House Bill 53

Chair's Name: Wendell Willard

Committee: Civil Judiciary

House Sponsor: Terry England 

HB 53 changes the terms of court for the Piedmont Circuit, which is made up of Banks, Barrow, and Jackson County. The new terms of court for the three counties will be the first Monday in February and August. However, a grand jury is not required to be impaneled the first day of the term.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Civil Judiciary Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Willard�s Opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

HB 53 changes the terms of court for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit.  The previous terms were staggered among the three different counties in the circuit:  Banks, Barrow and Jackson.  When the previous terms were set, there were less than three (3) judges in the circuit.  This bill will correct problems that the circuit experiences with speedy trial demands.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

The three judges in the circuit have requested the change.

THIS LEGISLATION:

�         Will allow the courts in the circuit to operate more efficiently.