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.