GA SB527

Candidates for sheriff in Georgia must be certified peace officers at the time they qualify as a candidate, with certification verified by a form signed by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council executive director

Eliminates the previous exception that allowed first responders, military veterans, and current/former law enforcement officers to qualify without certification and complete training within six months of taking office

Removes provisions requiring the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council to ensure training space availability for newly elected sheriffs who were not yet certified

Candidates must swear or affirm they meet all qualification requirements at the time of qualifying, with false statements constituting false swearing under Code Section 16-10-71