As the 2026 legislative session moves beyond Crossover Day, the fight to protect civil liberties in Georgia continues.
In recent weeks, our policy and advocacy team has pushed back against bills that would increase criminal penalties in ways that could harm Georgians exercising their First Amendment rights.
We testified against proposals that would expand the definition of offenses like riot and obstruction. The bills clearly risk sweeping in peaceful protesters.
While some of these bills have stalled for now, other bills are moving. We’re continuing to advocate at every step to ensure Georgians’ rights are protected.
Capitol Update March 2 - 13
ACLU of Georgia staff testified in opposition to House Bill 1322, which would reclassify the offense of riot from a misdemeanor to a felony punishable by one to 20 years in prison. Because Georgia’s existing definition of riot is broad, the change could expose peaceful protesters to serious criminal penalties.
While HB 1322 passed out of committee, it was never brought to the House floor for a vote and ultimately did not cross over.
Our team also testified in opposition to Senate Bill 443, which reclassifies the offense of obstruction from a simple misdemeanor to a high and aggravated misdemeanor.
The bill reflects a broader trend of legislation aimed at increasing penalties for offenses often associated with protest activity. It passed the Senate and was heard in a House committee, where we testified in opposition. The committee has not yet taken a vote.
