SB 501 Georgia Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner; update provisions

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 8 and 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to buildings and housing and fire protection and safety, respectively, so as to improve government efficiency by updating provisions of the office of the Safety Fire Commissioner; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 12, 2026 Last action Apr 2, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Passed Senate → LC 64 0105S/hss · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended by the House Committee to add new provisions regarding consumer fireworks sales facilities and to update the bill's title to reflect these additions. Additionally, the bill's text was reorganized to include new sections on the appointment of a deputy commissioner of safety fire and expanded arrest powers for state fire marshal personnel.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include the establishment of permanent and temporary consumer fireworks sales facilities and to increase the number of temporary retail facilities distributors can operate.

SCOPE

Added provisions to establish permanent and temporary consumer fireworks sales facilities and to increase the number of temporary retail fireworks sales facilities a distributor may operate.

REQUIREMENT

Added a new requirement for an increased fee for failing to maintain a smoke detector.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a new section appointing a deputy commissioner of safety fire.

Expanded the authority of state fire marshal personnel to include making arrests for criminal violations, carrying firearms, and executing warrants.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 6, 2026 · House Mar 31, 2026

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 48

Mar 6, 2026

D Democratic19

18 Yea 1

94% Yea

R Republican29

27 Yea 2

93% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 2, 2026

Introduced

Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub As Amended

upper

Mar 31, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

lower

Mar 18, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Mar 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

upper

Feb 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Committee

Senate Read and Referred

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Introduced

Senate Hopper

upper

16 primary · 0 co-sponsors