Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB482

Introduced
2/9/26  
Refer
2/10/26  
Report Pass
2/19/26  
Engrossed
3/6/26  

Caption

Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; persons requesting booking photographs to provide the first and last names of the individuals in the photographs; require

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance privacy protections for individuals captured in law enforcement videos and booking photographs. The bill exempts the release of certain recordings that depict a person's death or distress before their death, requiring a court to assess the public interest against privacy concerns before any disclosure can be made. This legal framework potentially modifies existing state laws on public records, allowing more control over personal disclosures in sensitive law enforcement contexts.

Summary

SB482 introduces amendments to Titles 35 and 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated concerning the request and disclosure of booking photographs and law enforcement videos. The bill stipulates that individuals requesting booking photographs must provide identifying information of the person depicted, along with a notarized statement affirming their intended use. The amendments require that requests for booking photographs be made in person and that separate requests are needed for each photograph. Additionally, provisions are in place for the public disclosure of certain records while protecting sensitive materials related to a person's death from general public access.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB482 appears to indicate a general support for enhanced privacy for individuals captured in law enforcement contexts, reflecting ongoing societal concerns about the handling of sensitive information. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards protecting individual rights, especially for families of deceased persons. However, there are concerns among some advocacy groups about the possible limitations on transparency and accountability within law enforcement practices that might arise as a result of these restrictions.

Contention

A notable point of contention relates to the balance between public interest and personal privacy. While supporters contend that these measures are essential for upholding respect for individuals and their families, critics may argue that the changes could hinder the ability of the public and press to scrutinize law enforcement actions. The debate over SB482 reflects a broader struggle between the necessity for transparency in law enforcement and the imperative to protect personal privacy rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA H5600

Traffic-control photographic systems

GA H446

Prohibition on Disclosing Booking Photographs

GA LD1880

An Act to Require Photographic Identification for Voting

GA LD1149

An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting

GA SB147

Alabama Construction Zone Safety Act; automated photographic speed enforcement system in work zones, provided

GA HF3110

Disclosures of private student personal contact information to legislators and photographers allowed for specified purposes.

GA HF47

A bill for an act relating to confidential records including booking photographs.

GA SF69

A bill for an act relating to confidential records including booking photographs.

GA HB1894

ELEC CD-PHOTOGRAPHING BALLOTS

GA H3064

Autopsy photographs

Similar Bills

GA HB10

Georgia Booking Photo Privacy Protection Act; enact

CA AB2416

Privacy: use of a person’s name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness.

CA SB683

Privacy: use of a person’s name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness: injunctive relief.

DE HB59

An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Release And Publication Of The Name And Photograph Of Individuals Charged With Crimes Or Delinquency.

OK SB379

Arrest booking photographs; establishing procedures for removal of certain photographs from publication or dissemination under certain circumstances. Effective date.

OK SB379

Arrest booking photographs; establishing procedures for removal of certain photographs from publication or dissemination under certain circumstances. Effective date.

CA SB11

Artificial intelligence technology.

CA SB1111

Digital replicas.