Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SB 517: Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; use of immigration detention centers in this state for two years; prohibit

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 18, 2026 · Introduced

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Senate Bill 517

By: Senators Howard of the 35th, Jones II of the 22nd, Merritt of the 9th, Orrock of the 36th, Kemp of the 38th and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

To amend Chapter 1 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding law enforcement officers and agencies, so as to prohibit the use of immigration detention centers in this state for two years; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Chapter 1 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding law enforcement officers and agencies, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:

"35-1-17.1.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term:

(1) 'Detainee' means a noncitizen who is held in an immigration detention center pending immigration proceedings or removal from the United States under the authority of the United States Department of Homeland Security or United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

(2) 'Immigration detention center' means any facility located in this state that holds detainees, including private facilities contracted by the federal government to hold such detainees.

(b) In order to allow the state time to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan that promotes dignity and justice in the operation of immigration detention centers, no such centers shall be operated or otherwise used between July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2028."

SECTION 2.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.