SB 586 Georgia Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

"K-9 Law Enforcement Heroes Act of 2026"; enact

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 16-11-107 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to interfering with, harming of, or aggravated harming of a public safety animal or search and rescue animal, so as to provide for commendations of public safety animals and search and rescue animals that are injured or killed in the line of duty; to provide for related matters; to provide a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

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 25, 2026 Last action Apr 2, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Passed Senate → LC 63 0178S/hss · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten from a law protecting police K-9s to a law allowing sheriffs to donate or sell livestock running at large. The new version authorizes sheriffs to give impounded animals to nonprofits or individuals who can care for them, or sell them at auction if no one claims them.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted entirely from public safety animal protection to livestock management and donation.

SCOPE

Removed all provisions regarding the 'K-9 Law Enforcement Heroes Act,' which previously authorized commendations for injured or killed police dogs.

ELIGIBILITY

Added authority for sheriffs to donate impounded livestock to nonprofits, individuals, or entities deemed capable of humane care.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific notice requirements for selling or donating livestock, including publication in newspapers and posting at courthouses.

TIMELINE

Changed the timeline for livestock disposition, requiring a sale notice to be published 5 to 10 days after the initial notice.

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 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Mar 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Passed/Adopted

upper

Mar 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

Senate Read and Referred

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Introduced

Senate Hopper

upper

2 primary · 0 co-sponsors