All Roll Calls
Yes: 155 • No: 112
GeorgiaSB 2552025-2026 Regular SessionSenate
General Assembly; authorization of statutory investigatory powers to certain committees of the General Assembly; codify a process
Sponsored By: Bill Cowsert (Republican)
Signed by Governor
RulesGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Legislative committees gain subpoena powers
The General Assembly can authorize one or more committees, including joint committees, to investigate by chamber rules or resolution. Authorized committees can give oaths, require witnesses to attend and testify, demand books, records, and papers, and take depositions. They can issue subpoenas for witnesses or documents, served anywhere in Georgia using the method in O.C.G.A. § 24-13-24. If someone refuses to obey, a superior court can order them to show cause and can punish disobedience as contempt.
Rules for confidential legislative investigations
Committees may keep investigation materials confidential if their rules or resolution allow it. In subpoena requests that ask for confidentiality, courts must take steps to protect secrecy but can deny it. If a judge denies it, the chair may withdraw the request to keep the application sealed, or proceed without secrecy. The law preserves all existing legislative powers and immunities, keeps prior investigations and subpoenas in place, and repeals conflicting laws.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bill Cowsert
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Rob Leverett
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/4/2025
AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE
Yes: 31 • No: 22
House vote • 4/2/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 91 • No: 67
Senate vote • 3/6/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 33 • No: 23
Actions Timeline
Senate Date Signed by Governor
5/14/2025SenateAct 314
5/14/2025Effective Date
5/14/2025Senate Sent to Governor
4/10/2025SenateSenate Agreed House Amend or Sub
4/4/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
4/2/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted By Substitute
4/2/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/27/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
3/11/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/10/2025HouseSenate Third Read
3/6/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/6/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/4/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/3/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
2/26/2025SenateSenate Hopper
2/25/2025Senate
Bill Text
SB 255/AP* (v7)
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