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GA SB531
GA SB531Electors; convictions for offenses involving the purchase, possession, or control of certain controlled substances shall not prevent persons from registering, remaining registered, or voting; provide
summary
Introduced
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Code Section 21-2-216 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to qualifications of electors generally, reregistration of electors purged from list, eligibility of nonresidents who vote in presidential elections, retention of qualification for standing as elector, evidence of citizenship, and check of convicted felons and deceased persons databases, so as to provide that convictions for offenses involving the purchase, possession, or control of certain controlled substances shall not prevent persons from registering, remaining registered, or voting; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill amends Georgia law to clarify that certain drug offenses will no longer be considered "felonies involving moral turpitude" for the purpose of voter registration and voting eligibility. Specifically, it states that convictions for purchasing, possessing, or controlling controlled substances or marijuana, as defined in Georgia law, will not prevent a person from registering, remaining registered, or voting. This change is intended to remove these specific drug convictions as a barrier to voting, while other felony convictions involving moral turpitude would still require completion of the sentence before a person can regain their voting rights. The bill is set to become effective on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (14)
Tonya Anderson (D)*,
Gail Davenport (D)*,
Sonya Halpern (D)*,
Jaha Howard (D)*,
Nabilah Islam Parkes (D)*,
Kim Jackson (D)*,
Harold Jones (D)*,
RaShaun Kemp (D)*,
Josh McLaurin (D)*,
Nikki Merritt (D)*,
Nan Orrock (D)*,
Elena Parent (D)*,
Sheikh Rahman (D)*,
Kenya Wicks (D)*,
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73381 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/243106 |
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