SB327: SB327 Clayton Judicial Circuit; sixth judge of the superior courts; provide

The Clayton Judicial Circuit, which covers Clayton County's superior courts, currently has five judges. This bill would amend Georgia's judicial code (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-2) to increase that number to six. The Governor would appoint the new judge for a term starting January 1, 2027 and running through the end of 2028, after which voters would choose a successor in the 2028 nonpartisan judicial election for a regular four-year term. The bill gives the new judge the same powers, pay, and qualifications as the circuit's other judges, and lets the circuit's judges divide up caseloads, set court calendars, and impanel juries by majority vote or, if tied, by the chief judge's decision. It also allows the circuit to hire an extra court reporter and directs Clayton County's counties to provide office space and staff for the new judge. Most provisions take effect January 1, 2027, except the appointment process, which starts once the Governor signs the bill.

• Amends Georgia's superior court judge count law (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-2) to raise the Clayton Judicial Circuit from five judges to six.
• Directs the Governor to appoint the new judge for a term from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028, with an elected successor to follow.
• Sets the new judge's pay, powers, and qualifications equal to the circuit's existing superior court judges, funded by the state and county governments.
• Lets the circuit's judges collectively divide caseloads, set court calendars, and impanel juries, with disputes settled by majority vote or the chief judge.
• Authorizes the circuit to appoint an additional court reporter and requires county governments to provide courtroom space, equipment, and staff on request.

Residents and litigants in the Clayton Judicial Circuit, the circuit's current superior court judges, the newly appointed judge and future candidates for the seat, county governments in the circuit responsible for funding facilities and staff, and the Governor's office, which makes the initial appointment.

Adding a sixth judge could speed up how quickly cases move through Clayton County's superior courts by spreading the caseload among more judges. It also creates a new judicial seat that the Governor fills first, then voters decide in future elections, and adds costs for county governments to support the new judge.

• Section 1 revises O.C.G.A. § 15-6-2 to change the Clayton Circuit's judge count from five to six.
• Section 3 has the Governor appoint the new judge for a term from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2028, with a successor elected in the 2028 nonpartisan judicial election for a four-year term.
• Section 4 gives the new judge the same powers and authority as existing superior court judges, including the ability to preside in other circuits.
• Section 7 authorizes the circuit's judges to set rules for dividing caseloads and calendars, with majority vote or the chief judge breaking ties.
• Section 9 allows the circuit to appoint an additional court reporter.
• Section 11 requires county governments in the circuit to provide courtrooms, office space, equipment, and personnel for the judges upon request.
• Section 13 sets the effective date as the appointment process starting upon the Governor's approval, with all other provisions effective January 1, 2027.

1. 2026-03-06Senate Tabled (Senate)
2. 2026-02-25Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
3. 2026-02-24Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
4. 2025-03-10Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
5. 2025-03-07Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)Primary sponsor
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)

• superior courts
• judicial appointments
• Clayton County
• court system
• judgeships