HB 315: Law Enforcement Partners Act; enact

Georgia law currently does not spell out exactly who counts as a 'law enforcement officer' for purposes of the state's general definitions statute (O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3) or the law that authorizes arrests with and without a warrant (O.C.G.A. § 17-4-20). This bill, titled the 'Law Enforcement Partners Act,' fixes that by adding a new definition. The new definition covers Georgia peace officers, out-of-state or federal officers helping during a governor-declared state of emergency, newly appointed police chiefs or department heads who have not yet finished required training, officers certified in another state whose certification is still in good standing even if they have not completed Georgia's required training, and full-time federal law enforcement officers in good standing who can carry a firearm and make arrests under federal law. The arrest-authorization statute is then updated to point to this same definition, so both laws use one consistent meaning.

• Adds a new definition of 'law enforcement officer' to Georgia's general crimes and offenses definitions law (O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3).
• Includes newly appointed police chiefs or department heads who have not yet completed state-mandated training within the required timeframe.
• Includes out-of-state certified officers working for a Georgia agency whose home-state certification is in good standing, even before they finish Georgia's required training.
• Includes full-time federal law enforcement officers in good standing who can carry firearms and make federal arrests.
• Includes state or federal officers who assist Georgia agencies during a governor-declared state of emergency or disaster.
• Updates the arrest authorization law (O.C.G.A. § 17-4-20) to use this same definition of 'law enforcement officer.'

The bill affects Georgia peace officers, newly appointed police chiefs and department heads still completing training, out-of-state certified officers working in Georgia, federal law enforcement officers who assist Georgia agencies, and any Georgia law enforcement agency or political subdivision that relies on these officers during emergencies or daily operations.

By clearly defining who qualifies as a 'law enforcement officer,' the bill would settle questions about whether newly appointed chiefs still in training, out-of-state officers, or assisting federal agents can lawfully exercise arrest powers and other officer authority under Georgia law during emergencies or routine work.

• Section 1 names the bill the 'Law Enforcement Partners Act.'
• Section 2 adds paragraph (8.1) to O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3, defining 'law enforcement officer' in five categories including peace officers, emergency-response assistance officers, untrained new chiefs, out-of-state certified officers, and federal officers.
• Section 3 amends O.C.G.A. § 17-4-20(a) to add a cross-reference stating that 'law enforcement officer' in that arrest-authorization statute has the same meaning as in O.C.G.A. § 16-1-3.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
2. 2025-02-20House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
3. 2025-02-11House Second Readers (House)
4. 2025-02-10House First Readers (House)
5. 2025-02-06House Hopper (House)

• Matt Reeves (R, HD-99)Primary sponsor
• Houston Gaines (R, HD-120)
• David Clark (R, HD-100)
• Sandy Donatucci (R, HD-105)
• Tremaine Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)
• Clint Crowe (R, HD-118)

• law enforcement definitions
• police training
• arrest powers
• public safety law
• emergency response