SB 351: County of Treutlen; the salary of the judge and solicitor-general; change

This bill amends the 1919 law that created the State Court of Treutlen, formerly known as the City Court of Soperton. It adds a new section setting minimum annual salaries for two local officials: the court's judge and its solicitor-general (the local prosecutor for that court). Starting July 1, 2025, the judge must be paid at least $55,000.08 a year, and the solicitor-general must be paid at least $49,000.08 a year. Both salaries are paid in equal monthly installments from Treutlen County funds. The bill also confirms that both the judge and the solicitor-general may be reelected or reappointed to serve additional terms. The bill repeals any conflicting laws.

• Sets a new minimum annual salary of $55,000.08 for the judge of the State Court of Treutlen, retroactive to July 1, 2025.
• Sets a new minimum annual salary of $49,000.08 for the court's solicitor-general (local prosecutor), retroactive to July 1, 2025.
• Requires both salaries to be paid in equal monthly installments from Treutlen County funds.
• Confirms that the judge and solicitor-general are eligible to succeed themselves in office.
• Repeals any existing state laws that conflict with these new salary provisions.

The current and future judge and solicitor-general of the State Court of Treutlen, Treutlen County's government which funds these salaries from county funds, and residents of Treutlen County who rely on this local court.

The change guarantees higher minimum pay for two specific local court officials in Treutlen County, funded directly by the county, which affects the county budget and could influence who is willing to serve in or continue holding these positions.

• Section 1 adds a new Section 3.1 to the 1919 Act establishing the State Court of Treutlen, setting the judge's minimum salary at $55,000.08 per year starting July 1, 2025.
• Section 1 also sets the solicitor-general's minimum salary at $49,000.08 per year starting July 1, 2025.
• Section 1 specifies that both salaries are paid from Treutlen County funds in equal monthly installments.
• Section 1 states that the judge and solicitor-general may succeed themselves in office.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-05-11Effective Date 2026-05-11
2. 2026-05-11Act 609
3. 2026-05-11Senate Date Signed by Governor (Senado)
4. 2026-04-10Senate Sent to Governor (Senado)
5. 2026-02-20House Passed/Adopted (Cámara de Representantes)
6. 2026-02-20House Third Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
7. 2026-02-20House Committee Favorably Reported (Cámara de Representantes)
8. 2025-03-31House Second Readers (Cámara de Representantes)

• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)Patrocinador principal
• Esther Panitch (D, HD-051)

1. AprobadaVotación: Senado27 de marzo de 2025

   52 a favor, 0 en contra (0 sin votar, 4 ausentes)

   Local Consent Calendar: Senate Vote #291

2. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes20 de febrero de 2026

   162 a favor, 0 en contra (9 sin votar, 6 ausentes)

   Local Calendar : House Vote #537

• local government pay
• Treutlen County
• state court salaries
• judicial salaries