GA HB563

Replaces "special master" hearings with administrative law judges from the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) for employment discrimination complaints under Georgia's Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978, except when OSAH itself is the respondent, in which case the Governor appoints a special master from a board-certified list reduced from 12 to 8 persons.

Grants the administrator of the Commission on Equal Opportunity explicit authority to order discovery pursuant to Georgia's civil discovery rules in aid of investigations and hearings, equivalent to what would apply in superior court civil actions.

Requires the administrator to notify the complainant and respondent in writing if an investigation cannot be completed within 90 days, and eliminates the prior requirement for the administrator to issue status reports every 30 days after the initial 90-day period.

Establishes that complainants may appeal both a final order by a hearing officer and a dismissal of a complaint by the administrator to superior court, with the administrator required to forward the certified record within 30 days of being served with the petition for review.

Specifies that willful failure to comply with a subpoena or lawful order to testify, answer inquiries, or produce documents constitutes an unlawful practice punishable by a civil fine of up to $1,000.