Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 194: Crimes and offenses; justification for use of force in defense of self or others; revise standards
Introduced Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 194 is a bill introduced in the Georgia House on January 30, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Crimes and offenses; justification for use of force in defense of self or others; revise standards. Primary sponsor: Charlice Byrd (Republican), Noelle Kahaian (Republican), Jordan Ridley (Republican), Mitchell Horner (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 4, 2025): House Second Readers.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to justification and excuse in defenses to criminal prosecutions, so as to revise standards of justification for use of force in defense of self or others; to provide for a rebuttable presumption; to provide for timing for claims of immunity from prosecution based upon justification; to provide for standards of proof; to amend Code Section 51-11-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to no duty to retreat and immunity in certain instances of threat or use of force, so as to extend immunity from civil liability in justified use of force cases to legal representatives and heirs of the person against whom force was used; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 4
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlice Byrd | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 20 |
| Noelle Kahaian | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 81 |
| Jordan Ridley | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 22 |
| Mitchell Horner | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 3 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- House Second Readers
- House First Readers
- House Hopper