GeorgiaHB 1802025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Probate courts; modify certain requirements for probate judges

Sponsored By: Stacey Evans (Democrat), Stan Gunter (Republican), Soo Hong (Republican), Trey Kelley (Republican), Mitchell Scoggins (Republican), Tyler Paul Smith (Republican)

Became Law

JudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Probate judges cannot practice law privately

Elected probate judges in Georgia cannot practice law privately while serving. The ban applies in every county.

New rules to run for probate judge in large counties

Some large counties add extra rules for probate judge candidates. This covers counties with over 90,000 people and Article 6 probate courts. At qualifying, you must be at least 30, admitted to practice law for seven years, and in good standing with the State Bar. You must also file a separate affidavit confirming you meet these three requirements. Judges in office on or after June 30, 2000, may keep serving and run again. A probate decision cannot be thrown out only because the judge lacked the seven-year practice requirement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Stacey Evans

    Democrat • House

  • Stan Gunter

    Republican • House

  • Soo Hong

    Republican • House

  • Trey Kelley

    Republican • House

  • Mitchell Scoggins

    Republican • House

  • Tyler Paul Smith

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Bo Hatchett

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 2

Senate vote 4/2/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote 3/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 171 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025
  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/14/2025House
  3. Act 253

    5/14/2025
  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/8/2025House
  5. Senate Third Read

    4/2/2025Senate
  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    4/2/2025Senate
  7. Senate Read Second Time

    3/13/2025Senate
  8. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/11/2025Senate
  9. Senate Read and Referred

    3/6/2025Senate
  10. House Third Readers

    3/4/2025House
  11. House Passed/Adopted

    3/4/2025House
  12. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/4/2025House
  13. House Second Readers

    2/3/2025House
  14. House First Readers

    1/30/2025House
  15. House Hopper

    1/29/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 180/AP* (v3)

Related Bills

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