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HB 535GEORGIASession 2025_26State BillSigned into law

Enacted

Georgia sets mandatory minimums and fines for fentanyl trafficking and grants probation time-served credits

Original title: Penal institutions; credit for time served regarding probation revocation sentencing; provide

Last action · May 5, 2026: House Date Signed by GovernorSponsors: Tyler Smith and 5 others

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Committee

Floor Vote

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What This Bill Does

House Bill 535 establishes strict prison terms ranging from 10 to 35 years and fines between $75,000 and $750,000 for fentanyl trafficking based on drug quantities. It also allows sentencing judges to depart from mandatory minimums under specific non-violent criteria and requires that probationers receive full credit for time served in confinement when probation is revoked.

Why it matters

Defendants convicted of fentanyl trafficking face lengthy prison terms and substantial financial penalties, while judges gain narrow discretion to lower sentences if certain mitigating conditions are met. Additionally, individuals facing probation revocation will have their time spent in confinement officially deducted from their remaining carceral sentences starting July 1, 2026.

Background

House Bill 535 modifies Georgia's controlled substances laws and probation revocation procedures. context

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Defendants convicted of fentanyl trafficking

Subject to explicit mandatory minimum prison terms ranging from 10 to 35 years and mandatory fines between $75,000 and $750,000.

Directly affected

Probationers

Guaranteed full credit for time served in confinement when probation is revoked, reducing carceral sentences accordingly.

Directly affected

District attorneys

Authorized to move courts for reduced or suspended sentences when defendants provide substantial assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for trafficking fentanyl under HB 535?

Penalties depend on the quantity: 4 to 8 grams requires 10 years and a $75,000 fine; 8 to 14 grams requires 15 years and a $150,000 fine; 14 to 28 grams requires 25 years and a $250,000 fine; and 28 grams or more requires 35 years and a $750,000 fine.

Can a judge give a sentence below the mandatory minimum for fentanyl trafficking?

Yes, a judge may depart from the if the defendant was not a leader, had no weapon, caused no serious injury or death, has no prior felony convictions, and the interests of justice support it, or if the prosecutor and defendant agree on a lower sentence.

How does HB 535 change rules for probation revocation?

Beginning July 1, 2026, a person whose probation is revoked and who receives a carceral sentence must be given full credit for every day served in confinement since the violation date.

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News Coverage

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

20 actions

May 5, 2026HouseEnrolled
House Date Signed by Governor
May 5, 2026GovernorEnrolled
Act 384
May 5, 2026Georgia General Assembly
Effective Date
Apr 10, 2026House
House Sent to Governor
Mar 31, 2026HouseFloor
House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
Mar 16, 2026Senate
Senate Third Read

Show 14 earlier actions

Mar 16, 2026SenateFloor
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
Mar 10, 2026SenateCommittee
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
Jan 12, 2026Senate
Senate Taken from Table
Jan 12, 2026Senate
Senate Recommitted
Apr 2, 2025Senate
Senate Tabled
Mar 21, 2025Senate
Senate Read Second Time
Mar 20, 2025SenateCommittee
Senate Committee Favorably Reported
Mar 10, 2025SenateIntroduced
Senate Read and Referred
Mar 6, 2025House
House Third Readers
Mar 6, 2025HouseFloor
House Passed/Adopted
Mar 4, 2025HouseCommittee
House Committee Favorably Reported
Feb 21, 2025House
House Second Readers
Feb 20, 2025HouseIntroduced
House First Readers
Feb 19, 2025HouseIntroduced
House Hopper

Version history & redline

7 versions on file

Comparing SCSFA to HB 535 → HB 535/AP*

removed addedOfficial text

26 HB 535/SCSFA SENATE SUBSTITUTE TO HB 535/AP House Bill 535 ADOPTED SENATE (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE) By: Representatives Smith of the 18th , Hong of the 103rd , Leverett of the 123rd , Evans of the 57th , and Miller of the 62nd A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code […]

What This Bill Does

Who It Affects

Frequently Asked Questions

News Coverage

Where This Stands

Procedural history

Version history & redline

Voting Record

Lobbying Activity

Full breakdown

Sponsors

Discoveries

Introduction of Fentanyl Trafficking Thresholds

Connected Entities

Sources

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