Georgia SB116: DNA Sampling; the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; require

What the bill says

To amend Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to DNA sampling, collection, and analysis, so as to require the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to DNA sampling, collection, and analysis, so as to require the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to DNA sampling, collection, and analysis, is amended by revising Code Section 35-3-160, relating to DNA analysis in felony convictions and certain felony charges and performance of tests, as follows: "35-3-160. (a) As used in this article, the term: (1) 'Department' means the Department of Corrections. (2) 'Detention facility' means a penal institution under the jurisdiction of the department, including penal institutions operated by a private company on behalf of the department, S. B. LC 39 4563 inmate work camps, inmate boot camps, probation detention centers, parole revocation centers, and county jails, and municipal detention correctional facilities. (3) 'Division' means the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. (b)(1) A sample of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) shall be collected by oral swab or other noninvasive …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tyler Smith (R, 18) · primary sponsor
• Timothy Bearden (R, 30) · primary sponsor
• Randy Robertson (R, 29)
• Chuck Payne (R, 54)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, 31)
• John Albers (R)
• Carden Summers (R, 13)
• Ricky Williams (R, 25)
• Lee Anderson (R, 24)
• Brian Strickland (R, 42)
• Greg Dolezal (R, 27)
• Ed Setzler (R, 37)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported
2. March 3, 2026: House Second Readers
3. February 26, 2026: House First Readers
4. February 25, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
5. February 25, 2026: Senate Third Read
6. February 4, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
7. February 3, 2026: Senate Recommitted
8. January 29, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
9. January 12, 2026: Senate Recommitted
10. February 21, 2025: Senate Read Second Time

Votes

• Senate Vote #583 (February 25, 2026): 33 yea, 20 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #582 (February 25, 2026): 21 yea, 31 nay, failed

Common questions

What is SB116?

SB116 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): DNA Sampling; the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; require.

What does SB116 do?

In its own words: To amend Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to DNA sampling, collection, and analysis, so as to require the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of SB116?

Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: House Committee Favorably Reported (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored SB116?

Tyler Smith (R, 18), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB116?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70013