Law to revise Georgia probate judges’ retirement fund receives legislative approval

A recently enacted bill authored by state Sen. Russ Goodman updates the Judges of the Probate Courts Retirement Fund of Georgia, making changes to member dues, eligibility criteria, and allocations of court fees, the Georgia State Senate reported.

The legislation passed the House on Thursday, March 19, with a 161-0 vote, and cleared the Senate with a 53-1 margin.

Filed as SB489 on Tuesday, Feb. 10, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill’s official description is: ’Board of Commissioners of the Judges of the Probate Courts Retirement Fund of Georgia; allow to set monthly dues.’

Below is a summary based on the official bill text, with some explanations for clarity.

This measure allows the board of the Judges of the Probate Courts Retirement Fund of Georgia, starting July 1, 2026, to set standardized monthly dues between $105 and $150 based on actuarial guidance and the fund’s financial health, capping payments after 30 years. Changes include new eligibility and service credit rules, revised application timelines, updated earnings reporting, and a provision for the board to increase income caps annually by up to 3% under certain conditions. It also raises the fund’s share of probate court revenue by increasing the portion of marriage license fees from 20% to 25%, civil filing fees from $2 to $5, and criminal and traffic case add-ons from $3 to $5.

Senate approval included 22 Democrats and 31 Republicans voting in favor, with a single Republican in opposition.

In the House, 67 Democrats and 94 Republicans supported the bill; no one voted against it.

Co-sponsors included Rep. Chas Cannon (Republican-172nd), Sen. Lee Anderson (Republican-24th), Sen. Clint Dixon (Republican-45th), and eight additional legislators.

Goodman earned his BS from the University of Georgia.

Goodman, a Republican, was elected to serve Georgia’s 8th Senate District in 2021, succeeding Ellis Black.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure into law on Monday, May 11.

The Georgia legislative process starts when a legislator, sometimes at the request of a constituent, collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. Once filed with the House Clerk or Senate Secretary, the bill is read and sent to committee, where much of the debate occurs. If the committee agrees, the bill advances to the floor for further consideration and votes. If passed by both chambers—occasionally after a conference committee resolves differences—it is sent to the governor, who has six days during session, or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die), to sign, veto or allow it to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets for 40 days annually beginning on the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was provided by the Georgia State Senate. Source data are available here.