GA HB665

Modernizes record-keeping requirements for Georgia clerk of superior court offices by authorizing electronic databases, digital imaging, and computerized document management systems as alternatives to traditional paper books, microfilm, and physical indices for storing deeds, liens, plats, and other court records

Increases the required bond for clerks of superior court from $25,000 to $150,000, with amounts that may be further increased by local act or county governing authority ordinance or resolution

Revises vacancy procedures so that a chief deputy clerk automatically becomes clerk of superior court upon the clerk's death, resignation, or removal, and establishes new timelines requiring special elections between 120 and 365 days after a vacancy occurs if more than two years remain in the term

Establishes a new process for investigating and removing clerks, requiring the Governor to appoint a committee of two clerks and the Attorney General to investigate, with authority to suspend a clerk for up to 60 days (extendable by 30 days) and to request a district attorney to file a removal petition

Eliminates the fee-based compensation system for clerks, repeals obsolete provisions including the state-wide county computerized information network statute, and adds new provisions allowing clerks to close offices for up to eight hours per six-month period for employee training with proper notice