Bill
Bill > HB999
summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
03/10/2026
03/10/2026
Crossed Over
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Passed
04/10/2026
04/10/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 5 of Chapter 10 of Title 15 the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to fees and costs of magistrate courts, so as to revise provisions related to magistrate courts collecting sums and fees authorized by law; to amend an Act to amend Chapter 10 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to magistrate courts, so as to provide for nonpartisan election of magistrates, approved May 14, 2025 (Ga. L. 2025, p. 780), so as to correct a scrivener's error in the automatic repealer in said Act related to a constitutional amendment for the nonpartisan election of judges of the probate court; to provide legislative intent; to amend Code Section 15-10-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general jurisdiction and authority of magistrates to act, so as to revise the limitation on civil claims that may be considered by a magistrate court; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill makes several changes to Georgia's magistrate court system. First, it clarifies that magistrate courts can collect sums and fees authorized by law in addition to the standard filing fees, service costs, and fees for issuing a writ of fieri facias (a court order to seize property to satisfy a debt). Second, it corrects a technical error in a previous law concerning the nonpartisan election of magistrates, ensuring it aligns with a potential constitutional amendment regarding probate court judges. Finally, and importantly, it increases the maximum amount for civil claims that magistrate courts can hear from $15,000 to $25,000, meaning these courts will be able to handle more complex civil disputes.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
Stacey Evans (D)*,
Stan Gunter (R)*,
Rob Leverett (R)*,
Kimberly New (R)*,
Mary Oliver (D)*,
Matt Reeves (R)*,
Bo Hatchett (R),
Last Action
House Sent to Governor (on 04/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72279 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/249095 |
| Floor Amendment AM 47 0192 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/247049 |
| Sen Floor Amend 3 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/246462 |
| Sen Floor Amend 2 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/246473 |
| Sen Floor Amend 1 | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/246406 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/239972 |
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