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GA HB1078
Bill
Status
Passed
4/29/2014
Primary Sponsor
Trey Kelley
Click for details
AI Summary
- Revises multiple definitions in Georgia's jury code (Title 15, Chapter 12) to explicitly include "grand" jurors alongside "trial" jurors in provisions covering master jury lists, venires, exemptions, questionnaires, expense allowances, and contempt for failure to appear
- Removes the prior prohibition against compelling grand jury service beyond four weeks per year, while retaining the four-week cap for trial jury service
- Authorizes courts to empanel one or more concurrent grand juries upon application of the district attorney when the public interest requires it, replacing the prior provision allowing only separate grand juries for each week of a multi-week term
- Establishes a new preliminary oath for prospective grand jurors and allows the presiding judge and district attorney to examine them on their qualifications before empaneling, with unqualified jurors to be excused
- Requires the clerk to choose grand jurors from the county master jury list in the same manner as trial jurors, and when insufficient grand jurors are available, directs the presiding judge to order the clerk to randomly select additional prospective grand jurors from the county master jury list
Legislative Description
Courts; juries and grand juries; provisions
Last Action
Effective Date
4/29/2014
Committee Referrals
Judiciary Non-Civil3/4/2014
Judiciary2/24/2014
Full Bill Text
No bill text available