---
title: SB 468. Sexual Offender Risk Review Board; reporting requirements of sexual offenders; increase
collection: bills
id: 2025-2026/sb468
cite_as: SB 468, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb468
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb468.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb468/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72902
date: 2026-03-25
status: engrossed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 713
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb468.md?full=1
bill_number: SB 468
session: 2025-2026 Regular Session
session_slug: 2025-2026
chamber: Senate
bill_type: bill
status_date: 2026-03-03
last_action: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
sponsors:
- Bill Cowsert
- Larry Walker
- Jason Anavitarte
- Randy Robertson
- Bo Hatchett
- Marty Harbin
- Chuck Payne
- Chuck Hufstetler
- Sam Watson
- Steve Gooch
- Kay Kirkpatrick
- Timothy Bearden
- Tim Fleming
text_version: Comm Sub
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/SB468/2025
upstream_id: 2110017
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
- sex offender registry
- homelessness
- public safety
- housing programs
- criminal justice
---
# SB 468. Sexual Offender Risk Review Board; reporting requirements of sexual offenders; increase
## Text
The House Committee on Judiciary, Non-Civil offers the following substitute to SB 468:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
relating to sexual offender risk review board, so as to increase reporting requirements of
sexual offenders; to allow for increased monitoring of homeless sexual offenders; to provide
a definition; to require sexual offenders to report international travel; to provide for
placement of sexual offenders in risk assessment classifications when convicted of specific
crimes; to amend Code Section 8-3-11 of the Official Code of Georgia, relating to creation
of stable housing accountability programs, application process, minimum standards, approval
criteria, and funding, so as to require stable housing accountability programs to report
program applicants who are sexual offenders; to provide for related matters; to repeal
conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
sexual offender risk review board, is amended in Code Section 42-1-12, relating to State
Sexual Offender Registry, by revising subparagraph (a)(16)(F.1) of and adding a new
paragraph to subsection (a) and by revising subsection (f) to read as follows:
"(10.1) 'Homeless' or 'homelessness' means:
(A) Lacking a fixed, regular nighttime residence;
(B) Living in a public or private place not designated as, or ordinarily used as, regular
sleeping accommodations, including, but not limited to, a car, park, abandoned
building, bus or train station, airport, or campground; or
(C) Living in a supervised public or private shelter designated to provide temporary
living arrangements, including, but not limited to, hotels and motels paid for by federal,
state, or local government programs or by charitable organizations, congregate shelters,
and transitional housing.
A sexual offender described in this paragraph shall comply with the applicable
geographic restrictions imposed on offenders pursuant to this article."
"(F.1) If the place of residence is the status of homelessness, information as provided
under paragraph (2.1) (3) of subsection (f) of this Code section;"
"(f) Any sexual offender required to register under this Code section shall:
(1) Provide the required registration information to the appropriate official before being
released from prison or placed on parole, supervised release, or probation;
(2) Register in person with the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender resides
within 72 hours after the sexual offender's release from prison, county jail, or placement
on parole, supervised release, probation, or entry into this state;
(2.1)(3) In the case of a sexual offender whose place of residence is the status of
homelessness who is homeless, in lieu of the requirements of paragraph (2) of this
subsection, register in person with the sheriff of the county in which the sexual offender
sleeps within 72 hours after the sexual offender's release from prison, county jail, or
placement on parole, supervised release, probation, or entry into this state and provide a
description detailing the location where he or she sleeps;
(3)(4) Maintain the required registration information with the sheriff of each county in
which the sexual offender resides or sleeps;
(4)(5) Renew the required registration information with the sheriff of the county in which
the sexual offender resides or sleeps by reporting in person to the sheriff within 72 hours
prior to such offender's birthday each year to be photographed and fingerprinted;
(4.1)(6) In the case of a sexual offender who resides in a state or privately operated
hospice facility, skilled nursing home, or residential health care healthcare facility, with
the approval of the sheriff of the county where such sexual offender resides, the sexual
offender may satisfy the annual registration requirements of paragraph (4) (5) of this
subsection by registering at any time during the sexual offender's month of birth.
Additionally, in the case of a sexual offender who resides in a state or privately operated
hospice facility, skilled nursing home, or residential health care healthcare facility, with
the approval of the sheriff of the county where such sexual offender resides, such sexual
offender shall not be required to be fingerprinted pursuant to paragraph (4) (5) of this
subsection but the sheriff shall be authorized to photograph the offender;
(5)(7) Update the required registration information with the sheriff of the county in
which the sexual offender resides within 72 hours of any change to the required
registration information, other than where he or she resides or sleeps if such person is
homeless. If the information is the sexual offender's new address, the sexual offender
shall give the information regarding the sexual offender's new address to the sheriff of
the county in which the sexual offender last registered within 72 hours prior to any
change of address and to the sheriff of the county to which the sexual offender is moving
within 72 hours prior to establishing such new address. If the sexual offender is homeless
and the information is the sexual offender's new sleeping location, within 72 36 hours of
changing sleeping locations, the sexual offender shall give the information regarding the
sexual offender's new sleeping location to the sheriff of the county in which the sexual
offender last registered, and if the county has changed, to the sheriff of the county to
which the sexual offender has moved; and
(8) In the case of a sexual offender who is homeless, comply with any request by a
provider of homeless assistance or services to disclose any information requested by the
provider regarding the individual's status as a registered sexual offender; and
(6)(9) Continue to comply with the registration requirements of this Code section for the
entire life of the sexual offender, excluding ensuing periods of incarceration."
SECTION 2.
Said article is further amended in Code Section 42-1-13.1, relating to electronic tracking of
sexual offenders and petitioning for exemption, by revising subsection (a) and adding a new
subsection to read as follows:
"(a)(1) A sexual offender shall be fitted by the Department of Community Supervision
with a device capable of tracking the location of the sexual offender by means including
electronic surveillance or global positioning satellite systems while he or she is on
probation or parole and awaiting risk assessment classification from the board and when:
(A) Such offender has previously been convicted of a felony sexual offense in violation
of Chapter 6 of Title 16; or
(B) His or her assigned community supervision officer determines that a special need
exists for an offender to be fitted with such device due to the immediate danger to
society the offender poses based upon a substantial risk of perpetrating a future
dangerous sexual offense.
(2) Except when a petition for release has been granted pursuant to subsection (b) of this
Code section, or a sexual offender is fitted for a location tracking device pursuant to
subsection (c) of this Code section, or location tracking has been issued as a condition of
probation or term of parole, a sexual offender shall be released from the location tracking
requirements of this Code section upon the conclusion of his or her term of probation or
parole.
(3) The costs relating to the fitting of a location tracking device and any monitoring
thereof shall be borne by the sexual offender."
"(c)(1) In addition to the authority granted in subsection (a) of this Code section, the
Department of Community Supervision may fit a homeless sexual offender while he or
she is on probation or parole with a device capable of tracking the location of the sexual
offender by means including electronic surveillance or global positioning satellite
systems:
(A) When his or her assigned community supervision officer determines that a special
need exists for the offender to be fitted with such a device due to his or her prior failure
to timely or accurately report the place he or she sleeps, or the special need to ensure
the offender is compliant with the applicable geographic restrictions imposed on
offenders pursuant to this article; or
(B) Upon notification of the sheriff of the county in which a homeless sexual offender
resides that the offender has failed to comply with the registration requirements of Code
Section 42-1-12 or the applicable geographic restrictions imposed on offenders
pursuant to this article.
(2) Every 90 days the Department of Community Supervision shall determine whether
the special need for the location tracking device continues and may remove such device
upon an assessment determining such device is no longer needed."
SECTION 3.
Said article is further amended in subsection (a) of Code Section 42-1-14, relating to risk
assessment classification, classification as "sexually dangerous predator", reevaluations, and
periodic reporting to sheriffs, by adding a new paragraph to read as follows:
"(2.1) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the board shall
apply the following standards when placing a sexual offender convicted on or after July
1, 2026, in a risk assessment classification level:
(A) A sexual offender who is 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense shall
be placed into a Level II risk assessment classification or classified as a sexually
dangerous predator if such offender is convicted of any of the following offenses:
(i) Child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4 if the victim is less than 12
years of age;
(ii) Enticing a child for indecent purposes in violation of Code Section 16-6-5 if the
victim is less than 12 years of age;
(iii) Incest in violation of Code Section 16-6-22 if the victim is a minor; or
(iv) Sexual exploitation of children in violation of Code Section 16-12-100; and
(B) A sexual offender who is 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense shall
be classified as a sexually dangerous predator if such offender is convicted of any of
following offenses:
(i) Aggravated assault with the intent to rape in violation of Code Section 16-5-21;
(ii) Kidnapping in violation of Code Section 16-5-40 which involves a victim who
is less than 14 years of age, except by a parent;
(iii) Trafficking an individual for sexual servitude in violation of Code
Section 16-5-46;
(iv) Rape in violation of Code Section 16-6-1;
(v) Aggravated sodomy in violation of Code Section 16-6-2;
(vi) Aggravated child molestation in violation of Code Section 16-6-4;
(vii) Any second or subsequent conviction for sexual battery in violation of Code
Section 16-6-22.1; and
(viii) Any second or subsequent conviction of an offense listed in subparagraph (A)
of this paragraph."
SECTION 4.
Said article is further amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:
"42-1-20.
(a) A sexual offender shall provide to the sheriff of the county of his or her residence and
to his or her community supervision officer, if on probation or parole, information relating
to intended travel outside the United States at least 21 days in advance of such travel. The
information provided shall include, to the extent known, the anticipated dates and places
of departure, arrival, and return; carrier and flight numbers for air travel; destination
country or countries and addresses or other contact information therein; the means and
purpose of travel; and any other itinerary or travel related information required by the
community supervision officer or the sheriff. Such information shall be included in the
state sexual offender registry.
(b) A sexual offender shall provide to the sheriff of the county of his or her residence and
to his or her community supervision officer, if on probation or parole, any intention to
commence residence, employment, or school attendance outside of the United States.
Upon receipt of such notice, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall immediately record
the information in the state sexual offender registry and shall promptly communicate such
information to:
(1) All other jurisdictions in which the sexual offender is required to register; and
(2) The United States Marshals Service.
(c) The Georgia Bureau of Investigation shall update the National Sex Offender Registry
and the National Crime Information Center to reflect information provided by the sexual
offender pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this Code section and any other information
required by federal law."
SECTION 5.
Code Section 8-3-311 of the Official Code of Georgia, relating to creation of stable housing
accountability programs, application process, minimum standards, approval criteria, and
funding, is amended by revising subsection (d) as follows:
"(d) On or before January 1, 2025, the commission shall publish uniform state-wide
minimum standards for a stable housing accountability program. At a minimum, to be
certified as a stable housing accountability program, the program shall:
(1) Provide voluntary, immediate, and stable housing to stable housing accountability
program participants;
(2) Limit the length of total residence for any person to 18 months or whenever the
tenant who was the qualifying resident is able to obtain or is offered affordable housing,
whichever is earlier;
(3) Provide ongoing assistance to each resident for obtaining long-term affordable
housing;
(4) Require residents to be removed from the program if they fail to meet specified
accountability measures, including sustaining an honest, good-faith effort to achieve or
maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol;
(5) Conduct regular inspections of common areas and residential units; and
(6) Require qualifying residents:
(A) To show proof of United States citizenship and execute an affidavit verifying
continuous residency in this state for the previous 12 months;
(B) To participate in free and relevant job training and educational opportunities until
such resident obtains stable employment;
(C) To engage in an active search and apply for stable employment;
(D) Who obtain stable employment to maintain such employment status as long as
stable employment is available to them;
(E) To participate in counseling, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment
programs, as necessary;
(F) To submit to regular drug and alcohol testing;
(G) To abstain from criminal activity;
(H) Who have minor children to ensure that such children receive adequate nutrition,
health care, and education; and
(I) To submit to regular review of compliance with applicable terms and conditions
provided for in this Code section for stable housing accountability programs.;and
(7) Require each applicant to disclose if the applicant is a registered sexual offender,
including information on the offender's risk assessment classification, and any restrictions
imposed by law that bar the applicant from loitering, working, or residing in certain
locations. If an applicant discloses that he or she is a registered sexual offender, the
program shall:
(A) Inform such applicant whether the program applied for would place the applicant
within 1,000 feet of any child care facility, church, school, or other location where
minors congregate; and
(B) Report to the sheriff of the county in which the program operates the name,
address, and date of birth of such applicant if the applicant is accepted into the
program."
SECTION 6.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
## Summaries written by Georgia Commons
The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the bill. Quote the text, not the summary.
A Georgia Senate bill would tighten registration and monitoring rules for sexual offenders, including new rules for homeless offenders, a requirement to report international travel, and mandatory sex-offender screening at state-funded stable housing programs.
### Plain-language summary
Georgia law already requires sexual offenders to register with local sheriffs and follow monitoring rules set by the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board. This bill expands those requirements. It adds a legal definition of 'homeless' for offenders without a fixed address, shortens the window homeless offenders have to report a new sleeping location from 72 to 36 hours, and lets the Department of Community Supervision fit homeless offenders with GPS tracking devices if they fail to report accurately or violate geographic restrictions, with a review every 90 days. It also requires offenders to report any homeless assistance provider's request for their registered status.
The bill creates a new Code section requiring offenders to report planned international travel at least 21 days ahead, and to report any plan to live, work, or attend school outside the United States, with that information shared with federal authorities. Starting with convictions on or after July 1, 2026, certain sex crimes against victims under 12 or 14 would automatically place offenders in a higher risk classification, including 'sexually dangerous predator' status. Finally, state-funded stable housing accountability programs would have to screen applicants for sex offender status and report accepted offenders to local sheriffs.
### What it does
- Adds a formal legal definition of 'homeless' and 'homelessness' for sexual offenders and applies geographic restrictions to those offenders.
- Shortens from 72 to 36 hours the time a homeless sexual offender has to report a change in sleeping location to the sheriff.
- Allows the Department of Community Supervision to fit homeless sex offenders on probation or parole with GPS tracking devices for failure to report accurately, with reassessment every 90 days.
- Requires sexual offenders to report planned international travel at least 21 days in advance and any plan to live, work, or attend school abroad, feeding that data into state and federal registries.
- Automatically places offenders convicted of specific crimes against child victims (starting July 1, 2026) into a Level II or 'sexually dangerous predator' risk classification.
- Requires state-funded stable housing accountability programs to ask applicants if they are registered sex offenders and report accepted offenders to the county sheriff.
### Who it affects
Registered sexual offenders, especially those who are homeless, are directly affected, along with county sheriffs, the Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board. Stable housing accountability programs and their applicants, including homeless service providers, are also affected.
### Why it matters
Homeless sexual offenders would face tighter reporting deadlines and possible GPS monitoring, while all offenders would need to disclose international travel plans well in advance. Offenders convicted of certain crimes against young children would face automatic higher-risk labeling, and housing programs would begin screening and reporting applicants who are registered offenders.
### Key provisions
- Section 1 adds a definition of homelessness to Georgia's sex offender registry law (O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12) and shortens the reporting window for changed sleeping locations from 72 to 36 hours.
- Section 1 also adds county jail release as a trigger for the 72-hour registration requirement and requires homeless offenders to comply with requests from homeless service providers for their registered status.
- Section 2 lets the Department of Community Supervision fit homeless offenders with GPS tracking devices for reporting failures or restriction violations, reviewed every 90 days (O.C.G.A. § 42-1-13.1).
- Section 3 creates automatic Level II or 'sexually dangerous predator' classification for offenders convicted on or after July 1, 2026 of specified crimes against child victims (O.C.G.A. § 42-1-14).
- Section 4 creates a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 42-1-20) requiring offenders to report international travel 21 days ahead and any plan to relocate, work, or attend school abroad.
- Section 5 requires state-certified stable housing accountability programs to screen applicants for sex offender status and report accepted offenders to the local sheriff (O.C.G.A. § 8-3-311).
## Status
- Status: Engrossed (2026-03-03)
- Last action: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (2026-03-25)
- Sponsors: Bill Cowsert, Larry Walker, Jason Anavitarte, Randy Robertson, Bo Hatchett, Marty Harbin, Chuck Payne, Chuck Hufstetler, Sam Watson, Steve Gooch, Kay Kirkpatrick, Timothy Bearden, Tim Fleming
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72902
> The history, votes, and amendments (713 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb468.md?full=1