Georgia House and Senate approve bill from Rep. Hagan to seal records under First Offender Act

A bill led by State Rep. Leesa Hagan establishes a framework for sealing and limiting access to records involving First Offender Act sentences, with exemptions for certain organizations, according to the Georgia State House.

The legislation passed both legislative chambers as of Monday, March 23, with a 166-0 vote in the House and a 47-0 vote in the Senate.

Filed as HB162 on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill’s official summary reads: ‘Georgia Bureau of Investigation; restriction and seal of First Offender Act sentences until such status is revoked; provide.’

Below is a summary based on the official bill language, offering interpretation for clarity regarding its key elements.

The measure updates Georgia law to outline processes for restricting and sealing records related to First Offender sentencing. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation may not release records for first offender sentences except as permitted by law. Conditions are specified for when defendants’ records may be sealed or restricted, both during active probation and after exoneration and discharge. Certain agencies, courts, and prosecutors may access restricted records under designated circumstances. It additionally allows those sentenced before July 1, 2016, to request the court to seal records. Deadlines for court clerks and law enforcement to seal records are included. If first offender status is revoked and guilt determined, sealed records may then be disclosed. No effective date is detailed in the legislation.

House votes in favor included 71 Democrats and 95 Republicans, with zero votes against.

The Senate saw 17 Democrats and 30 Republicans support the bill, also without opposition.

The bill list of co-sponsors includes Rep. Katie Dempsey (Republican-13th), Rep. Rob Leverett (Republican-123rd), Rep. Matt Reeves (Republican-99th), and three additional legislators.

Rep. Hagan is a 1995 University of Georgia graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Hagan, a Republican, won election to the Georgia State House in 2021 from the 156th District, succeeding Greg Morris.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure into law on Tuesday, May 5.

The legislative process in Georgia starts with a lawmaker, frequently following a constituent request, collaborating with the Office of Legislative Counsel to prepare a bill. Once the bill is filed with the relevant chamber, it receives its first reading and referral to committee, where most debate and analysis occur. If the committee gives approval, the bill moves to the floor for a third reading, further debate, and a vote. It must pass both chambers—sometimes requiring a conference committee for differing versions—before reaching the governor, who has six days during session or 40 days post-adjournment (Sine Die) to sign, veto, or permit the bill to become law without signature. The Georgia General Assembly convenes annually for a 40-day session starting the second Monday in January.

Details in this report are based on information from the Georgia State House. Source data is available here.