Georgia SB163: Brady Law Regulations; standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; revise

What the bill says

To amend Part 5 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Brady Law regulations, so as to revise standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Part 5 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Brady Law regulations, so as to revise standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; to provide for definitions; 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 5 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Brady Law regulations, is amended by revising Code Section 16-11-173, relating to legislative findings, preemption of local regulation and lawsuits, and exceptions, as follows: "16-11-173. (a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) 'Lawful weapons carrier' shall have the same meaning as set forth in Code Section 16-11-125.1. S. B. LC 39 4548 (2) 'Weapon' means any device designed or intended to be used, or capable of being used, for offense or defense, including but not limited to firearms, bladed devices, clubs, electric stun devices, and defense sprays. (b)(1) It is declared by the General Assembly that the regulation of firearms and other weapons is properly an issue of general, state-wide concern. (2) The General Assembly further declares that …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tyler Smith (R, 18) · primary sponsor
• Moore, Colton (R, 53) · primary sponsor
• Jason Anavitarte (R, 31)
• Carden Summers (R, 13)
• Blake Tillery (R, 19)
• Brian Strickland (R, 42)
• Steve Gooch (R, 51)
• Brandon Beach (R, 21)
• Greg Dolezal (R, 27)
• Matt Brass (R, 6)
• Randy Robertson (R, 29)
• Drew Echols (R, 49)

Latest actions

1. March 25, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2. March 25, 2025: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
3. March 11, 2025: House Second Readers
4. March 10, 2025: House First Readers
5. March 6, 2025: Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
6. March 6, 2025: Senate Third Read
7. February 27, 2025: Senate Read Second Time
8. February 26, 2025: Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
9. February 13, 2025: Senate Read and Referred
10. February 12, 2025: Senate Hopper

Votes

• Senate Vote #182 (March 6, 2025): 33 yea, 23 nay, passed
• Senate Vote #181 (March 6, 2025): 33 yea, 23 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB163?

SB163 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Brady Law Regulations; standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; revise.

What does SB163 do?

In its own words: To amend Part 5 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Brady Law regulations, so as to revise standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of SB163?

Failed as of March 25, 2026. Latest action: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (March 25, 2026).

Who sponsored SB163?

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

Where is the official record for SB163?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70302