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Found 110 matching documents.
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee · March 5, 2026
House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, March 5, 2026 (part 2)
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 1255 by substitute, with an amendment assigning responsibility for sending charging documents to the state rather than court clerks. Discussion focused on evidence-sharing deadlines, delays in criminal cases, and whether prosecutors have enough staff and technology to meet the requirements. The committee also heard HB 1322, which the presenter said would make rioting a felony. Three organizations opposed that bill, raising concerns about unclear language, penalties, protest rights, and bail restrictions. The chair postponed further consideration until the next morning without a vote.
Ben Sessions. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon, y'all. I, I sit before you today as a hypocrite. Um, about 10 years ago I sat in a different room across the street, and I talked about why it is that you should, uh, you should vote against a reciprocal discovery bill Um, today I sit before you and tell you that you should vote in favor of...
I think a lot of times we lose sight of what happens just down the street, for example, in the busiest court in the State of Georgia, which is Fulton County State Court. In Fulton County State Court, you routinely have cases that will be accused in 18 months to 24 months after the date of arrest. Roughly two years. A defendant's case is accused, and then it...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee · February 23, 2026
Senate Judiciary Committee, February 23, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved four bills and held one for more work. Members unanimously approved a substitute to SB 470 addressing signal jammers, an amended SB 327 adding a sixth superior court judge in the Clayton Judicial Circuit, and SB 202 establishing reciprocal evidence-sharing rules for misdemeanor cases. After extensive testimony about constitutional protections, religious freedom and effects on Muslim Georgians, the committee approved SB 486 on foreign laws and tribunal decisions, 4 to 3, with the chair breaking a tie. The committee held SB 499 after members questioned removing enhanced penalties involving firearms equipped with silencers. Funding for the additional Clayton judgeship remained an issue for the budget process.
I couldn't talk to them right then, but when I came back from court, they were still there. These are mothers that their children have been murdered, and these are cases that have been pending for, one, over five years. We've been trying to get to it, and it's not that, you know, for lack of trying. It's that we just have that many cases, the judges have...
All right. Any questions for District Attorney Moseley or Judge Mason? Thank y'all. Thank y'all. We have one other person, Mr. Sullivan from the Black Republican Council, that's here. You want the last word? Yes, sir. Come on down. Oh, thank you. Nobody else told me. You know, this whole time, maybe it was better, I don't know. Okay, I will make this quick...
Meeting transcript · Georgia State Senate · April 2, 2026
Senate floor session, April 2, 2026 (legislative day 40, part 1)
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The Senate passed measures on insurance, contraceptive access, child-abuse reporting, property-owner claims against local governments, education, healthcare licensing and court procedures. Debate focused heavily on HB 295, which passed 30 to 22 after opponents raised concerns about lawsuits, local costs and treatment of homeless people. Senators removed a corn-flour fortification requirement from HB 1138 before passing it. The Senate accepted House changes to several bills, including SB 556, which combined a needs-based college scholarship with other education provisions. A proposed change removing medical-education scholarships failed before the House version was approved 36 to 17. Senators set aside HB 1142 after questions about its domestic-violence registry and withdrew a motion on HB 328. The session also included committee reports, honorary resolutions, tributes to departing senators and a local-consent-calendar vote. The excerpt ends with a dinner break.
Most cases are what you typically hear, "He said, he said. He said, she said," the victim and the defendant. And in many of these cases, when you look at the evidence on both sides, the solicitor general or the DA even, in a felony case, realizes that it's either best to attempt to negotiate a settlement of the case or dead docket the case, not moving the...
Mr. President, I move that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 173 as amended by Amendment 1. Secretary, read the caption. Senate Bill 173 by Senators McLaurin of the 14th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to pleadings and motions so as to...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee · March 17, 2026
House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, March 17, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee heard testimony on changes to self-defense immunity under SB 572, increased penalties for blocking transportation routes under SB 443, an animal-cruelty database under SB 587, sex-offender reporting and risk classifications under SB 468, and AI-generated obscene images under SB 398. Witnesses raised questions about arrest powers, protest rights, supervision resources, protections for teenagers, and liability for AI companies. The chair repeatedly reported that the committee lacked a quorum, and no votes were taken before adjournment. The chair also announced that SB 499 had been removed at the sponsor’s request and would return the next day.
Thank you. All right. Next up we have Amy Barnes. Yeah. Uh, here. My name is Amy Barnes. Pleasure to meet y'all. I'm a criminal defense paralegal with over a decade of experience in multiple counties, and I've worked on very high-profile cases, cases that have made worldwide news. Um, I looked at this, this bill, and regarding the officer at the scene, I...
And when you look at how a case progresses through our judicial system, it goes from arrest to warrant, your probable cause hearings are established, you have your arraignment just mentioned. The thing that is not mentioned, that I have not heard people talk about, is how Fulton County cases can take, oh, I don't know, eight years to get to trial. Would you...
Bill or resolution · Georgia House of Representatives · February 20, 2026 · Introduced
Civil Practice Act; scheduling of civil trials; provide
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): House Bill 1407 would set detailed new rules for how Georgia courts schedule and call civil jury trials, including calendar deadlines, notice periods, and priority rules for attorneys with multiple cases.
SECTION 1. Article 6 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to trials under the "Civil Practice Act," is amended by revising Code Section 9-11-40, relating to time and place of trials, as follows: "9-11-40. (a) Time of trial. All civil cases, including divorce and other domestic relations cases, shall be triable any...
(2) A trial calendar shall be filed and served through the court's electronic filing service no less than 120 days prior to the session of court at which the actions thereon are to be tried. At the same time a trial calendar is filed and served through the court's electronic filing service, it shall also be served on each pro se party via email if said...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Rules Committee · April 2, 2026
House Rules Committee, April 2, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee heard requests to advance several study committee resolutions, a road-naming resolution and a resolution urging a pause in adopting updated residential energy standards. No calendar decisions on those requests were shown. Members approved substitutes for six bills and placed eight bills on the day's floor calendar. The substitutes addressed military license plates, community health workers and rural hospitals, public health programs and pharmacy access, charter school reimbursements, and higher education. Members objected to approving and scheduling SB 440 and to scheduling SB 513, but those motions carried by voice vote. The chair said the committee would likely meet again to consider additional requests.
Yes, sir. Um, members of the committee, I have two... Let's see. Let me find them again. Ha- uh, House Resolution 1703, which is a c- study committee on the post-conviction litigation, uh, in Georgia. Right now it's, uh, it's a mess, and, um, about a month or ago, uh, our chief justice had a, a case come before him, and he had a, a, a opinion in that that...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee · February 26, 2026
Senate Judiciary Committee, February 26, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved four bills: SB 488, addressing product liability for AI systems that harm minors, passed 7-1; SB 418, addressing unauthorized nude or sexually explicit images, passed unanimously after an amendment expanding who could enforce it; SB 499, addressing firearm suppressors, passed 7-2 by substitute; and SB 572, changing the process for self-defense immunity claims, passed 7-2 without amendments. The longest discussion concerned SB 572. Supporters argued it would protect people acting in lawful self-defense, while prosecutors, defense lawyers and a gun-safety organization raised concerns about its wording and effects. The sponsor committed to further discussions as the bill moves forward.
Maybe like 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, something, just something, as opposed to just having to wait and wait, and we'll get around to you eventually, especially in counties that, in judicial circuits that may not be as pro-gun or self-defense as others. Thank you. Thank you. Sully- Mr. Chairman, can I ask a question? Yeah, sure. Got one question for you....
Those are all findings of fact, right? Those are all findings of fact. So, um, for example, let's just take the first one, which is initially provokes the use of force. Well, who's to say who initially provoked the use of force, right? If we're in a, if there are two people in a bar fight, right, um, and there is an altercation whereas there's a shooting,...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Government Oversight Committee · February 12, 2026
Senate Government Oversight Committee, February 12, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously approved HB 485, which the sponsor described as updating state law and removing unfunded or unconstitutional provisions without changing policy. The committee also approved a Senate substitute for HB 377 requiring local governments to select certain design professionals based on qualifications before negotiating fees for projects of at least $1 million. Supporters argued the process would improve safety and prevent costly gaps in project plans. Witnesses for ACCG and Fayette County opposed making it mandatory, citing local flexibility, staffing limits and the value of comparing prices. The chair counted two opposing votes; the number in favor was not stated. The chair also announced an upcoming review of an audit concerning the State Victims’ Services Commission.
Uh, uh, and, uh, leg council worked hard on this, uh, last year to, to bring this forth, and I just would appreciate your favorable consideration. Uh, thank you, sir. Is there any questions on the committee? Seeing one flashing, number 10. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate it. Uh, Representative Yearta, great to see you as always, my friend. Well, thank...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Public Safety Committee · February 23, 2026
Senate Public Safety Committee, February 23, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered four bills. It approved SB 454, allowing temporary emergency door-locking devices under safety requirements, with one opposing vote. It heard extended testimony on SB 473, covering DUI education, fees, assessments and driving-permit requirements, but postponed further testimony and action until Wednesday. Members and witnesses raised questions about online classes, assessment costs and education requirements when DUI charges are reduced. The committee unanimously approved SB 501, updating Safety Fire Commissioner powers and procedures, after a grammatical amendment. It also unanimously approved SB 527, requiring sheriff candidates to be certified peace officers when qualifying to run.
I hope you've got another couple bills, Frank. Well, we have one more. It'll be about 60 seconds. I'm gonna wait. It'll be the 60 seconds of hell. Maybe 120 seconds. Okay. All right. This is gonna be really quick.
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · June 22, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, June 22, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee held a hearing only on SB 3, which addresses future voting equipment, election audits and the deadline for removing QR codes from vote counting. Discussion centered on a Senate-added requirement to hand-count the top two races before certification. Committee members and witnesses raised questions about accuracy, staffing, costs, deadlines and whether parts of the bill fit the special session’s scope. Supporters said hand counts could uncover machine errors and increase confidence. Many witnesses asked the committee to remove the hand-count requirement. The chair said discussions about a possible substitute were underway and another meeting might occur the next morning. No amendment or vote occurred before adjournment.
Um, so there does appear to be some language in that, uh, you know, provision where the General Assembly could consider multiple issues related to, um, issues relating to, uh, Senate Bill 289's effective date on the, the QR code ban. Um, there are two cases from the Georgia Supreme Court which provide some insight into this con- constitutional provision,...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Finance Committee · February 11, 2026
Senate Finance Committee, February 11, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The Senate Finance Committee advanced three measures: SB 432, extending colleges’ authority to carry certain funds into future years, unanimously; SR 668, allowing separate property-tax rates for manufacturing property and data centers, by an 8-4 vote; and SB 446, putting Georgia’s participation in a federal scholarship tax-credit program into state law, with no vote count announced. The committee rejected an amendment to the scholarship measure that would have excluded schools still seeking accreditation. Members also heard SB 436, concerning public access to data-center water and electricity information and a proposed one-year pause on large data centers. That measure received a hearing only, with no vote.
Yeah, you, you probably have to go pretty quickly, but go ahead. All right.
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Judiciary Juvenile Committee · March 4, 2026
House Judiciary Juvenile Committee, March 4, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee reconsidered HB 1445 after the sponsor requested changes to language in a version previously approved. The discussion focused on notifying schools and law enforcement when a young person’s electronic monitoring stops working, improving communication between agencies, and clarifying the role of monitoring companies. The committee approved the new substitute by voice vote, with no opposition heard, and adjourned.
Never moved so fast this morning. Good afternoon. Use the chair lady.
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Motor Vehicles Committee · February 20, 2026
House Motor Vehicles Committee, February 20, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee discussed planned changes to HB 1267, including vehicle-related penalties and dealer oversight, but took no vote because revised language was not ready. Members also considered moving dealer oversight into one agency. The committee approved a substitute for HB 809 that would set a 50 mph minimum speed on interstates and Georgia 400 beginning July 1, 2027. It also approved HB 1191 after adding a January 1, 2027 effective date to allow time to prepare for the license-plate changes.
Less than the minimum speed limit ... it was less than the minimum speed, which was 40. And it just, you know, it just shook the, the, the elderly person. So I j- I say that to say that, you know, as, as I get a little older, I, I wanna make sure that we are aware, to make sure that we take care of the, the senior population. I, Representative McClain, I...
Bill or resolution · Georgia House of Representatives · February 9, 2026 · Introduced
Criminal procedure; motions and discovery; modify provisions
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A House Judiciary substitute would overhaul Georgia's criminal discovery rules, setting new deadlines for prosecutors and defendants to exchange evidence and adding detailed disclosure requirements for expert witnesses.
SECTION 1. Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure is amended by revising Code Section 17-7-54, relating to form of indictment by grand jury, by adding a new subsection to read as follows: "(c) An indictment substantially complying with the forms provided in this Code section shall in all cases be sufficient and...
SECTION 2. Said title is further amended by revising subsection (c) of Code Section 17-7-70.1, relating to trial upon accusations in certain felony and misdemeanor cases and trial upon plea of guilty or nolo contendere, as follows: "(c) An accusation substantially complying with the form forms provided in subsections (d) and (e) of Code Section 17-7-71...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Transportation Committee · March 18, 2026
Senate Transportation Committee, March 18, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously approved HB 944, an annual update to federal transportation references; HB 1434, requiring local protection of airport airspace, with an amendment narrowing the transportation department’s role; and HB 1230, restricting drone flights over jails and prisons and targeting drone deliveries of contraband. The committee unanimously tabled HB 205, which would require government agencies to use drones from an approved list. That discussion focused on the sponsor’s national security concerns and witnesses’ warnings about replacement costs and reduced emergency-response capabilities. The chair invited the sponsor and stakeholders to bring possible compromises to the next meeting.
Thank you. All right, Representative Jones. I know you can talk fast. Um, we're gonna put that to a test this morning.
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Science and Technology Committee · March 11, 2026
Senate Science and Technology Committee, March 11, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously recommended HB 986, which would change sound requirements and raise speed limits for personal delivery devices, for passage to the Rules Committee. The committee also recommended SR 789 for passage after amending the proposed artificial intelligence study committee to have five senators and focus on creative industries. Witnesses discussed copyright protection, job losses, training, access to computing equipment and opportunities for Georgia businesses. Two witnesses spoke after the vote because the chair expected to lose the attendance needed to take action. The chair explained that the full Senate would still need to approve the resolution to create the study committee.
We weren't comfortable yet moving that fast, no pun intended, from four to 10 or four to 12, so what we did was we split the difference and we went to seven, feeling that would give us at least more time to reflect upon, is this increase in speed appropriate? It also, I think, reflects on nearly every technical bill that will go through this body over the...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Rules Committee · March 18, 2026
Senate Rules Committee, March 18, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee heard presentations on education, taxes, public safety, vehicle titles, veterinary care and other issues. Members unanimously referred HB 445 and HB 485 to the Standing Rules Committee. After hearing presentations and reviewing other measures, the committee unanimously approved ten measures for the floor calendar. Those included proposals on pre-K after-school access, technical college education, manufactured-home taxes, veterinary care, funeral expenses, delivery devices, public safety license plates, nonpartisan probate judge elections and a dedicated 911 fund. Other measures were discussed without a calendar vote.
Um- That'd be done ... that'd be a great bill for more. Just... Oh, Senator Walker. Our present pro tem. I do think House Bill 986 is probably good, but I'm worried that it's gonna birth a, a new industry for, um, speed zone cameras for these things.
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 25, 2026 · Introduced
Grand Juries; creation, selection, composition, compensation, procedures, and term; provide
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Senate bill would create a new statewide grand jury in Georgia focused on election crimes, letting the Attorney General ask the Supreme Court to convene it, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in November 2026.
(b) A person indicted by a state grand jury for a bailable offense shall have a bond hearing before the end of the second business day following the day he or she was arrested in this state for that offense or the day he or she was delivered within this state following extradition for that offense from another state or jurisdiction, and shall be released...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee · March 2, 2026
House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, March 2, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 237, HB 1432 as amended, and HB 997 by substitute with amendments. Members heard presentations and testimony on HB 984 and HB 1395, but the transcript shows no votes on either. Discussion of HB 968, concerning a kratom ban, ended with the chair postponing action until Thursday over concerns about incorporating federal drug classifications into Georgia law. The committee also began reviewing a substitute for HB 1255, concerning the exchange of evidence in criminal cases, and continued that discussion until Thursday without a vote. The chair announced that HB 1142 had been removed from the day's agenda at the sponsor's request and would return Thursday.
This was previously within 10 days. A court can still order a different timeline. Lines 373 through 382 changes the timeline to within 30 days of arraignment, but no later than 30 days prior to trial for when the prosecution must provide witness statements. Lines 383 through 391 changes the timeline for when the state must furnish their witness information...
And this would, uh, also attempt to update our subpoena service rules. Um, I'll go through section by section as quickly as possible. Section 1, and this is LC481803S that we're presenting here. Uh, Section 1 covers that a copy of an indictment from a grand jury must be either mailed or electronically transmitted to the defendant and attorney if none within...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · January 28, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, January 28, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 903, which the sponsor described as expanding oversight of state agency rules, and HB 140, which would limit cities’ reliance on fines and forfeitures. For HB 140, members adopted an amendment phasing in the limits through 2030 before sending the amended bill to Rules. Both bills passed by voice vote, with no vote counts stated. The chair announced that HB 613 had been withdrawn from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. The committee also heard from DeKalb County’s chief executive about housing affordability, rental registries and rent increases, and from a citizen urging protection of voting access and opposition to federal executive involvement in elections.
But, and, uh, I've been gone now for 15 years, but I believe it was 50, uh, 50, it was 40% to begin with, and in the legislature, we reduced it, uh, about seven or eight years ago to 35% of the overall budget of the city. Uh, but it delineated the different speeds. And, uh, what happened is, and, uh, and I've had a lot of police chiefs talk to me about what...
They don't have any, uh, they don't have any competence or licenses to, to do that. So it's at post-council right now to make a determination about what they're gonna do. But, uh, I, I think certainly, uh, the, the least amount is they're gonna- They're gonna stop them from speed enforcement, but there's probably some law enforcement officers that are gonna...
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