SB 29 Georgia Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

DNA Sampling, Collection, and Analysis; collection of DNA samples of individuals arrested for the commission of a felony at the time such individuals are booked or otherwise processed by a detention facility; provide

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 6A of Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to DNA sampling, collection, and analysis, so as to provide for the collection of DNA samples of individuals arrested for the commission of a felony at the time such individuals are booked or otherwise processed by a detention facility; to revise provisions relating to the destruction of DNA profiles; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 27, 2025 Last action Mar 27, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

LC 56 0409S/hss → LC 63 0071S/hss · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Georgia's DNA collection laws to ensure that kits are provided by the state and to clarify that DNA analysis can be performed by the Division of Forensic Sciences or its designated contractors. It also adjusts the timing for collecting DNA from individuals being released from detention facilities.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of DNA collection by explicitly including individuals arrested for serious violent felonies and clarifies the roles of the state in funding and kit distribution.

FISCAL

The state of Georgia is now explicitly responsible for paying all costs associated with DNA testing.

REQUIREMENT

The state must provide postage prepaid DNA collection kits to law enforcement agencies.

ENFORCEMENT

DNA analysis authority was expanded to include the Division of Forensic Sciences or its designee, rather than being limited to the division alone.

TIMELINE

The deadline for collecting DNA from individuals being released from detention was adjusted to occur within 12 months prior to release, with collection now allowed at the processing facility or by the arresting officer.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Division' was slightly altered to remove the word 'Investigation' from the name of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation bureau.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2025

How they voted

42–12

Passed · 1 other

Total votes 55

Mar 3, 2025

D Democratic22

15 Yea 6 Nay 1

68% Yea

R Republican33

27 Yea 6 Nay

81% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 27, 2026

Committee

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

lower

Jan 29, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Apr 4, 2025

Committee

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

lower

Mar 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Mar 3, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate Passed/Adopted As Amended

upper

Feb 26, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported

upper

Jan 28, 2025

Committee

Senate Read and Referred

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Introduced

Senate Hopper

upper

15 primary · 0 co-sponsors