Bill > SB547

This bill amends existing Georgia law to increase the penalties for pimping and pandering offenses, specifically by making all such offenses punishable as felonies. Pimping and pandering are crimes related to profiting from or facilitating prostitution. Previously, some of these offenses were treated as misdemeanors, with lesser penalties and the possibility of suspended sentences, especially for first-time offenders. Under this bill, violations of Code Sections 16-6-9, 16-6-11, and 16-6-12, which cover these offenses, will now be classified as felonies, carrying a prison sentence of at least one year and up to ten years. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to any offenses committed on or after that date.