Legislator Explainers Archives

Georgia’s Probation System: The Nation’s Largest, Costing Taxpayers More Than It Should

Georgia runs the nation’s largest felony probation system at 191,000 people. Incarceration costs 27.7x more than supervision. SB 105 could save $34M annually.

Georgia’s Prison Staffing Crisis: Nearly 50% of Corrections Officer Positions Vacant as the State Fails to Protect 52,000 People in Its Custody

Georgia operates its prisons at nearly 50% corrections officer vacancy. The DOJ found this leaves people unsupervised and enables gang control. The Governor seeks $600M+ to respond.

Georgia Prison Spending Surges 44% in Four Years: A $500 Million Escalation That Ignores the People Inside

Georgia’s prison budget surged 44% in four years — nearly $500 million — while the state extracts $10M+ annually from incarcerated people and their families.

Georgia’s Corrections Crisis by the Numbers: 47% Staff Vacancy, $355M Healthcare Burden, and 49,000 People at Risk

A Georgia Senate committee finds 47% staff vacancy, 14,000 people with mental health needs, and aging infrastructure endangering 49,000 people in state custody. The fiscal and human costs demand legislative action.

Racial Disparities Across Georgia’s Criminal Justice System: A $5.3 Billion Accountability Gap

Georgia spends $5.3B yearly on law enforcement and corrections while Black residents—31% of the population—make up 61% of state prisoners. Data shows compounding racial disparities at every system stage.

Georgia’s Parole System Is Releasing Fewer People While Costs Rise: FY 2024 Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report

Georgia released 42% fewer people on parole in FY24 than five years ago, despite a 72% success rate and $343M in annual savings. Life-sentenced people now serve 29.2 years on average.

DOJ Finds Georgia Prisons Violate the Constitution: 142 People Killed, Staffing at Crisis Levels, $1.2 Billion Budget Failing

DOJ finds Georgia prisons unconstitutionally dangerous: 142 people killed in six years, CO vacancy rates above 50%, and a $1.2 billion budget failing to provide basic safety.

Georgia’s $1.8 Billion Corrections Budget: Healthcare Costs Surge While the State Expands Prison Capacity

Georgia’s corrections budget hits $1.8B as healthcare costs surge and the state expands prison capacity. Security tech spending outpaces rehabilitation 90-to-1.

DOJ Finds Georgia Prisons Violate the Constitution: 142 People Killed, Staffing at 50%, and a $1.2 Billion System in Crisis

DOJ finds Georgia prisons violate the Constitution: 142 people killed in 6 years, 50%+ staff vacancies, and $1.2B budget failing to protect nearly 50,000 people.

Georgia Prison System Assessment: 84M in Critical Staffing and Infrastructure Failures

Georgia’s prison system operates in emergency conditions: 82.7% first-year officer turnover, 29 of 34 facilities requiring critical upgrades, Security Threat Groups comprising 33.4% of population. This legislative analysis of the December 2024 system-wide assessment provides fiscal impact, evidence-