summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
03/03/2026
03/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/02/2026
04/02/2026
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so as to revise provisions relating to calculating and setting the salaries of district attorneys; to revise superseded provisions related to the salary of the judge of the state-wide tax court; to amend Chapter 3 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to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 establishing new state salary guidelines and altering how counties can supplement their pay. For district attorneys in office before July 1, 2026, they have the option to switch to the new state salary structure, which includes potential "locality pay" from counties, but this choice is final and irrevocable. Those who do not opt in will continue to receive their current compensation, including any county salary supplements, to prevent a reduction in pay during their term. Beginning July 1, 2026, counties will generally no longer be allowed to provide salary supplements to district attorneys, except in specific circumstances like contracting for other legal services or to ensure a district attorney's total compensation doesn't decrease if they opt into the new system. The bill also addresses how changes in district attorney salaries might affect the pay of other local officials, suspending automatic increases tied to district attorney pay for most other officers and employees until their own compensation is specifically changed by local governments or the General Assembly, though this suspension is lifted for judges on July 1, 2027. Existing retirement benefits for district attorneys are preserved, and counties are authorized, but not required, to offer retirement benefits based on the new locality pay.
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 03/03/2026)
Bill Topics
Government Operations
- ‐ Intergovernmental Relations
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Court Administration
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72358 | 01/27/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/244519 | 03/04/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/243381 | 02/21/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240215 | 01/27/2026 |
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