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GA SB527
GA SB527Sheriffs; candidates for the office of sheriff are certified peace officers at the time of qualifying as a candidate; require
summary
Introduced
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Code Section 15-16-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to qualification requirements for sheriff and exemptions, so as to require that candidates for the office of sheriff are certified peace officers at the time of qualifying as a candidate; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill requires that individuals seeking to become a sheriff in Georgia must be certified peace officers at the exact moment they qualify as a candidate for the office. Previously, the law allowed for certain exceptions, such as first responders, retired or honorably discharged military members, or former/current law enforcement officers who were not yet certified to swear they would become certified within six months of taking office. This bill removes those exceptions, mandating that certification must be held at the time of candidacy qualification, and also requires candidates to affirm they have met or will meet other specified requirements by a certain deadline.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (12)
John Albers (R)*,
Lee Anderson (R)*,
Matt Brass (R)*,
Max Burns (R)*,
Jason T. Dickerson (R)*,
Clint Dixon (R)*,
Marty Harbin (R)*,
Billy Hickman (R)*,
Mike Hodges (R)*,
Chuck Payne (R)*,
Randy Robertson (R)*,
Shawn Still (R)*,
Last Action
Senate Read Second Time (on 02/25/2026)
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/73378 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/243090 |
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