Lt. Governor Burt Jones Protecting Georgia Families; Senate Passes Legislation Combatting Fentanyl, Swatting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2024

ATLANTA | Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones released a statement on the passage of Senate Bill 421, legislation aimed at addressing the act of “swatting”, and Senate Bill 465, also known as “Austin’s Law” which combats the sale and distribution of substances such as fentanyl . The passage of these bills underscores Lt. Governor Burt Jones’s ongoing commitment to protecting Georgia families and increasing public safety.

“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 swatting and fentanyl trafficking, here in Georgia, we are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our citizens. SB 421 will help to end the cowardly act of ‘swatting’ in Georgia. ‘Austin’s Law’ will hold fentanyl dealers and manufacturers accountable and will help prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians.”

Senate Bill 421 – Addresses the act of “swatting” through its criminal statute addressing the transmission of false public alarms and makes changes to the sentencing structure of this criminal offense. Sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon (R – Gwinnett).

Senate Bill 465 – Addresses the sale and distribution of substances such as fentanyl by creating the new criminal offense of aggravated involuntary manslaughter. Sponsored by Senator Russ Goodman (R – Cogdell).