GeorgiaRepeat pimping and pandering offenses carry felony prison terms
For offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, people convicted under Sections 16-6-11 or 16-6-12 face misdemeanor penalties for a first offense and felony penalties for later ones.
What it does
A first offense under Sections 16-6-11 or 16-6-12 is treated as a serious misdemeanor. A judge may suspend, delay, or place all but 72 hours of a jail sentence on probation.
A second or later offense under Sections 16-6-11 or 16-6-12 is a felony, punishable by one to ten years in prison.
A conviction under Section 16-6-9 is punished as a misdemeanor.
A conviction under Section 16-6-10 is punished as a serious misdemeanor. At the judge's discretion, all but 24 hours of a jail sentence may be suspended, delayed, or placed on probation.
Argument forFelony penalties for repeat offenses under Sections 16-6-11 and 16-6-12 could let courts impose longer prison terms for repeat violations.
Argument againstPeople convicted of a first offense under Sections 16-6-11 or 16-6-12 could still face jail time, with only part of a sentence eligible for suspension.
More detail
A judge may suspend, delay, or place on probation all but 72 hours of a jail sentence for a first offense. This applies to first offenses under Code Sections 16-6-11 and 16-6-12. These rules apply to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.
A person convicted under Sections 16-6-11 or 16-6-12 for a second or later offense is guilty of a felony and must serve one to ten years in prison. This applies to second or later offenses under Code Sections 16-6-11 and 16-6-12. These rules apply to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.
A person convicted under Section 16-6-9 is punished for a misdemeanor. This applies to offenses under Code Section 16-6-9. This rule applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.
A person convicted under Section 16-6-10 is punished for a serious misdemeanor; a judge may suspend, delay, or place all but 24 hours of a jail sentence on probation. This applies to offenses under Code Section 16-6-10. The judge decides whether to suspend, delay, or place part of the sentence on probation. This rule applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 1Effective DateLatest
- May 6Act 417Major
- May 6Senate Date Signed by Governor Brian KempBecame Law
- Apr 10Senate Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 25House Passed/AdoptedPassed House
- Vote recorded House Vote #761 - 2025-2026 Regular Session. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded House Vote #761 - 2025-2026 Regular Session. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 25House Third ReadersMinor
- Mar 19House Committee Favorably ReportedMinor
- Mar 10House Second ReadersMinor
- Mar 9House First ReadersMinor
- Mar 6Senate Passed/AdoptedPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Senate Vote #668 - 2025-2026 Regular Session. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Senate Vote #668 - 2025-2026 Regular Session. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 6Senate Third ReadMinor
- Mar 6Senate Taken from Table
- Mar 6Senate Tabled
- Mar 4Senate Read Second TimeMinor
- Mar 3Senate Committee Favorably ReportedMinor
- Feb 24Senate Read and ReferredMinor
- Feb 20Senate HopperIntroduced
Criminal Justice