GeorgiaSB 362025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

"Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act"; enact

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Lee Anderson (Republican), Brandon Beach (Republican), Timothy Bearden (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Bill Cowsert (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Greg Dolezal (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Frank Ginn (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Marty Harbin (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), John F. Kennedy (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Colton Moore (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Ed Setzler (Republican), Shawn Still (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Carden Summers (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican), Larry Walker (Republican), Ben Watson (Republican), Sam Watson (Republican), Rick Williams (Republican)

Signed by Governor

JudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger religious freedom protections in Georgia

Georgia state and local governments cannot substantially burden religious practice, even through rules that apply to everyone. Government must prove a compelling public interest and use the least restrictive way to achieve it. Protection covers religious practices even when they are not required by, or central to, a person's faith. You can raise a violation as a claim or defense in court and seek relief against the government. The law took effect upon the Governor's approval.

Constitutionally allowed government grants stay protected

Government funding, benefits, or exemptions do not violate this law when allowed under the Constitution's Establishment Clause. That clause limits government establishment of religion, and this law does not change or interpret it. This protection covers grants, not denials of funding, benefits, or exemptions.

Legal fee help with judge protections

Courts can award reasonable attorney fees as court costs to a non-government party who wins a case enforcing this law. An award is not automatic. Judges sued for actions in their judicial role are protected from paying costs and attorney fees. That protection does not apply when the judge acted clearly outside the court's authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Tyler Paul Smith
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 93

House vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 96 • No: 70 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 32 • No: 23

Actions Timeline

Senate Date Signed by Governor
4/4/2025Senate
Act 6
4/4/2025
Effective Date
4/4/2025
Senate Sent to Governor
4/3/2025Senate
House Third Readers
4/2/2025House
House Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025House
House Committee Favorably Reported
3/27/2025House
House Second Readers
3/10/2025House
House First Readers
3/6/2025House
Senate Third Read
3/4/2025Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted
3/4/2025Senate
Senate Read Second Time
3/3/2025Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
2/28/2025Senate
Senate Read and Referred
1/28/2025Senate
Senate Hopper
1/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

SB 36/AP* (v5)
PDF

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