GeorgiaSB 792025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

"Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act"; enact

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Lee Anderson (Republican), Jason T. Dickerson (Republican), Timothy Bearden (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Greg Dolezal (Republican), Drew Echols (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Russ Goodman (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Mike Hodges (Republican), Chuck Hufstetler (Republican), Steven McNeel (Republican), Kay Kirkpatrick (Republican), Chuck Payne (Republican), Randy Robertson (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)

Became Law

Judiciary Non-CivilJudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.

Fewer early release options for traffickers

Beginning July 1, 2025, most mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking cannot be cut by parole, earned time, work release, pardon, or commutation. Inmates may be considered for a transitional center or work release only in the final year of incarceration. Parole is not allowed until the earlier of seven years or one‑third of the sentence, except to correct a clear miscarriage of justice. Trafficking inmates are treated as dangerous offenders, tightening emergency paroling rules. Repeat offenders face required minimum confinement periods.

Tougher penalties for fentanyl and opioids

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets strict mandatory prison terms and fines for trafficking. For fentanyl: 4–under 8 grams = 10 years and $75,000; 8–under 14 grams = 15 years and $150,000; 14–under 28 grams = 25 years and $250,000; 28 grams or more = 35 years and $750,000. For morphine, opium, heroin, and certain Schedule I or II drugs: 4–under 14 grams = at least 5 years and $50,000; 14–under 28 grams = at least 10 years and $100,000; 28 grams or more = at least 25 years and $500,000. These are mandatory minimums, with only narrow statutory exceptions.

Limited ways to cut sentences

Beginning July 1, 2025, a district attorney can ask the court for a smaller or suspended sentence if the defendant gives substantial help to identify or convict accomplices. A court can go below the mandatory minimum only if all are true: not a leader; no gun or hazardous object; no death or serious injury to nonparticipants; no prior felony; and justice supports a lower term. The law lists set lower ranges and allows agreed reductions.

Up to $1,000 for drug tips

Beginning July 1, 2025, if you are not law enforcement and your tip leads to an arrest and conviction for selling drugs or trafficking, you can get up to $1,000. A smaller $500 reward still applies in other listed cases.

Extra penalties for guns during trafficking

Beginning July 1, 2025, if a trafficking crime involves a firearm or knife, you face added weapon‑possession penalties. Using machine guns, sawed‑off rifles or shotguns, or silencers during trafficking brings enhanced penalties.

No dog certificate for traffickers

Beginning July 1, 2025, people with a felony drug‑trafficking conviction cannot get a state dog registration certificate.

Tighter bail and release for traffickers

Beginning July 1, 2025, people convicted of trafficking and sentenced to five years or more cannot get an appeal bond. People charged with trafficking are not eligible for unsecured judicial release. People convicted of trafficking cannot use the listed voluntary‑surrender or similar release options.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

James Burchett
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 329 • No: 96

House vote • 3/28/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 131 • No: 31

House vote • 3/28/2025

Immediately Transmit

Yes: 99 • No: 62

Senate vote • 3/28/2025

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2025