House Bill 120

Chair's Name: Wendell Willard

Committee: Judiciary Civil

House Sponsor: Wendell Willard

HB 120 gives a mileage allowance, similar to that of legislators, to Supreme Court Justices and Judges of the Court of Appeals who live 50 miles outside of Atlanta. The allowance permits one round trip per week from the justice/judge�s home to the judicial building. Air travel costs for this trip may be reimbursed to the extent that they would not exceed the mileage allowance.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the 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?

HB120 encourages geographical diversity on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals by reducing the financial burden on Justices and Judges who live outside Atlanta.  Currently, Justices and Judges do not receive mileage reimbursement for commuting to Atlanta for work sessions.  This bill provides a reimbursement for Justices and Judges who live more than fifty (50) miles outside Atlanta to commute home once a week during each regular and extraordinary session of court.

What is the Driving Force Behind THIS Legislation:

The Commission on Judicial Compensation recommended adding a mileage reimbursement to the judicial compensation package to encourage geographical diversity in Georgia�s appellate courts.

THIS LEGISLATION:

• This bill will make it easier for Justices and Judges to return home to their families on weekends to participate in family events and worship at their home church.