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Found 78 matching documents.
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...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 12, 2025 · Introduced
Criminal Procedure; pretrial proceedings in capital offense cases where the death penalty is sought when the accused has intellectual disability; provide
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 159 would create a pretrial process letting defendants in Georgia death penalty cases prove they have intellectual disability before trial, which would bar prosecutors from seeking execution if proven.
SECTION 3. Said title is further amended by revising subsection (d) of Code Section 17-7-171, relating to time for a demand for speedy trial in capital cases, discharge and acquittal when no trial held before end of two court terms of demand, counting of terms in cases in which death penalty is sought, and special pleas of incompetency, as follows: "(d) If...
SECTION 5. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
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 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 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 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 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 Senate Judiciary Committee · February 25, 2026
Senate Judiciary Committee, February 25, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered and unanimously approved three bills. SB 552 would protect public school students’ political expression and access to student meeting spaces. SB 542 would add clergy to laws against improper sexual contact involving positions of authority. The committee approved that bill with a substitute after hearing supporting testimony from a survivor and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. SB 406 would establish state oversight of homeowners and similar associations and change foreclosure rules. Members approved an amendment requiring immediate decisions after administrative hearings, but withdrew a proposed board-training requirement. The chair said SB 406 would move to Rules.
But, um, but again, I, I guess going back to your question, to me, an administrative, some sort of administrative hearing to me needed to be the first remedy available. I don't wanna cut ... We, we could have a discussion all the time, which is important, but we also wanna keep a quorum or the bill could stall out- Okay ... for not being able to take...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 12, 2025 · Engrossed
Brady Law Regulations; standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; revise
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A House substitute to SB 163 rewrites how criminal discovery works in Georgia courts, setting new deadlines for prosecutors and defendants to exchange evidence, adds detailed expert witness disclosure rules, lets active law enforcement officers keep their voter registration address confidential, and updates how subpoenas are served on police agencies.
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...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 19, 2025 · Vetoed
Criminal Procedure; offenses that are not serious violent felonies, sexual felonies, or other certain offenses to be charged by accusation of the district attorney; allow
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would let district attorneys charge most felony cases by accusation instead of requiring a grand jury indictment, while also rewriting the state's gun law preemption statute and changing who can sue over local gun rules. The bill was passed by the legislature but vetoed by the Governor.
(g) Any person aggrieved as a result of a violation of this Code section may bring an action against the person who caused such aggrievement. The aggrieved person shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and expenses of litigation and may recover or obtain against the person who caused such damages any of the following: (1) Actual damages or $100.00,...
SECTION 2. Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, is amended by revising subsection (a) 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: "(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) 'Serious...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee · March 2, 2026
Senate Judiciary Committee, March 2, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee advanced six measures: SR 262, calling for a convention to consider a federal balanced-budget amendment; SB 594, addressing digital identity fraud; SB 547, increasing pimping and pandering penalties; SB 591, prohibiting disruption of religious services; SB 592, increasing sentences and limiting parole for certain crimes; and SB 532, requiring notices in certain default court proceedings. The committee tabled SB 413, concerning lease termination after firearm injuries, following questions about eligibility and documentation. Discussion included concerns about the scope of a constitutional convention, protest rights, mandatory life sentences, and who must provide notice of court hearings.
Yeah, I know. We're, we're on a roll. I can't speak all of a sudden. We're on a roll.
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 13, 2025 · Engrossed
Pleadings and Motions; movants to file notices of uncontested motions in superior courts and state courts; authorize
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would let parties in superior and state court cases force a ruling on a stalled motion by filing an uncontested motion notice, after which the motion is deemed granted if the judge still doesn't rule within seven days.
SECTION 1. Article 3 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to pleadings and motions, is amended by adding new Code sections to read as follows: "9-11-16.1. (a) In the event that a superior court judge or a state court judge fails to rule upon a properly served pretrial motion before him or her to which no objection has...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 19, 2025 · Introduced
Discovery; discovery in misdemeanor cases; change provisions
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would overhaul how evidence sharing works in misdemeanor criminal cases, letting defendants opt into a two-way discovery process similar to what already applies in felony cases.
(b) In all criminal trials the defendant shall be entitled to have If the defendant elects to have this article apply, the prosecuting attorney shall, at least ten days prior to trial of the case, disclose to the defendant a complete copy of any written scientific reports in the possession of the prosecution which will be introduced in whole or in part...
(b) The prosecuting attorney shall serve upon the defendant within five days of the defendant's written notice but no later than five days before trial, whichever is later, a written notice stating the names, addresses, dates of birth, and telephone numbers of the witnesses, if known to the state, upon whom the state intends to rely to rebut the defendant's...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 3, 2025 · Introduced
Speed Detection Devices and Red Light Cameras; standards for signs warning of a reduced speed limit in a school zone and signs warning of the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; provide
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would tighten the rules for school zone speed cameras, requiring new warning signs placed a half mile before school zones and speed-display devices, while narrowing when tickets can be issued.
SECTION 5. Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, is amended in Code Section 15-9-155, relating to prosecuting attorney's duties and authority in probate courts in counties in which there are no state courts, by revising subparagraph (a)(1)(A) as follows: "(A) In the prosecution of any violation of the laws or ordinances of...
SECTION 6. Said title is further amended in Code Section 15-18-6, relating to duties of district attorney, by revising paragraph (6) as follows: "(6) To prosecute civil actions to enforce any civil penalty set forth in Code Section 40-6-163 or 40-14-18 and to prosecute or defend any other civil action in the prosecution or defense of which the state is...
Amendment · Georgia State Senate · September 25, 2026
Sen Floor Amend 1 to HB 651
(2) A law enforcement agency authorized to enforce the speed limit of a school zone, or an agent working on behalf of a law enforcement agency or governing body, shall send by first class first-class mail in an envelope which prominently displays the name and seal or logo of the governing body and addressed to the owner of the motor vehicle within 30 days...
(3) Proof that a motor vehicle was operated in disregard or disobedience of the speed limit of the marked school zone shall be as evidenced by photographically recorded images. A accompanied by a copy of a certificate sworn to or affirmed by a certified peace officer employed by a law enforcement agency and stating that, based upon inspection of...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 10, 2025 · Passed
Insanity and Mental Incapacity; hearing before a court orders an evaluation of the mental competency of an accused person to stand trial; require
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 132 changes how Georgia courts handle questions about a criminal defendant's mental competency to stand trial, requiring a hearing before ordering an evaluation and creating faster timelines and automatic dismissal for people accused only of minor, nonviolent misdemeanors.
(2) If the accused files a special plea alleging that the accused is mentally incompetent to stand trial, it shall be the duty of the court to have a bench trial, unless the state or the accused demands a special jury trial, to determine the accused's competency to stand trial. Once a special plea has been filed, the court shall submit the department's...
(i) Except as provided in division (ii) of this subparagraph, by the end of the 90 day period provided for in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of this subsection, or at any prior time, the department shall report that finding and the reasons therefor to the court and shall retain custody over the accused for the purpose of continued treatment for an...
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