States / Georgia / HB 1226

HB 1226 Failed

Crimes; justification for use of force in defense of self or others; revise standards

Introduced
In Committee
Floor
Crossed Over
Passed
Enacted

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 revise standards of justification for use of force in defense of self or others; to provide for a rebuttable presumption; to provide for timing for claims of immunity from prosecution based upon justification; to provide for standards of proof; 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 repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Chamber
House
Introduced
Feb 5, 2026
Last action
Feb 19, 2026 — House Withdrawn, Recommitted
Session
2025_26
Momentum
5 · Stalled