3/6/2026House

  14. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2026House

  15. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/25/2026House

  16. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

    4/4/2025House

  17. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/6/2025House

  18. House Second Readers

    3/3/2025House

  19. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

    3/3/2025House

  20. House First Readers

    2/28/2025House

  21. House Hopper

    2/27/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 668/AP* (v15)

    PDF

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