2022 Georgia Legislative PAC Final Report

Apr 8, 2022

Police Benevolent Association of Georgia

2022 Georgia Legislative PAC Final Report

As of April 8, 2022

HB 218 – Related to reciprocity to carry concealed in Georgia and other states.

Sponsors: Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton), Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), and others.

Summary: Amends OCGA 16-11-126 to allow the GA Attorney General to enter into agreements with additional States lawful gun carriers that will recognize GA lawful gun carriers. It also amends OCGA 38-3-87 to further protect GA lawful gun owners during a declared state of emergency.

Status: Sent to the Governor.

Link: Georgia General Assembly – HB 218 (ga.gov)

HB 1216 – Enhanced penalty for fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer.

Sponsors: Lauren McDonald (R-Cumming), J. Collins (R-Villa Rica), Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), and others.

Summary: This bill amends OCGA 40-6-395 enhancing the penalties to high aggravated misdemeanor with increasing fines and sentences for first 3 offenses. Fourth offense will be a felony.

Status: Sent to the Governor.

Link: Georgia General Assembly – HB 1216 (ga.gov)

SB 84 – Related to membership into POAB for certain communications officers.

Sponsors: John Albers (R-Roswell), Tyler Harper (R-Ocilla), and Randy Robertson (R-Cataula).

Summary: The bill amends OCGA 47-17-1 by adding subsection (M) to allow communication officers as defined by GA POST Council regulations to be eligible for membership in the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund. Effective date will be July 1, 2022.

Status: Sent to the Governor.

Link: Georgia General Assembly – SB 84 (ga.gov)

SB 319 – Georgia Constitutional Carry Act

Sponsors: Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), Chuck Payne (R-Dalton), Bruce Thompson (R-White), & others.

Summary: This bill makes multiple changes to OCGA Titles 12, 16, 20, 27, 36, 37, and 40 related to carrying, possession, and transporting firearms. Allows for “Lawful weapons carriers” (those not prohibited by law may possess) to carry firearms with or without a carry permit.

Status: Sent to the Governor.

Link: Georgia General Assembly – SB 319 (ga.gov)

SB 403 – Georgia Behavioral Health and Law Enforcement Co-Responder Act

Sponsors: Ben Watson (R-Savannah), John Albers (R-Roswell), Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), and others.

Summary: This bill creates a new Chapter 11 of Title 37 that establishes a co-responder team made up of law enforcement officers and behavioral health professionals through a community service board. Permits personal or video response of behavioral health personnel.

Status: Sent to the Governor.

Link: Georgia General Assembly – SB 403 (ga.gov)

SB 479 – Possession of firearm by a convicted felon or felony first offender probationer.

Sponsors: Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia), Butch Miller (R-Gainesville), Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton), and others.

Summary: Amends OCGA 16-11-131 by adding subsection (g) that spells out that any violation of this code section involving multiple firearms and weapons that each firearm or weapon shall count as a separate offense.

Status: Sent to the Governor.

Link: Georgia General Assembly - SB 479 (ga.gov)