Senate Public Safety Committee Meeting
Senate Public Safety Committee
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Jan 28, 2026 at 03:00 PM
Meeting Information
The Senate Public Safety Committee convened to address legislative matters concerning public safety in Georgia, primarily focusing on a bill related to DNA collection from individuals subject to immigration detainers.
Meeting Summary
Meeting Opening and Introductions
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The meeting commenced with a blessing and prayer led by Senator Kim Jackson, followed by the introduction of new committee member Senator Dickerson, who represents District 21 (Cherokee County and North Fulton County). [Video 00:15:02] [Video 00:15:50]
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Chairman Albers announced upcoming activities for committee members, including opportunities to ride along with the Georgia State Patrol and visit state prisons and the GBI to observe new technology. [Video 00:18:42] [Video 00:19:06]
Senate Bill 116: DNA Collection for Undocumented Individuals
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Senator Tim Bearden introduced Senate Bill 116 (LC 63 0067 S), which mandates DNA sample collection for individuals identified as illegal aliens charged with a misdemeanor or felony, to be stored in a database for identification and crime-solving purposes. [Video 00:19:33] [Video 00:20:28]
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Committee members raised questions regarding the bill's implementation, including whether it would require all individuals with misdemeanor vehicle violations to be taken into custody for DNA collection, the cost burden on county jails, and potential Fourth Amendment violations. [Video 00:21:13] [Video 00:23:18] [Video 00:24:05]
Public Feedback and Constitutional Concerns
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Maisie Lynn Guertin, representing the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, opposed the bill, arguing that it expands beyond serious felonies to include minor misdemeanors and potentially violates Georgia's strong constitutional privacy protections, which exceed federal standards. [Video 00:34:32] [Video 00:36:01] [Video 00:36:48]
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Kyle Gomez Lineweber from Kamikaze Georgia also spoke against SB 116, citing concerns about fairness, privacy, and equal protection, noting that it ties permanent genetic collection to immigration status rather than guilt or offense severity, potentially eroding trust in law enforcement. [Video 00:42:30] [Video 00:43:08]
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Terry Norris, Executive Director of the Sheriff's Association, expressed support for the bill as a crime control measure but raised concerns about the cost to counties and the responsibility for DNA sample collection, suggesting the arresting agency should be responsible. [Video 00:44:41] [Video 00:45:15] [Video 00:48:45]
Committee Vote and Adjournment
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Senator Jackson proposed an amendment to change the language from "is subject to an immigration detainer notice" to "has an ICE detainer notice" to clarify the bill's scope, but the amendment failed with a vote of 3 in favor and 4 opposed. [Video 00:51:18] [Video 00:52:46]
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Following the failed amendment, the original Senate Bill 116 was put to a vote, passing with 5 votes in favor and 3 opposed, and will now advance to the Senate Rules Committee. [Video 00:53:10] [Video 00:53:14]
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on Jan 29, 2026
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