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GeorgiaSB 2182025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission; shall be assigned for administrative purposes only to the Administrative Office of the Courts; provide

Sponsored By: Timothy Bearden (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), John F. Kennedy (Republican), Randy Robertson (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Larry Walker (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary Non-CivilJudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Expense payments for prosecutor oversight members

Georgia’s prosecutor oversight commission members receive expense payments when they attend panel meetings or hearings in person. They get the General Assembly’s daily expense allowance, plus public transportation reimbursement or the standard personal-vehicle mileage allowance. Judicial branch funds cover these payments. Members already eligible for these allowances through a state position, job, or contract are excluded.

Prosecutor oversight investigators gain limited arrest powers

Georgia’s prosecutor oversight commission can hire investigators, including special investigators with limited arrest powers. Special investigators must hold current state peace officer certification and complete basic peace officer training. Arrest powers cover only specified crimes witnessed by investigators or incidents tied to commission locations, travel, people, or property. Covered locations include commission offices, meeting or hearing buildings, and their parking areas and surrounding grounds. These powers do not create general law enforcement authority or change other prosecutors’ or sheriffs’ authority.

Older prosecutor misconduct complaints face limits

Georgia’s prosecutor oversight commission cannot receive complaints about misconduct in office that occurred before April 1, 2024. The bar does not apply if the misconduct is part of a continuous pattern that continues beyond that date.

Privacy and disclosure in prosecutor complaints

The complainant or person under investigation can waive confidentiality in Georgia’s prosecutor oversight process. When a complaint is dismissed, the complainant may learn why. If dismissal comes before a formal investigation is authorized, the subject may learn only the legal basis. The complainant’s identity and allegation details remain protected in that disclosure. Before formal charges, an agreed case outcome must be reported publicly to the Georgia Supreme Court. This applies when the prosecutor and investigative panel agree, except for private warnings or deferred discipline.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Timothy Bearden

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Gooch

    Republican • Senate

  • John F. Kennedy

    Republican • Senate

  • Randy Robertson

    Republican • Senate

  • Brian Strickland

    Republican • Senate

  • Larry Walker

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Joseph Gullett

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 232 • No: 40

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 49 • No: 1 • Other: 4

House vote • 4/4/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 149 • No: 18 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 34 • No: 21 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2026

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026Senate

  3. Act 489

    5/11/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub

    2/25/2026Senate

  6. House Withdrawn, Recommitted

    4/4/2025House

  7. House Third Readers

    4/4/2025House

  8. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    4/4/2025House

  9. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    4/2/2025House

  10. House Second Readers

    3/11/2025House

  11. House First Readers

    3/10/2025House

  12. Senate Third Read

    3/6/2025Senate

  13. Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/6/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read Second Time

    2/27/2025Senate

  15. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/26/2025Senate

  16. Senate Read and Referred

    2/20/2025Senate

  17. Senate Hopper

    2/19/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 218/AP* (v15)

    PDF

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