Georgia SB565: Peace Officers; the definition of law enforcement unit and peace officer to include members of police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities; revise

What the bill says

To amend Code Section 35-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to employment and training of peace officers, so as to revise the definition of law enforcement unit and peace officer to include members of police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Code Section 35-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to employment and training of peace officers, so as to revise the definition of law enforcement unit and peace officer to include members of police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Code Section 35-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to employment and training of peace officers, by revising paragraphs (7) and (8) as follows: "(7) 'Law enforcement unit' means: (A) Any agency, organ, or department of this state, a subdivision or municipality thereof, or a railroad, or a police force of a nonprofit private college or university that is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code whose primary functions include the enforcement of criminal or traffic laws, the S. B. LC 39 4946 preservation of public order, the protection of life and property, or the prevention, detection, or investigation of crime; (B) The Office of Permits and Enforcement of the Department of Transportation, the Department of Juvenile Justice and its institutions and facilities for the purpose of personnel who are authorized to …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bethany Ballard (R, 147) · primary sponsor
• Randy Robertson (R, 29) · primary sponsor
• Jason Anavitarte (R, 31)
• John Albers (R)
• Brian Strickland (R, 42)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)

Latest actions

1. March 19, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported
2. March 9, 2026: House Second Readers
3. March 6, 2026: House First Readers
4. March 4, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted
5. March 4, 2026: Senate Third Read
6. March 3, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
7. February 26, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
8. February 25, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
9. February 24, 2026: Senate Hopper

Votes

• Senate Vote #624 (March 4, 2026): 53 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB565?

SB565 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Peace Officers; the definition of law enforcement unit and peace officer to include members of police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities; revise.

What does SB565 do?

In its own words: To amend Code Section 35-8-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to employment and training of peace officers, so as to revise the definition of law enforcement unit and peace officer to include members of police forces of nonprofit private colleges and universities; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of SB565?

Passed one chamber as of March 19, 2026. Latest action: House Committee Favorably Reported (March 19, 2026).

Who sponsored SB565?

Bethany Ballard (R, 147), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB565?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73554