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GeorgiaHB 9992025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Magistrate courts; collecting sums and fees authorized by law; revise provisions

Sponsored By: Stacey Evans (Democrat), Stan Gunter (Republican), Rob Leverett (Republican), Kimberly New (Republican), Mary Oliver (Democrat), Matt Reeves (Republican)

Signed by Governor

JudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Higher claim limit in magistrate court

For cases filed beginning January 1, 2027, Georgia magistrate courts can hear civil claims up to $25,000, up from $15,000. The ceiling applies to the amount demanded or the value of property claimed, including garnishment and attachment cases. Cases reserved only for superior court remain excluded. Magistrate courts cannot grant prejudgment attachment, which ties up property before a judgment.

Capped court fees plus extra charges

Beginning July 1, 2026, Georgia magistrate-court plaintiffs pay a filing deposit of no more than $22, covering costs except service. Plaintiffs also pay the actual cost of serving each party, capped at the sheriff’s service fee per party. A person requesting a writ to collect a judgment pays $4 before or when it is issued, never before judgment. The losing party is charged the court costs. Other sums required by law remain additional charges, and other legally authorized fees remain collectible.

Voter approval controls probate election rule

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law limits a prior act’s automatic-repeal clause to its probate-judge nonpartisan election section. That section takes effect January 1, 2027, only if voters approve the related Georgia constitutional amendment. Without approval, that section is automatically repealed. If approved, the amendment controls any conflict with laws in effect at ratification; otherwise, those laws remain in effect.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Stacey Evans

    Democrat • House

  • Stan Gunter

    Republican • House

  • Rob Leverett

    Republican • House

  • Kimberly New

    Republican • House

  • Mary Oliver

    Democrat • House

  • Matt Reeves

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Bo Hatchett

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 465 • No: 15

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE AMENDMENT TO SENATE AMENDMENT

Yes: 48 • No: 1 • Other: 6

House vote • 3/23/2026

Agree to Senate Am as Am

Yes: 167 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

ADOPTION OF AMENDMENT #3 BY THE SENATOR FROM THE 37TH

Yes: 44 • No: 6 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

PASSAGE AS AMENDED

Yes: 46 • No: 4 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/3/2026

PASSAGE

Yes: 160 • No: 4 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/12/2026House

  3. Act 707

    5/12/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub As Amended

    3/23/2026House

  7. Senate Third Read

    3/18/2026Senate

  8. Senate Passed/Adopted As Amended

    3/18/2026Senate

  9. Senate Read Second Time

    3/12/2026Senate

  10. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/10/2026Senate

  11. Senate Read and Referred

    2/4/2026Senate

  12. House Third Readers

    2/3/2026House

  13. House Passed/Adopted

    2/3/2026House

  14. House Committee Favorably Reported

    1/28/2026House

  15. House Second Readers

    1/27/2026House

  16. House First Readers

    1/16/2026House

  17. House Hopper

    1/15/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 999/AP* (v8)

    PDF

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