Georgia passes SB542, broadening sexual misconduct law to cover clergy and pastoral counseling

A new bill from State Sen. Randy Robertson extends improper sexual contact laws to include clergy and pastoral counseling relationships, after receiving approval from both chambers, according to the Georgia State Senate.

As of Friday, March 27, the bill had passed the House with a 168-0 vote and the Senate with a 47-0 vote.

Filed as SB542 on Friday, Feb. 20, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill’s formal summary reads: ’Sexual Offenses; clergy members to be charged with certain improper sexual contact offenses; permit’.

Below is an overview, based on the actual bill text, to help clarify the new law’s provisions.

The bill explicitly applies Georgia’s improper sexual contact law to clergy, covering sexual conduct in the context of pastoral counseling or under spiritual authority. Definitions for “clergy member,” “pastoral counseling or spiritual authority relationship,” and “person in a position of trust” are included. First- and second-degree improper sexual contact offenses now apply to clergy as they do to employees, agents, and foster parents associated with schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, disability, youth services, and other sensitive care institutions. Consent remains no defense; the bill also retains current exceptions related to marriage and peer students, and it continues to impose tiered penalties with a possible life sentence for repeat sexual felony offenders.

Seventeen Democrats and thirty Republicans in the Senate supported the bill, with no votes in opposition.

In the House, 73 Democrats and 95 Republicans voted in favor; there were no opposing votes.

Primary co-sponsors included Rep. Chuck Efstration (Republican-104th), Sen. John Albers (Republican-56th), and Sen. Jason Anavitarte (Republican-31st), with support from 21 additional co-sponsors.

Sen. Robertson, a Republican first elected to serve Georgia’s 29th Senate District in 2019, succeeded Joshua McKoon in the seat.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law on Monday, May 11.

The lawmaking process in Georgia starts when a legislator—sometimes prompted by a constituent—works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After submission to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill is read, sent to committee for detailed discussion, then moved to a floor vote if approved. A bill must pass both chambers, and sometimes go through a conference committee, before reaching the governor, who then has six days during session or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die) to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without signing. The General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session starting the second Monday in January.

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