SB268: SB268 Offenses Against Public Order; crime of interference with a first responder; provide

This bill makes two separate changes to Georgia's criminal code. First, it revises the incest statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22) so that step-grandparent and step-grandchild relationships are included among the family relationships covered by the crime of incest, alongside grandparents and grandchildren by blood or adoption. Second, the bill creates a new crime called interference with a first responder (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-46). It defines a first responder broadly to include anyone who provides on-site emergency care before an ambulance arrives, such as people affiliated with police, fire, or rescue agencies. A person commits the offense if, after being verbally warned not to approach, they knowingly come within 25 feet of a first responder on duty intending to interfere with their work, threaten them with harm, or harass them. The offense is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, a more serious misdemeanor category under Georgia law.

• Adds step-grandparent and step-grandchild relationships to the list of family relationships covered by Georgia's incest law (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22).
• Creates a new crime of interference with a first responder for approaching within 25 feet of a warned-off first responder with intent to impede, threaten, or harass them.
• Defines 'first responder' to include law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue personnel, and others who provide on-site care before an ambulance arrives.
• Defines 'harass' as willful conduct toward a first responder that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose.
• Sets the penalty for interference with a first responder as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature, a harsher misdemeanor category than a standard misdemeanor.

The bill affects people accused of incest involving step-grandparent or step-grandchild relationships, and it affects members of the public who interact with police, firefighters, EMS, and rescue personnel at emergency or duty scenes, since those bystanders could face new criminal charges.

First responders would gain a specific legal tool to keep bystanders at a distance during emergencies, backed by a criminal charge for anyone who ignores a warning and keeps interfering, threatening, or harassing them. Separately, more family relationships would count as incest under Georgia law.

• Section 1 revises O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22(4) to add step-grandparent and step-grandchild to the incest statute's covered relationships.
• Section 2 adds new O.C.G.A. § 16-11-46, defining 'first responder' and 'harass' for purposes of the new offense.
• Section 2(b) makes it a crime to approach or remain within 25 feet of a first responder after a verbal warning, with intent to impede duties, threaten harm, or harass.
• Section 2(c) sets the penalty as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
• Section 3 repeals conflicting laws.

1. 2026-03-19House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
2. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
3. 2025-04-02House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
4. 2025-03-11House Second Readers (House)
5. 2025-03-10House First Readers (House)
6. 2025-03-06Senate Passed/Adopted (Senate)
7. 2025-03-06Senate Third Read (Senate)
8. 2025-03-06Senate Taken from Table (Senate)

• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)Primary sponsor
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Tim Fleming (R, HD-114)

1. PassedSenate voteMarch 6, 2025

   38 yea, 17 nay (1 not voting, 0 absent)

   Passage: Senate Vote #217

• first responders
• public safety
• criminal law
• incest law
• emergency workers