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SR 483

Right to Register and Vote; conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude as an exception; remove - CA

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh McLaurin

Senate Resolution 483 aims to expand voting rights in Georgia by allowing individuals with felony convictions involving moral turpitude to register and vote, enhancing democratic participation.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SR 483

Summary of Senate Resolution 483 (SR 483)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: SR 483
  • Title: Right to Register and Vote; conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude as an exception; remove - CA
  • Status: Senate Read and Referred
  • Introduced: March 27, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 483 proposes an amendment to the Georgia Constitution aimed at expanding voting rights by removing the restriction that prevents individuals convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude from registering to vote. The intent is to enhance democratic participation and reduce barriers for individuals who have served their sentences.

Key Provisions

The resolution seeks to amend Article II, Section I of the Georgia Constitution by revising Paragraph III, which currently states:

  • Current Law: Individuals convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude cannot register, remain registered, or vote unless they have completed their sentence.

  • Proposed Change: The amendment would eliminate this restriction, allowing individuals with such felony convictions to register and vote regardless of their criminal history.

Additionally, the resolution maintains the existing provision that individuals judicially determined to be mentally incompetent cannot register or vote unless their disability has been removed.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals with Felony Convictions: The primary beneficiaries of this amendment would be individuals who have been convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude, as they would regain their voting rights.
  • Voter Registration Organizations: Groups focused on increasing voter registration and participation may see an increase in eligible voters as a result of this amendment.
  • General Public: The broader electorate may experience changes in voting dynamics as more individuals participate in the electoral process.

Procedural Aspects

  • The proposed amendment will be published and submitted for ratification or rejection as outlined in Article X, Section I, Paragraph II of the Georgia Constitution.
  • The ballot for the amendment will include the following options:
    • YES: To support the amendment and remove the felony conviction restriction.
    • NO: To oppose the amendment and maintain the current law.

If ratified, the amendment will become part of the Georgia Constitution.

Legislative Actions

  • March 27, 2025: The bill was introduced and placed in the Senate Hopper.
  • March 28, 2025: The bill was read in the Senate and referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration.

This resolution represents a significant step towards reforming voting rights in Georgia, reflecting ongoing discussions about criminal justice reform and the importance of inclusive democracy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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