Georgia Division
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.
April 1, 2026
Underneath the Spanish-moss-covered oak trees of Savannah, Georgia, Hudson Zaragoza was raised in a very close-knit family. In fact, Hudson and his sister, Adeline, couldn?t possibly be much closer without being twins ? they were born just 11 months apart. Hudson?s dad, PBA member Michael Zaragoza, reflected on having two children so close together, noting that Hudson and Adeline were always very competitive. ?When Hudson played baseball, Adeline had to play. When Adeline started basketball, that meant that Hudson had to play basketball.? The two didn?t have much of a choice but to be close, though ? they were even in the same grade in school ? and Michael said that, despite the constant competition between his Irish twins, he wouldn?t have had it any other way.
moreFebruary 18, 2026
The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia Augusta's River Region Chapter is hosting the 5th annual Back the Badge Car Show on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds.
moreJanuary 28, 2026
"My plans and goals for my career are to work in the media and entertainment industry of advertising," said Callista. "This includes getting my music business certificate from Terry College of Business at UGA."
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