summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapter 15 of Title 9 and Chapter 6 of Title 13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to court and litigation costs and damages and costs generally, respectively, so as to prohibit courts from awarding attorney's fees to defendants who have been found guilty of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a sexual offense when the plaintiff is the victim of such offense; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Survivor Civil Protection Act, aims to shield victims of sexual offenses from having to pay legal costs when they are involved in civil lawsuits related to those offenses. Specifically, it amends existing Georgia law to prohibit courts from making victims or their attorneys pay attorney's fees or litigation expenses if the victim was harmed by a sexual offense (defined under Chapter 6 of Title 16 of Georgia law) and the perpetrator has been found guilty, pleaded guilty, or pleaded "nolo contendere" (meaning they do not admit guilt but accept the conviction) to that offense or a related lesser offense. This protection applies to any civil action connected to the criminal offense, ensuring that victims are not penalized with legal costs in these situations.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/18/2026)
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/73199 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/242579 |
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