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GeorgiaSB 882025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Douglas Judicial Circuit; a fourth judge of the superior courts; provide

Sponsored By: Timothy Bearden (Republican), Donzella James (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

JudiciaryGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Douglas Circuit adds a fourth judge

The law increases Douglas Judicial Circuit's superior court judges from three to four. The Governor appoints the new judge for 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 starting January 1, 2029. Later successors are elected every four years and take office January 1 after the election. The added judge has the same qualifications, powers, pay, and expense allowance as existing judges, including any county salary supplement. Once the new judge qualifies, judges can set lawful court rules and divide work; disagreements go to the majority, then the chief judge if no majority forms. Judges can manage calendars, assign cases, hold trials at the same time within the circuit, and select juries for multiple judges. Any circuit judge can hear cases and handle official papers issued in another circuit judge's name; existing judicial powers remain intact.

Local funds support Douglas Circuit courts

Douglas Circuit judges may appoint an additional court reporter, whose pay follows existing law. When a judge requests support, county leaders may provide needed courtrooms, office space, equipment, supplies, and staff. Approved spending is a court expense paid from county funds. The state and counties fund the added judge's salary, benefits, and expenses as applicable. The law sets no dollar amounts for these costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Timothy Bearden

    Republican • Senate

  • Donzella James

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Kimberly New

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 219 • No: 6

House vote • 3/18/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 171 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/28/2025

PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 48 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    4/30/2025Senate

  3. Act 25

    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 By Substitute

    2/28/2025Senate

  12. Senate Read Second Time

    2/19/2025Senate

  13. Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    2/18/2025Senate

  14. Senate Read and Referred

    2/5/2025Senate

  15. Senate Hopper

    2/4/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 88/AP* (v7)

    PDF

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