Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB496

Caption

Criminal procedure; scent of marijuana, cannabis, or hemp; provide imitations on stops, searches, seizures, or arrests

Impact

If enacted, HB 496 would overhaul certain aspects of criminal procedure, particularly regarding how law enforcement engages with citizens concerning the scent of marijuana, cannabis, or hemp. This amendment is seen as a protective measure for individual rights, aiming to reduce unwarranted interventions by police based solely on sensory assumptions that do not equate to definitive evidence of wrongdoing. The bill could influence law enforcement training and operational protocols, challenging the status quo of how officers assess situations involving these substances.

Summary

House Bill 496 is a legislative proposal aiming to amend existing laws in Georgia concerning the powers of law enforcement officers in relation to the scent of marijuana, cannabis, or hemp. The bill specifies that the scent of these substances, whether burnt or not, cannot alone provide reasonable suspicion or probable cause for law enforcement actions such as stops, searches, seizures, or arrests. This change intends to limit police authority and curtail practices that have been viewed as unjust or discriminatory against individuals based solely on the presence of a cannabis-related scent.

Contention

The legislation has reignited conversations around police reform, civil liberties, and drug policy within the state. Supporters argue that HB 496 is a necessary step towards a more equitable system that respects personal freedom and acknowledges the changing legal landscape regarding cannabis usage. However, opponents may express concerns about potential challenges in law enforcement's ability to address actual illicit drug activities, arguing that the bill may impede officers from effectively performing their duties concerning public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB196

Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission; subject to Administrative Procedure Act and laws governing open meetings and records; provide

GA HB388

Crimes and offenses; possession of certain quantities of marijuana constitute a misdemeanor; provide

GA HB109

Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act; certain property is exempt from seizure; provide

GA HB1234

Motor vehicles; conditions, procedures, and limitations for issuance of temporary operating permits; provide

GA SB175

Searches with Warrants; additional requirements for the issuance and execution of search warrants and no-knock warrants; provide

GA HB1322

Georgia Hemp Farming Act; regulate consumable hemp products

GA SB437

Department of Agriculture; enforce certain criminal laws; authorize

GA HB1286

Georgia Hemp Farming Act; regulate hemp products

GA HB337

Agriculture; use, production, manufacturing, and dispensing of medical marijuana; authorize

GA HB1201

Criminal procedure; vacating of sentences of victims of trafficking; provisions

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.