Loading chat...
GA HB808
Bill
Status
Passed
5/3/2016
Primary Sponsor
Wendell Willard
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a new seven-member Judicial Qualifications Commission with the power to discipline, remove, and cause involuntary retirement of judges, with all members subject to Senate confirmation
- Commission composed of two judges appointed by the Supreme Court, two State Bar members (appointed by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House from lists of 10 nominees), two citizen members (one each appointed by the Speaker and President of the Senate), and one State Bar member appointed by the Governor to serve as chairperson
- All commission proceedings, investigations, and filed papers are confidential unless waived by the judge involved, with information and testimony given to the commission carrying absolute privilege against civil action
- At least four commission members must concur to recommend public reprimand, censure, suspension, retirement, or removal of a judge; a majority of the Supreme Court must concur in any final order, and all records become public upon the Supreme Court's issuance of such an order
- Effective date of January 1, 2017, is contingent on voter ratification of a corresponding constitutional amendment at the November 2016 general election; the Act is automatically repealed if the amendment is not ratified
Legislative Description
Courts; Judicial Qualifications Commission; create
Last Action
Effective Date
1/1/2017
Committee Referrals
Ethics2/23/2016
Judiciary1/22/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available