SB 402 amends Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 17 and related sections of the OCGA to rename release on a defendant’s own recognizance as an “unsecured judicial release.” An elected judge or judge sitting by designation may issue an unsecured judicial release if such designation is noted on the release order and if the person is not charged with a bail restricted offense. Any bond issued by an elected judge or judge sitting by designation that purports a dollar amount shall be executed in the full amount of such bond through secured means or executed by use of property as approved by the sheriff in the county where the offense was committed. The bill does not prohibit a sheriff from releasing an inmate from custody in medical emergency cases with the consent of a judge.