Bill > SB88

This bill increases the number of superior court judges in the Douglas Judicial Circuit from three to four, with the additional judge to be initially appointed by the Governor starting January 1, 2026, for a three-year term. The newly appointed judge will have the same powers, qualifications, and compensation as existing superior court judges in the circuit, and will be elected to a four-year term in the 2028 nonpartisan judicial election. The bill allows the judges of the circuit to collectively manage their workload, including the ability to divide cases, assign jury and non-jury trials, and conduct hearings simultaneously. The county governing authorities are authorized to provide necessary facilities, equipment, and support for the additional judge. The new judge can preside over cases within the Douglas Judicial Circuit or in other circuits, and can perform all official judicial functions. The bill emphasizes that the additional judge will have equal jurisdiction and authority as the existing judges and aims to facilitate more efficient court operations in the Douglas Judicial Circuit.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69884