All Roll Calls
Yes: 219 • No: 2
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
Senate vote • 4/2/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 48 • No: 2
House vote • 3/4/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 171 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/14/2025HouseAct 253
5/14/2025House Sent to Governor
4/8/2025HouseSenate Third Read
4/2/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/13/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/11/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/6/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
3/4/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/4/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported
2/4/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/3/2025HouseHouse First Readers
1/30/2025HouseHouse Hopper
1/29/2025House
Bill Text
HB 180/AP* (v3)
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