hb514_LC_38_0823_a_2.html
09 LC 38 0823
House Bill 514
By: Representatives Collins of the 27th, Golick of the 34th, Keen of the 179th, Hamilton of the 23rd, Levitas of the 82nd, and others

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Chapter 1 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia, relating to general provisions regarding the judicial system, so as to provide for provisions regarding the assignment of senior judges; to provide for certain provisions regarding a senior judge's status; to change certain provisions relating to certain courts requesting assistance of a senior judge; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Chapter 1 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia, relating to general provisions regarding the judicial system, is amended by revising subsection (n) of Code Section 15-1-9.1, relating to requesting judicial assistance from other courts, as follows:
"(n) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Code section, a senior judge shall not be assigned, designated, or preside in any:
(1) criminal Criminal case involving a capital offense for which the death penalty may be imposed once the state has filed a notice of its intention to seek the death penalty; provided, however, that a senior judge may be assigned, designated, or preside in such a case if the judge had previously been assigned or designated and presided over such case while serving as an elected superior court judge prior to attaining senior judge status; and
(2) Civil case involving a challenge to the constitutionality of any state statute or state action, with the exception of habeas corpus actions; provided, however, that a senior judge may be assigned, designated, or preside in such a case if the judge had previously been assigned or designated and presided over such case while serving as an elected superior court judge prior to attaining senior judge status."

SECTION 2.
Said chapter is further amended by revising subsection (e) of Code Section 15-1-9.2, relating to senior judge status and requesting assistance from senior judges, as follows:
"(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Code section, a senior judge shall not be assigned, designated, or preside in any:
(1) Criminal criminal case involving a capital offense for which the death penalty may be imposed once the state has filed a notice of its intention to seek the death penalty; provided, however, that a senior judge may be assigned, designated, or preside in such a case if the judge had previously been assigned or designated and presided over such case while serving as an elected superior court judge prior to attaining senior judge status; and
(2) Civil case involving a challenge to the constitutionality of any state statute or state action, with the exception of habeas corpus actions; provided, however, that a senior judge may be assigned, designated, or preside in such a case if the judge had previously been assigned or designated and presided over such case while serving as an elected superior court judge prior to attaining senior judge status."

SECTION 3.
Said chapter is further amended by revising subsection (g) of Code Section 15-1-9.3, relating to senior judges of the state court, probate court, or juvenile court and requesting assistance of a senior judge, as follows:
"(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Code section, a senior judge shall not be assigned, designated, or preside in any:
(1) Criminal criminal case involving a capital offense for which the death penalty may be imposed once the state has filed a notice of its intention to seek the death penalty; provided, however, that a senior judge may be assigned, designated, or preside in such a case if the judge had previously been assigned or designated and presided over such case while serving as an elected superior court judge prior to attaining senior judge status; and
(2) Civil case involving a challenge to the constitutionality of any state statute or state action, with the exception of habeas corpus actions; provided, however, that a senior judge may be assigned, designated, or preside in such a case if the judge had previously been assigned or designated and presided over such case while serving as an elected superior court judge prior to attaining senior judge status."

SECTION 4.
This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2009.
SECTION 5.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.