Georgia Senate bill by author Sen. Harbin raising minimum DUI insurance coverage passes House and Senate

Passed bill introduced by State Sen. Marty Harbin aims to increase required motor vehicle liability insurance for those convicted of DUI, seeking higher coverage and proof requirements after approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of Monday, March 31, clearing the House by a vote of 157-11 and the Senate by a vote of 51-2.

The bill, introduced as SB121 on Thursday, Feb. 6 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Uninsured Motorist Coverage; minimum required under motor vehicle liability policies for a individual convicted of driving under the influence or reckless driving; increase’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends Titles 33 and 40 of the Official Code of Georgia, increasing the minimum motor vehicle liability coverage for individuals convicted of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams or higher, drugs, or other intoxicating substances. For a first conviction, the required minimum coverage includes $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for all persons in one accident, and $50,000 for property damage. For a second or subsequent offense, the coverage increases to $100,000, $300,000, and $100,000, respectively. Convicted individuals must maintain this coverage for three years. The bill also mandates that proof of such coverage be carried, either in paper or electronic format, during vehicle operation. The act becomes effective upon the governor’s approval or by becoming law without it, applying to convictions from that date forward.

In the Senate, 18 Democrats and 33 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while two Democrats opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the House, 70 Democrats and 87 Republicans voted in favor, while two Democrats and nine Republicans voted against it.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Eddie Lumsden (Republican-12th), Sen. Lee Anderson (Republican-24th), and Sen. Max Burns (Republican-23rd), along with 16 other co-sponsors.

Harbin graduated from Georgia State University in 1977 with a BA.

Harbin, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2015 to represent the state’s 16th Senate District, replacing previous state senator Ronnie Chance.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday, May 14.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State Senate. The source data can be found here.