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HB171 • 2025

Crimes and offenses; obscenity; repeal and replace Code Section 16-12-80

Crimes and offenses; obscenity; repeal and replace Code Section 16-12-80

Children Crime Technology
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Thomas, Brad
Last action
2026-03-27
Official status
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text confirms the repeal and replacement of Code Section 16-12-80 but does not provide the full new text, so specific definitions or penalty amounts cannot be verified beyond what is stated in the summary.

HB171: Changes to Laws on Obscene Material and AI Crimes

This bill updates Georgia laws regarding obscenity, bans the distribution of computer-generated obscene images depicting children, sets a standard for what counts as obscenity, and adds sentencing rules for crimes involving artificial intelligence.

What This Bill Does

  • Repeals and replaces Code Section 16-12-80 concerning obscene material, its distribution, and penalties.
  • Prohibits the distribution of computer-generated obscene material that depicts a child.
  • Provides a standard for determining what counts as obscenity.
  • Establishes penalties and probation rules for these offenses.
  • Amends sentencing laws to provide specific punishment guidelines for defendants who use artificial intelligence in certain crimes.
  • Requires notices regarding enhanced sentencing.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who distribute or create obscene material, including computer-generated images of children.
  • Defendants accused of using artificial intelligence while committing certain crimes.
  • Courts and judges handling sentencing for these offenses.

Terms To Know

Obscenity
Material defined by a new standard provided in this bill to determine what is illegal under state law.
Computer-generated obscene material depicting a child
Images created using technology that show children in an obscene way, which are now prohibited from distribution.
Enhanced sentencing
Stricter punishment rules applied to defendants who utilize artificial intelligence during the commission of certain crimes.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official summary does not list a specific effective date for when these laws will take effect.
  • The text mentions 'certain crimes' regarding AI but does not define exactly which crimes are included in this excerpt.
  • Specific details on the exact penalties or probation terms are referenced as being provided by the bill, but the amounts and durations are not listed in the summary.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-27 Georgia General Assembly

    Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

Official Summary Text

Crimes and offenses; obscenity; repeal and replace Code Section 16-12-80