Georgia legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Georgia HB1509: Local government; zoning procedures; operation of immigration detention centers; require special use permits
Status: In committee, March 9, 2026
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 66 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to zoning procedures applicable to counties and municipal corporations, so as to require local governments that have adopted zoning ordinances to require special use permits for the operation of immigration detention centers; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
What the bill says
To amend Chapter 66 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to zoning procedures applicable to counties and municipal corporations, so as to require local governments that have adopted zoning ordinances to require special use permits for the operation of immigration detention centers; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
From the introduced text:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Chapter 66 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to zoning procedures applicable to counties and municipal corporations, so as to require local governments that have adopted zoning ordinances to require special use permits for the operation of immigration detention centers; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Chapter 66 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to zoning procedures applicable to counties and municipal corporations, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows: "36-66-8. (a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) 'Detainee' means a noncitizen who is held in an immigration detention center pending immigration proceedings or removal from the United States under the authority of the H. B. 1509 LC 47 4105 United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or any other department or agency of the federal government. (2) 'Immigration detention center' means any facility located in this state that holds detainees, including private facilities contracted by the federal government to hold such detainees. (3) 'Permit' means a written governmental permission …
Sponsors
- El-Mahdi Holly (D, 116) · primary sponsor
- Gabriel Sanchez (D, 42)
- Mary Ann Santos (D, 117)
- Bryce Berry (D, 56)
Latest actions
- : House Second Readers
- : House First Readers
- : House Hopper
Common questions
- What is HB1509?
- HB1509 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Local government; zoning procedures; operation of immigration detention centers; require special use permits.
- What does HB1509 do?
- In its own words: To amend Chapter 66 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to zoning procedures applicable to counties and municipal corporations, so as to require local governments that have adopted zoning ordinances to require special use permits for the operation of immigration detention centers; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
- What is the status of HB1509?
- In committee as of March 9, 2026. Latest action: House Second Readers (March 9, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1509?
- El-Mahdi Holly (D, 116), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1509?
- On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73878
Source: official Georgia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.