Georgia HB1303: Crimes and offenses; offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child; provide

What the bill says

To amend Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to children, so as to provide for the offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child; to provide for definitions; to provide for penalties; to provide for limitations on the merger of other offenses arising from the same conduct; 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 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to children, so as to provide for the offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child; to provide for definitions; to provide for penalties; to provide for limitations on the merger of other offenses arising from the same conduct; 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 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to children, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows: "16-5-74. (a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) 'Child' means any person under the age of 14 years. (2) 'Controlled substance' shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 16-13-21. (3) 'Possession' means control, ownership, or the right to control a controlled substance pursuant to Code Section 16-13-30. H. B. 1303 LC 48 1650 (b) A person commits the offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child when such person and (2) While in possession of such substance, has one of more children present …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050) · primary sponsor
• Trey Kelley (R, 16) · primary sponsor
• Tyler Smith (R, 18)
• Eddie Lumsden (R, 12)
• Fincher, Bill (R, 23)
• Esther Panitch (D, 51)

Latest actions

1. March 25, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
2. March 25, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
3. March 6, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
4. March 4, 2026: House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
5. March 4, 2026: House Third Readers
6. February 24, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
7. February 18, 2026: House Second Readers
8. February 17, 2026: House First Readers
9. February 12, 2026: House Hopper

Votes

• House Vote #645 (March 4, 2026): 147 yea, 12 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1303?

HB1303 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Crimes and offenses; offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child; provide.

What does HB1303 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to children, so as to provide for the offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child; to provide for definitions; to provide for penalties; to provide for limitations on the merger of other offenses arising from the same conduct; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB1303?

Passed one chamber as of March 25, 2026. Latest action: Senate Read Second Time (March 25, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1303?

Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1303?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73190