ATLANTA (Mar. 20, 2024) — Today, the Georgia State Senate agreed to the House Substitute to Senate Bill 465, sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell).

Senate Bill 465, known as “Austin’s Law,” is named after a Georgian who unwittingly ingested a pill laced with fentanyl and subsequently lost his life. This measure establishes a new category of offense, felony aggravated involuntary manslaughter, under which drug dealers and distributors can now be prosecuted. Following consideration by the Georgia House of Representatives, the bill will now also provide for the offense of unlawfully possessing a pill press, tableting machine, encapsulating machine or other controlled substance counterfeiting materials.

“Today, the Georgia General Assembly made a tremendous step in combatting the fentanyl crisis in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “I am proud that the Senate and the House recognize the seriousness of this crisis, and I am hopeful that the passage of ‘Austin’s Law’ will help to prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians. With the passage of this bill, those who traffic illicit substances like fentanyl will be held accountable for their deadly actions.”

“I am beyond pleased that the SB 465 is now headed to our Governor’s desk for signage into law. This legislation is of utmost importance to me and many others as it will protect people like Austin from those who would harm our communities and kill our loved ones. This measure is a true testament to the Georgia General Assembly’s commitment to protecting the lives of Georgians,” said Sen. Goodman.

Sen. Goodman furthered his statement by saying “I would like to extend my thanks to our Lieutenant Governor. Burt Jones who made this issue a priority. Lt. Gov. Jones has been a vocal advocate for increased legislation regarding the war against fentanyl trafficking. Furthermore, I would like to thank Austin’s parents, Gus and Beth Walters, who brought this important issue to my attention and made several trips up from Valdosta to the Capitol to continue to advocate for their son Austin.”

SB 465 will now head to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.

Read the full text of SB 465 here.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov

ATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2024) – On Tuesday, Senate Bill 465 sailed through the Senate floor with nearly unanimous bipartisan backing. Commonly referred to as “Austin’s Law,” the bill tackles revisions to legislation concerning controlled substances and fentanyl-related fatalities. Sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), the bill secured passage with a resounding 49-3 vote.

“Keeping Georgians safe is my top priority,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “While gridlock and backroom politics in Washington have limited movement of legislation in regard to fentanyl trafficking, here in Georgia, we are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our citizens. ‘Austin’s Law’ will hold fentanyl dealers and manufacturers accountable and will help prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians.”

“This bill bears the name of one of my constituents, a talented young man. Unfortunately, like many we know, Austin battled anxiety and depression, self-medicating with Xanax purchased off the streets,” remarked Sen. Goodman. “Tragically, one of those pills was tainted with fentanyl, costing him his life. This legislation is a shield for individuals like Austin, shielding them from those who poison our communities and claim the lives of our loved ones. There’s nothing more paramount than safeguarding our families, friends, and neighbors, and that’s precisely what ‘Austin’s Law’ seeks to achieve. I deeply appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for making this issue a priority.”

Named after a Georgian who unwittingly ingested a fentanyl-laced pill and subsequently lost his life, “Austin’s Law” establishes a new category of offense: felony aggravated involuntary manslaughter, under which drug dealers and distributors can be prosecuted.

This legislation will now go to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

More information on SB 465 can be found here.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents the 8th Senate District which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes counties and portions of Ware County. He may be reached via email at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov.

ATLANTA (October 12, 2023) | See below for a statement from Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell) in regards to his recent trip to the country of Israel:

“I will say it is always good to be back in America after you have traveled outside our great nation. It has even more meaning after being in Israel while Hamas terrorists launched a sickening attack that killed hundreds of innocent Israelis. From hearing the rockets fired from the Iron Dome to automatic weapon fire heard near our hotel, it was quite an ordeal. I am thankful to God that my mom, our group, many others and I got out safely.

My prayers for Israel and her people will continue. I saw the very best of the Israeli people in our time there, including our ex-military Israeli guide who stuck with us throughout – even as rockets landed within 200 yards of his home with his wife and children there. He embodied the resilience of the people of Israel. The reality is Hamas terrorists are killing Americans along with Israelis, and the people of Israel are protecting Americans. Above anything else, it shows the bond that our freedom-loving countries share.  

I am also thankful for the prayers and support we have received from folks here at home. I appreciate the prayers, help and support of the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor and my Senate Colleagues. I’d also like to recognize my friends in the State House, especially State Representatives Lauren McDonald (R – Cumming) and Brent Cox (R – Dawsonville), the Israeli Government, Delta Airlines security team, and our friends over at the World Jewish Congress for all of their assistance in ensuring our safety while in Israel and guiding our path back to the states. I will continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel, and I will stand will them in solidarity against the disgraceful attacks against them from both the terrorists that surround them and terrorist sympathizers here at home.”

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov