SB 116 Georgia Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

DNA Sampling; the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; require

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to DNA sampling, collection, and analysis, so as to require the collection of DNA samples from any individual in a detention facility charged with a misdemeanor or felony who is subject to an immigration detainer notice; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Issues: ✗ Immigration

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Feb 6, 2025 Last action Mar 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As introduced LC 39 4563 → As Passed Senate · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to clarify its scope by referencing a new Article 6A and to add a critical 48-hour exemption for individuals subject to immigration detainers. This change prevents the collection of DNA from people who are quickly transferred to federal immigration custody, aligning the law with federal regulations and limiting the state's involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed to apply only to individuals who remain in state custody for at least 48 hours after being charged with a misdemeanor or felony and subject to an immigration detainer notice.

SCOPE

Added a specific exception requiring that individuals subject to immigration detainers must not be taken into federal custody within 48 hours for the DNA collection requirement to apply.

DEFINITION

Updated the text to reference 'Article 6A of Chapter 3' instead of just 'Chapter 3' to organize the new DNA sampling provisions.

Changed the definition of 'Division' from the 'Georgia Bureau of Investigation' to the 'bureau' to correct the agency name.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 25, 2026

How they voted

33–18

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 52

Feb 25, 2026

D Democratic20

1 Yea 18 Nay 1

90% Nay

R Republican32

32 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 12, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported

lower

Feb 25, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Committee

Senate Recommitted

upper

Jan 29, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

upper

Jan 12, 2026

Committee

Senate Recommitted

upper

Feb 20, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported

upper

Feb 10, 2025

Committee

Senate Read and Referred

upper

Feb 6, 2025

Introduced

Senate Hopper

upper

12 primary · 0 co-sponsors