summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Titles 8, 10, 34, 35, 45, and 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to buildings and housing, commerce and trade, labor and industrial relations, law enforcement officers and agencies, public officers and employees, and state government, respectively, so as to provide comprehensive state civil rights laws protecting individuals from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, familial status, or national origin; to provide for legislative findings and intent; to extend protections prohibiting discrimination in housing; to provide for the right to equal enjoyment of and privileges to public accommodations and provide for a civil right of action and remedies; to prohibit discrimination in private and public employment and provide for a private right of action and remedies; to specifically prohibit racial profiling by law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies; to require certain policies and procedures by law enforcement agencies; to provide for data collection; to provide for regulations by the Attorney General; to provide for an annual report; to provide for a right of action for enforcement; to revise the state waiver of sovereign immunity; to provide for waiver of sovereign immunity under certain circumstances; to repeal the use of the term "handicap" and make conforming changes with the use of the term "disability"; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill provides comprehensive civil rights protections for Georgia residents by establishing legal safeguards against discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, and law enforcement. The bill expands existing state laws to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, familial status, and national origin across multiple domains. In housing, the bill adds protections for individuals seeking to rent, buy, or access housing services, preventing discrimination in rental, sale, and real estate transactions. For public accommodations, the bill ensures equal access to goods, services, and facilities for all individuals, with provisions for legal recourse if discrimination occurs. In employment, the bill prohibits discriminatory practices in hiring, firing, compensation, and workplace conditions for employers with 15 or more employees, and establishes a private right of action for employees facing discrimination. The bill also introduces the "End Racial Profiling Act," which requires law enforcement agencies to collect data on investigatory activities, prohibits racial profiling, and allows for civil action against agencies or officers engaging in discriminatory practices. Additionally, the bill updates terminology, replaces outdated language like "handicap" with "disability," and provides a mechanism for individuals to seek injunctive relief and attorney's fees when discrimination occurs. The bill is set to become effective on January 1, 2026, and aims to comprehensively address civil rights protections in Georgia.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 03/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70965 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/234409 |
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