Bill
Bill > SB268
GA SB268
GA SB268Offenses Against Public Order; crime of interference with a first responder; provide
summary
Introduced
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
In Committee
04/02/2025
04/02/2025
Crossed Over
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, so as to include step-grandparent and step-grandchild relationship regarding the offense of incest; to provide for the crime of interference with a first responder; to provide for penalties; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill makes two primary changes to Georgia law: first, it expands the definition of incest to include step-grandparents and step-grandchildren, which means that sexual relationships between these family members would now be legally considered incestuous; second, the bill creates a new criminal offense called "interference with a first responder." Under this new provision, a person can be charged with a high and aggravated misdemeanor if they knowingly and willfully approach or remain within 25 feet of a first responder (such as law enforcement, firefighters, or rescue personnel) after receiving a verbal warning, with the intent to impede the first responder's duties, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. The bill defines "first responder" broadly as anyone providing on-site care before an ambulance arrives, and defines "harass" as engaging in conduct that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress to the first responder without a legitimate purpose. The penalties for this new offense include a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, which typically carries more serious consequences than a standard misdemeanor.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
John Albers (R)*,
Timothy Bearden (R)*,
Steve Gooch (R)*,
Chuck Payne (R)*,
Randy Robertson (R)*,
Tim Fleming (R),
Last Action
House Withdrawn, Recommitted (on 04/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70838 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/238642 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/235655 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/234000 |
Loading...