Georgia House bill by Rep. Ford adding judge to Alapaha Judicial Circuit passes House and Senate

Newly passed bill authored by State Rep. Jaclyn Ford seeks to add an additional judge to the superior courts of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit after winning approval in both chambers, according to the Georgia State House.

It passed both chambers as of Tuesday, March 25, clearing the House by a vote of 166-0 and the Senate by a vote of 51-1.

The bill, introduced as HB55 on Tuesday, Jan. 14 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’Alapaha Judicial Circuit; superior courts; provide for an additional judge’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to add an additional judge to the superior courts of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit. The governor will appoint this additional judge for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and expiring Dec. 31, 2028. Successors will be elected in nonpartisan elections starting in 2028, serving four-year terms. Candidates must specify the seat they are contesting. The additional judge will have the same powers and responsibilities as existing judges, with compensation and support from state and circuit counties. The judges of the Alapaha Circuit will divide work and responsibilities, with provision for an additional court reporter. Juror drawing can be conducted by any judge, and the judges will share court facilities and resources provided by local counties. The act becomes effective for appointing the judge upon the governor’s approval or by default and fully effective on Jan. 1, 2026. Conflicting laws are repealed.

In the House, 72 Democrats and 94 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 20 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor, while one Democrat voted against it.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. James Burchett (Republican-176th), Rep. Chas Cannon (Republican-172nd), and Rep. John Corbett (Republican-174th), along with three other co-sponsors.

Ford graduated from the University of Georgia.

Ford, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 170th House District, replacing previous state representative Penny Houston.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday, May 13.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.