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GA HB691
Bill
Status
Passed
4/26/2016
Primary Sponsor
Kevin Tanner
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AI Summary
- Appointed municipal court judges must serve a minimum term of one year, replacing the prior provision that judges serve "at the pleasure of the governing authority," with terms documented in a written agreement, ordinance, or charter.
- A municipal court judge may be removed during his or her term by a two-thirds vote of the full governing authority for willful misconduct, willful failure to perform duties, habitual intemperance, conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, or permanent disability interfering with duties.
- Removal proceedings must be initiated by written petition from one or more governing authority members; a majority vote at a public meeting may suspend the judge for up to 60 days with pay pending a final determination.
- The judge must receive a copy of the charges at least 10 days before an open public hearing, with the right to seek certiorari review from the superior court of the circuit following removal.
- Vacancies created by removal may be temporarily filled for up to 90 days, and the provisions expressly supersede conflicting local laws except for local Acts creating municipal courts in consolidated governments.
Legislative Description
Municipal courts; removal of appointed judges under certain circumstances; provide
Last Action
Effective Date
7/1/2016
Committee Referrals
State and Local Governmental Operations2/4/2016
Judiciary4/2/2015
Full Bill Text
No bill text available