GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision: Reform, Costs & Outcomes ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-03-17 04:38:05 EDT Research Date: 2026-02-17 Topic: Budget, Policy & Sentencing JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/georgia-probation-community-supervision-reform-costs-outcomes/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- Georgia operates the largest felony probation system in the nation with 191,000 individuals under felony probation and 528,000 under total criminal justice supervision. Significant racial disparities persist, with Black Georgians at least twice as likely to serve probation, while reform legislation (SB 105, signed 2021) allows early termination after three years with estimated savings of $34 million annually. Incarceration costs 27.7 times more than parole supervision per day, and historical 'tough on crime' legislation—incentivized by $82 million in federal truth-in-sentencing grants—continues to shape the system's scale and structure. STATISTICS (19) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Georgia felony probation population 191,000 individuals are serving felony probation in Georgia, making it the state with more felony probationers than any other in the nation. Value: 191000.0 individuals Tags: demographics,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Total Georgia probation and parole population 356,000 people are on probation or parole in Georgia. Value: 356000.0 people Tags: demographics,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Total Georgia criminal justice supervision population 528,000 Georgia residents are under total criminal justice supervision. Value: 528000.0 residents Tags: demographics,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Black Georgians at least 2x as likely to serve probation Black Georgians are at least 2x as likely as white Georgians to serve probation. Value: 2.0 times as likely (minimum) (vs. 1 white Georgians) Tags: demographics,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Racial Disparities in Probation Data - [reported] Black residents 8x more likely to be on probation in some counties In some Georgia counties, Black residents are 8x more likely to be on probation than white residents. Value: 8.0 times as likely (maximum in some counties) (vs. 1 white residents) Tags: demographics,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Racial Disparities in Probation Data - [reported] Black population share of Georgia 31% of Georgia's population is Black, yet disproportionate representation persists across all supervision types. Value: 31.0 percent of population Tags: demographics Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Racial Disparities in Probation Data - [estimated] Up to 25% of felony probationers qualify for immediate early termination under SB 105 Up to 25% of all felony probationers qualify for immediate early termination under SB 105. Value: 25.0 percent of felony probationers Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; SB 105: Probation Reform Legislation - [estimated] SB 105 estimated annual savings of $34 million SB 105 is estimated to save $34 million annually in reduced supervision costs. Value: 34.0 million dollars annually Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: budget,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; SB 105: Probation Reform Legislation - [reported] Daily cost of incarceration in Georgia (FY2024) Incarceration in Georgia costs $86.61 per person per day in FY2024. Value: 86.61 dollars per person per day Tags: budget,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Daily cost of parole supervision in Georgia (FY2025) Parole supervision in Georgia costs $3.13 per parolee per day in FY2025. Value: 3.13 dollars per parolee per day Tags: budget,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Incarceration costs 27.7x more than parole supervision Incarceration costs 27.7 times more than parole supervision per day in Georgia. Value: 27.7 ratio (incarceration to parole cost) Tags: budget,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [reported] Annual cost of incarceration per person in Georgia Incarceration costs $31,612 per person per year in Georgia. Value: 31612.0 dollars per person per year Tags: budget,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [estimated] Annual cost of parole supervision per person in Georgia Parole supervision costs approximately $1,142 per person per year in Georgia. Value: 1142.0 dollars per person per year (approximate) Tags: budget,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [estimated] Annual savings per person diverted from prison to supervision Each person diverted from prison to community supervision saves approximately $30,470 per year. Value: 30470.0 dollars per person per year (approximate) Tags: budget,parole,policy,reentry Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [estimated] Savings from diverting 1,000 people from prison to supervision Each 1,000 people diverted from prison to community supervision saves approximately $30.5 million annually. Value: 30.5 million dollars annually per 1,000 diversions Tags: budget,parole,policy,reentry Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [reported] Georgia parole completion rate of 73% Georgia's parole completion rate is 73%, which exceeds the 60% national average. Value: 73.0 percent (vs. 60 national average parole completion rate) Tags: parole,reentry Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Recidivism rate for vocational program completers: 13.64% The recidivism rate for vocational program completers is 13.64%, compared to the general recidivism rate of 26%. Value: 13.64 percent recidivism (vs. 26 general recidivism rate (percent)) Tags: reentry,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data - [reported] Georgia received $82 million in federal truth-in-sentencing grants (1996-2001) Georgia received $82 million in federal 'truth in sentencing' grants between 1996 and 2001. These grants incentivized longer sentences and reduced parole. Value: 82.0 million dollars Tags: budget,legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Federal Truth in Sentencing Grants Data (1996-2001) - [reported] Electronic monitoring costs $300-500/month borne by families Electronic monitoring adds a $300-500 per month financial burden on families of probationers. Value: 300.0 to 500 dollars per month Tags: parole,conditions,budget,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision FINDINGS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Georgia has the most felony probationers in the nation Georgia has MORE felony probationers than any other state in the nation. Tags: demographics,parole,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [reported] Federal grants incentivized longer sentences and reduced parole Federal 'truth in sentencing' grants received by Georgia incentivized longer sentences and reduced parole availability. Tags: policy,parole,legal,budget Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Federal Truth in Sentencing Grants Data (1996-2001) - [reported] Supervision fees and financial barriers for probationers Probationers pay supervision fees which can become insurmountable for low-income individuals. Failure to pay fees can trigger violations and re-incarceration. Tags: parole,conditions,policy,budget Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [reported] Technical violations drive revocations and incarceration cycle Many probation revocations stem from technical violations (missed appointments, failed drug tests) rather than new criminal behavior. Technical violations drive a cycle of incarceration that inflates the prison population. Tags: parole,policy,drugs,conditions Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision - [reported] Drug testing costs borne by probationers Drug testing costs are borne by probationers themselves, adding to the financial burden of community supervision. Tags: parole,drugs,conditions,budget Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision LEGAL FACTS (8) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] SB 105 signed into law May 3, 2021 SB 105, allowing early termination of felony probation after 3 years, was signed into law on May 3, 2021, effective immediately upon signing. Date: 2021-05-03 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; SB 105: Probation Reform Legislation - [reported] HB 582 Survivor Justice legislation HB 582 updates Georgia code to reflect modern understanding of domestic violence, aiming to prevent unjust convictions and mitigate lengthy sentences for survivors of domestic violence. Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,violence Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Justice Project (GJP) Policy and Advocacy Materials; HB 582: Survivor Justice Act - [reported] Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act The Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act, effective July 1, 2025, provides $75,000 for each year of wrongful incarceration and a path for proven-innocent individuals to rebuild their lives. Date: 2025-07-01 Tags: legal,policy,reentry Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Justice Project (GJP) Policy and Advocacy Materials; Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act - [confirmed] 1995 'Seven Deadly Sins' law eliminated parole for 7 violent crimes In 1995, Georgia's 'Seven Deadly Sins' law (SB 441) eliminated parole for 7 serious violent crimes. Date: 1995-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; SB 441: 'Seven Deadly Sins' Law - [reported] 1997 Parole Board implemented 90% sentence requirement In 1997, the Georgia Parole Board implemented a 90% sentence requirement for parole eligibility. Date: 1997-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; Georgia Parole Board 90% Sentence Requirement Policy - [confirmed] 2006 HB 1059 increased life sentence parole eligibility from 14 to 30 years HB 1059 (2006) increased the parole eligibility threshold for life sentences from 14 years to 30 years. Date: 2006-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; HB 1059: Life Sentence Parole Eligibility Amendment - [confirmed] 2012 Governor Deal's criminal justice reform (HB 1176) In 2012, Governor Deal's criminal justice reform package (HB 1176) expanded accountability courts and capped probation terms. Date: 2012-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; HB 1176: Governor Deal's Criminal Justice Reform Package - [reported] 2017 SB 174 expanded judicial discretion in sentencing SB 174 (2017) expanded judicial discretion in sentencing in Georgia. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,policy Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; SB 174: Expanded Judicial Discretion in Sentencing POLICYS (1) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] SB 105 eligibility criteria To qualify for early termination under SB 105, a felony probationer must have: (1) all restitution paid, (2) no revocations in the last 24 months, and (3) no new arrests. Date: 2021-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,parole Sources: GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision; SB 105: Probation Reform Legislation DATASETS (3) ---------------------------------------- # Georgia Criminal Justice Supervision Population Breakdown of Georgia's population under various forms of criminal justice supervision Supervision Type Population ------------------------------------------------ Felony Probation 191000 Probation or Parole (total) 356000 Total Criminal Justice Supervision 528000 # Daily Cost Comparison: Incarceration vs. Parole Supervision Comparison of per-person daily costs for incarceration versus parole supervision in Georgia Supervision Type Daily Cost Fiscal Year --------------------------------------------- Incarceration 86.61 FY2024 Parole Supervision 3.13 FY2025 # Georgia Sentencing and Parole Reform Timeline Key legislative and policy milestones affecting sentencing, parole, and probation in Georgia from 1995 to 2025 Year Legislation/Policy Description ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1995 SB 441 ('Seven Deadly Sins') Eliminated parole for 7 serious violent crimes 1997 Parole Board policy Implemented 90% sentence requirement 2006 HB 1059 Increased life sentence parole eligibility from 14 to 30 years 2012 HB 1176 (Gov. Deal reform) Expanded accountability courts, capped probation terms 2017 SB 174 Expanded judicial discretion in sentencing 2021 SB 105 Early termination of felony probation after 3 years 2025 Wrongful Conviction Compensation Act $75,000/year for wrongful incarceration, effective July 1 KEY ENTITIES (19) ---------------------------------------- - American Conservative Union Foundation [organization]: Conservative organization that supported SB 105 - Faith and Freedom Coalition [organization]: Conservative advocacy organization that supported SB 105 - Georgia Chamber of Commerce [organization]: Statewide business organization that supported SB 105 - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia Justice Project [organization]: Advocacy organization tracking Georgia criminal justice data, criminal records, and occupational licensing reform (aka: GJP) - Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia state agency responsible for parole decisions - Governor Nathan Deal [person]: Former Georgia Governor (2011-2019) who led the justice reinvestment initiative (2012-2015) that reduced the prison population by 6%, saved $264 million, and reinvested $57 million in recidivism reduction (aka: Deal) - HB 1059 [legislation]: 2006 Georgia legislation increasing life sentence parole eligibility from 14 to 30 years for crimes committed after June 30, 2006. - HB 1176 [legislation]: 2012 Georgia legislation expanding accountability courts and capping probation terms as part of Governor Deal's criminal justice reform (aka: Governor Deal's criminal justice reform package) - HB 582 [legislation]: 2025 legislative priority updating Georgia code to reflect modern understanding of domestic violence and prevent unjust convictions of survivors (aka: Survivor Justice) - Metro Atlanta Chamber [organization]: Business organization that supported SB 105 - REFORM Alliance [organization]: National organization supporting probation and parole reform; supporter of SB 105 - Representative Tyler Paul Smith [person]: Republican state representative from Bremen, Georgia; sponsor of SB 105 - RestoreHer [organization]: Organization supporting SB 105 probation reform - SB 105 [legislation]: Georgia legislation signed May 3, 2021, allowing early termination of felony probation after 3 years if eligibility criteria are met (aka: Probation Reform Act) - SB 174 [legislation]: 2017 Georgia legislation requiring the Board to consider commuting sentences of specific offenders serving split sentences who have completed 12 consecutive months of parole supervision (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-21). (aka: Senate Bill 174) - SB 441 [legislation]: 1995 Georgia legislation eliminating parole for seven serious violent crimes (murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery). (aka: Seven Deadly Sins law) - Senator Brian Strickland [person]: Republican state senator from McDonough, Georgia; sponsor of SB 105 - Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act [legislation]: Georgia law signed May 14, 2025 by Governor Kemp, establishing $75,000 per year of wrongful incarceration plus $25,000 per year on death row. Part of SB 244. (aka: SB 244 (compensation provision)) SOURCES (13) ---------------------------------------- - Federal Truth in Sentencing Grants Data (1996-2001), U.S. Department of Justice [official_report, primary] - Georgia Department of Community Supervision / GDC Cost and Supervision Data, Georgia Department of Corrections / Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles [official_report, primary] - Georgia Justice Project (GJP) Policy and Advocacy Materials, Georgia Justice Project (2025-01-01) [official_report, primary] - Georgia Parole Board 90% Sentence Requirement Policy, Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles (1997-01-01) [official_report, primary] - Georgia Racial Disparities in Probation Data [data_portal, secondary] - GPS Research Compilation: Georgia Probation & Community Supervision, Georgia Prisoners' Speak [gps_original, tertiary] - HB 1059: Life Sentence Parole Eligibility Amendment, Georgia General Assembly (2006-01-01) [legislation, primary] - HB 1176: Governor Deal's Criminal Justice Reform Package, Georgia General Assembly (2012-01-01) [legislation, primary] - HB 582: Survivor Justice Act, Georgia General Assembly (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary] - SB 105: Probation Reform Legislation, Georgia General Assembly by Senator Brian Strickland, Representative Tyler Paul Smith (2021-05-03) [legislation, primary] - SB 174: Expanded Judicial Discretion in Sentencing, Georgia General Assembly (2017-01-01) [legislation, primary] - SB 441: 'Seven Deadly Sins' Law, Georgia General Assembly (1995-01-01) [legislation, primary] - Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act, Georgia General Assembly (2025-01-01) [legislation, primary]