Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 572: Criminal Prosecutions; an additional justification for use of force in defense of self or others; provide
Passed one chamber Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 572 is a bill introduced in the Georgia Senate on February 24, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Criminal Prosecutions; an additional justification for use of force in defense of self or others; provide. Primary sponsor: Brian Strickland (Republican), Jason Anavitarte (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Steven McNeel (Republican), Bo Hatchett (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican). Most recent recorded action (March 27, 2026): House Committee Favorably Reported.
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 provide for an additional justification for use of force in defense of self or others; 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 provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Strickland | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 42 |
| Jason Anavitarte | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 31 |
| Randy Robertson | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 29 |
| Steven McNeel | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 18 |
| Bo Hatchett | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 50 |
| Blake Tillery | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 19 |
“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 Committee Favorably Reported
- House Second Readers
- House First Readers
- Senate Passed/Adopted
- Senate Third Read
- Senate Read Second Time
- Senate Committee Favorably Reported
- Senate Read and Referred
- Senate Hopper