summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding prosecuting attorneys, so as to modify provisions regarding the compensation received by district attorneys; to provide procedures for district attorneys to opt to receive compensation pursuant to such revised provisions; to provide for grandfathering of certain district attorneys so as to not reduce the compensation paid to such district attorneys; to authorize locality pay by counties to district attorneys in lieu of county salary supplements; to abolish most county salary supplements provided to district attorneys; to authorize continuation of fringe benefits provided by counties to district attorneys; to preserve existing rights and obligations related to retirement benefits provided by counties to district attorneys; to provide for retirement benefits relative to optional locality pay; to amend Code Section 45-7-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual salaries of certain state officials and cost-of-living adjustments, so as to revise provisions relating to calculating and setting the salaries of district attorneys; to revise superseded provisions related to the salary of the judge of the state-wide tax court; to amend Chapter 3 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to laws and statutes, so as to suspend the operation of local laws or local ordinances or resolutions that use a district attorney's salary for the calculation of the salary or compensation of other officers, officials, or employees; to provide for an automatic lifting of such suspension relative to judges; to H. B. 1028 (SUB) preserve the authority of the General Assembly to amend or repeal such suspended local laws; to preserve the authority of local governments to use other mechanisms to change salary calculation during such suspension; to provide for legislative findings and intent; to provide for legislative construction; to provide a short title; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the District Attorney Compensation Reform Act, modifies how district attorneys are compensated by changing state law regarding their salaries and how counties can supplement them. Starting July 1, 2026, district attorneys will have the option to receive a state salary set by the General Assembly, which cannot exceed 88% of a judge's base salary, and potentially "locality pay" from their county, which is an additional payment not exceeding 10% of their state salary, or a specific dollar amount, whichever is less. This locality pay replaces most county salary supplements, though counties can still provide fringe benefits and, in some specific circumstances, additional supplements to ensure a district attorney's total compensation doesn't decrease if they choose this new system. District attorneys in office before July 1, 2026, can choose to keep their current compensation structure, including existing county supplements, which will not be reduced during their term, or opt into the new system, which is a final and irrevocable decision. The bill also suspends the automatic increase of salaries for other local officials whose pay is tied to a district attorney's salary, preventing sudden financial burdens on local governments, with an exception for judges whose salaries will resume being tied to district attorneys' salaries starting July 1, 2027. The General Assembly retains the authority to amend or repeal these suspended local laws, and local governments can still adjust salaries through other means.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Chuck Efstration (R)*,
Stan Gunter (R)*,
Trey Kelley (R)*,
Rob Leverett (R)*,
Matt Reeves (R)*,
Tyler Smith (R)*,
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 02/20/2026)
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/72358 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/243381 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240215 |
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