Georgia HB1290: Crimes and offenses; protection of elder persons; sexual abuse; revise definition

What the bill says

To amend Article 8 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to protection of elder persons, so as to revise the definition of sexual abuse; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board, so as to provide for dangerous sexual offenses occurring after June 30, 2026; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Article 8 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to protection of elder persons, so as to revise the definition of sexual abuse; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board, so as to provide for dangerous sexual offenses occurring after June 30, 2026; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Article 8 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to protection of elder persons, is amended by revising paragraph (9) of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-5-100, relating to definitions, as follows: "(9) 'Sexual abuse' means the coercion for the purpose of self-gratification by a guardian or other person supervising the welfare or having immediate charge, control, or custody of a disabled adult, elder person, or resident to engage without consent, in any of the following conduct with an elder person, disabled adult, or H. B. 1290 LC 48 1704 (B) Flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is unclothed or partially unclothed; (C) Condition of being …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Timothy Bearden (R, 30) · primary sponsor
• Scott Hilton (R, 48) · primary sponsor
• Sharon Cooper (R, 45)
• LaHood, John (R, 175)
• Fincher, Bill (R, 23)

Latest actions

1. March 23, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
2. March 23, 2026: Senate Third Read
3. March 23, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
4. March 20, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
5. March 19, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
6. March 4, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
7. March 3, 2026: House Passed/Adopted
8. March 3, 2026: House Third Readers
9. February 24, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported
10. February 17, 2026: House Second Readers

Votes

• House Vote #596 (March 3, 2026): 167 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1290?

HB1290 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Crimes and offenses; protection of elder persons; sexual abuse; revise definition.

What does HB1290 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 8 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to protection of elder persons, so as to revise the definition of sexual abuse; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board, so as to provide for dangerous sexual offenses occurring after June 30, 2026; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB1290?

Passed one chamber as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (March 23, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1290?

Timothy Bearden (R, 30), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1290?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73141