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GeorgiaHB 15342025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Chatham County; State Court; provide additional judge

Sponsored By: Bill Hitchens (Republican), Edna Jackson (Democrat), Jesse Petrea (Republican), Ron Stephens (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Chatham County State Court adds fourth judge

Beginning January 1, 2027, Chatham County State Court has four judges instead of three; existing judges keep their current terms. The Governor appoints the fourth judge through December 31, 2028, and until an elected successor takes office. Qualified county voters elect that successor at the 2028 general primary for a four-year term. The added judge has the same powers and pay as the other judges, and any judge can hear any case. At the judge’s request, the county may provide courtroom and office space, equipment, supplies, and staff, paid from the county treasury.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Bill Hitchens

    Republican • House

  • Edna Jackson

    Democrat • House

  • Jesse Petrea

    Republican • House

  • Ron Stephens

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 312 • No: 71

House vote • 4/2/2026

Supplemental Local Calendar #2

Yes: 101 • No: 69 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 50 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 3/18/2026

Local Calendar

Yes: 161 • No: 2 • Other: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  2. Act 672

    5/12/2026

  3. Effective Date

    5/12/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

    4/2/2026House

  6. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub

    4/2/2026House

  7. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/25/2026Senate

  8. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/25/2026Senate

  9. Senate Read and Referred

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/18/2026House

  11. House Third Readers

    3/18/2026House

  12. House Passed/Adopted

    3/18/2026House

  13. House Second Readers

    3/12/2026House

  14. House First Readers

    3/10/2026House

  15. House Hopper

    3/9/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1534/AP* (v6)

    PDF

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