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HB1226Introduced in the House

Crimes; justification for use of force in defense of self or others; revise standards

Introduced

Introduced by David Clark, District 100

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.

Official description

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to justification and excuse in defenses to criminal prosecutions, so as to revise standards of justification for use of force in defense of self or others; to provide for a rebuttable presumption; to provide for timing for claims of immunity from prosecution based upon justification; to provide for standards of proof; to amend Code Section 51-11-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to no duty to retreat and immunity in certain instances of threat or use of force, so as to extend immunity from civil liability in justified use of force cases to legal representatives and heirs of the person against whom force was used; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Where it stands

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

February 26, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

No recorded vote is available for this bill yet.

Bill history

  1. House Hopper

  2. House First Readers

  3. House Second Readers

  4. House Committee Favorably Reported

  5. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

  6. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

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