GJP'S POLICY AGENDA

Georgia Justice Project’s mission is to reduce the number of Georgians who are under correctional control and remove barriers to reentry. Our policy work is focused on those two goals. You can learn more about GJP's history and approach to policy here. 

Access GJP’s  2025-26 one-page Legislative Session Wrap-Up here.

GJP successfully advocated for four bills in the 2025-26 legislative session:

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING (SB 207): Fair Chances for Sustainable Careers

  • Beginning July 2027, a pre-determination process will allow job seekers to learn if their background is disqualifying or not before investing in education and training.

  • More than 40 licensing boards have increased guidance on what records are relevant for applications.

  • Establishes due process protections for individuals who apply for an occupational license.

FIRST OFFENDER ACT MODERNIZATION (HB 162(opens in new tab)): A True Second Chance  

  • Improves how the First Offender Act functions in the digital age by requiring the sealing of new case records at sentencing, as well as active and successfully completed first offender sentences, to prevent barriers to opportunity.

ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY INCARCERATION (HB 535): Count Time-Served Consistently

  • Requires time-served in jail awaiting a probation revocation hearing to be treated the same as time-served waiting for an adjudication of guilt in a new case.

  • Restores longstanding practice that was changed by Kellum v. State, 367 Ga. App. 742 (2023).

 

SURVIVOR JUSTICE ACT (HB 582): Stops the Criminalization of Survivors

  • Georgia passed one of the most comprehensive laws to prevent survivors of domestic violence and child abuse from suffering harsh penalties for conduct related to their own survival.  
  • Reduces the likelihood that survivors will be convicted or receive a long sentence going forward and allows for resentencing for those currently serving a sentence. 
  • HB 582 also created evidentiary protections to enable victim-centered programs like restorative justice. 

LOOKING AHEAD: OUR POLICY & IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES FOR 2027-2028 

  • Court Notices: Reduce unnecessary license suspensions, warrants, and incarceration by increasing court appearances through evidence-based text reminders and effective court notices. 

  • Record Clearing: Expand eligibility to make the law work for more Georgians facing barriers to opportunity due to old felony conviction records, increasing access to employment.

  • Survivor Justice: Represent incarcerated survivors seeking re-sentencing. Provide training and technical assistance to defense attorneys and other stakeholders.

  • Occupational Licensing: Develop educational resources and training for potential licensing applicants, licensing boards, and educators about the new processes that will take effect July 2027.

  • Early Termination of Probation: Continue to support the implementation of this 2021 law to ensure it’s being utilized effectively and equitably by courts and probation offices.

For 40 years, Georgia Justice Project has advocated for individuals and communities affected by the criminal legal system – whether those currently facing charges, preparing to return home from incarceration, or living with an old criminal record. Our experience on the ground with our clients informs our policy work. 

Read more about past policy accomplishments here.   

For more information about our current policy agenda, please contact:

Ann Colloton, Policy & Outreach Coordinator

Phone: (404) 827-0027, ext. 248

Email: Ann@GJP.org

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