Bill
Bill > HB1060
summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
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 limit the lawful authority of law enforcement officers in certain situations; to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks during routine operations; to amend Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, so as to restrict the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers; to provide for a definition; to amend Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to law enforcement officers and agencies, so as to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings during routine operations; to require such officers to wear visible identification and verbally identify themselves when performing routine operations; to provide for enforcement and oversight by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; to provide for a waiver of certain privileges and immunities; to provide for civil liability and monetary damages; to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to require law enforcement to comply with Code Section 35-1-25 when signaling for a vehicle to stop; to provide for a short title; to provide legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Georgia Public Safety Transparency and Citizen Protection Act of 2026," aims to enhance transparency and citizen protection by establishing new requirements for law enforcement officers in Georgia. Key provisions include prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, referred to as "face coverings" which are defined as any mask, hood, or device that conceals any portion of the face, during "routine operations," which are defined as standard official duties like traffic stops and community patrols, but exclude undercover or tactical operations. Officers must also wear visible identification, meaning their last name and agency name must be displayed, and verbally identify themselves by name and agency when interacting with the public during these routine operations. The bill clarifies that failing to comply with these identification and face covering rules means an officer cannot claim legal privileges or immunities and could face civil liability for damages. It also amends laws related to kidnapping and false imprisonment to include these identification and face covering requirements as grounds for an officer to be considered without lawful authority. Furthermore, the bill restricts the use of deadly force by law enforcement, requiring officers to exhaust de-escalation tactics and provide a verbal warning if safe and feasible before using deadly force, and prohibits its use to apprehend someone fleeing or eluding an officer unless they pose an immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) are tasked with investigating violations and taking disciplinary action. Finally, the bill mandates that law enforcement officers must comply with these identification and face covering rules when signaling a vehicle to stop, and a failure to do so can be a defense against charges of fleeing or eluding an officer.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/02/2026)
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/72511 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240604 |
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