GA HB24

Repeals and replaces Georgia's entire Title 24 (Evidence) to substantially revise, supersede, and modernize the state's rules of evidence, incorporating provisions modeled on the Federal Rules of Evidence including definitions of relevant evidence, hearsay, expert testimony standards, and authentication requirements.

Adopts the Daubert standard for expert testimony admissibility in civil proceedings, requiring that expert opinions be based on sufficient facts, reliable principles and methods, and reliable application to the case, with courts directed to draw from U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Daubert, Joiner, and Kumho Tire.

Establishes comprehensive hearsay rules with defined exceptions (present sense impressions, excited utterances, business records, public records, dying declarations, etc.) and codifies exclusions for party admissions, prior statements by witnesses, and statements by co-conspirators.

Relocates DNA analysis provisions for convicted felons from Title 24 to Title 35 (Law Enforcement) and updates cross-references throughout the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to conform to the new Title 24 numbering structure.

Sets an effective date of January 1, 2011, applicable to any motion made or hearing or trial commenced on or after that date.