Georgia HB535: Penal institutions; credit for time served regarding probation revocation sentencing; provide

What the bill says

To amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to schedules, offenses, and penalties relative to the regulation of controlled substances, so as to clarify and revise mandatory minimum departure provisions for defendants convicted of trafficking of certain substances; to provide for a statutory sentencing limit applicable to the offense of trafficking in fentanyl…

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to schedules, offenses, and penalties relative to the regulation of controlled substances, so as to clarify and revise mandatory minimum departure provisions for defendants convicted of trafficking of certain substances; to provide for a statutory sentencing limit applicable to the offense of trafficking in fentanyl; to amend Code Section 42-8-38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to arrest or graduated sanctions for probationers violating terms, hearing, disposition of charge, and procedure when probation revoked in county other than that of conviction, so as to provide for credit for time served regarding probation revocation sentencing; to provide for effective dates and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to schedules, offenses, and penalties relative to the regulation of controlled substances, is amended by revising subsections (b.1) and (g) through (i) of Code Section H. B. HB 535/AP 16-13-31, relating to trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana, or methamphetamine and penalties, as follows: "(b.1) Except as authorized …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bill Cowsert (R, 46) · primary sponsor
• Tyler Smith (R, 18) · primary sponsor
• Soo Hong (R, 103)
• Rob Leverett (R, 123)
• Stacey Evans (D, 57)
• Tanya Miller (D, 62)

Latest actions

1. May 5, 2026: Act 384
2. May 5, 2026: Effective Date
3. May 5, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 10, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. March 31, 2026: House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
6. March 16, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
7. March 16, 2026: Senate Third Read
8. March 10, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
9. January 12, 2026: Senate Recommitted
10. January 12, 2026: Senate Taken from Table

Votes

• House Vote #830 (March 31, 2026): 160 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #723 (March 16, 2026): 53 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Vote #230 (March 6, 2025): 178 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB535?

HB535 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Penal institutions; credit for time served regarding probation revocation sentencing; provide.

What does HB535 do?

In its own words: To amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to schedules, offenses, and penalties relative to the regulation of controlled substances, so as to clarify and revise mandatory minimum departure provisions for defendants convicted of trafficking of certain substances; to provide for a statutory sentencing limit applicable to the offense of trafficking in fentanyl…

What is the status of HB535?

Signed into law as of May 5, 2026. Latest action: Act 384 (May 5, 2026).

Who sponsored HB535?

Bill Cowsert (R, 46), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB535?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70518