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GeorgiaSB 1452025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Augusta Judicial Circuit; a sixth judge of the superior courts; provide

Sponsored By: Lee Anderson (Republican), Max Burns (Republican), Harold Jones II (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

JudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Augusta courts get a sixth judge

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Augusta Judicial Circuit has six superior court judges instead of five. The Governor appoints the first added judge; appointment authority took effect when the act became law. The initial term runs from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, continuing until a successor is elected and qualified. Voters elect the successor in the 2028 nonpartisan judicial election for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2029. Later elections occur every four years, with terms starting January 1 after the election and continuing until a successor qualifies. The added judge has the same qualifications, pay, expense allowances, county pay supplements, and legal powers as the other judges.

Augusta courts gain staff and county support

Beginning January 1, 2026, Augusta circuit judges may appoint one additional court reporter, with pay set under existing law. When a circuit judge requests necessary support, circuit counties must provide courtrooms, offices, equipment, supplies, and staff. These court expenses come from county treasuries; the law states no dollar amount. Once the added judge qualifies, judges may set court rules, divide work, and schedule hearings and jury trials. Rules are set by a majority, or the chief judge when no majority exists; the chief judge also resolves disagreements. Judges may hold jury trials at the same time and handle motions anywhere within the circuit. Any circuit judge may select jurors for any of the judges, and court papers issued in one judge's name remain valid before another. Existing court terms remain in place, and the act preserves other local court laws and judges' inherent powers except where expressly changed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Lee Anderson

    Republican • Senate

  • Max Burns

    Republican • Senate

  • Harold Jones II

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Mark Newton

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 225 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 172 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/28/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 53 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    4/30/2025Senate

  2. Act 26

    4/30/2025

  3. Effective Date

    4/30/2025

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. House Third Readers

    3/18/2025House

  6. House Passed/Adopted

    3/18/2025House

  7. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/13/2025House

  8. House Second Readers

    3/4/2025House

  9. House First Readers

    3/3/2025House

  10. Senate Third Read

    2/28/2025Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted

    2/28/2025Senate

  12. Senate Read Second Time

    2/27/2025Senate

  13. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    2/26/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read and Referred

    2/12/2025Senate

  15. Senate Hopper

    2/11/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 145/AP* (v5)

    PDF

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