HB 616 seeks to amend Article 3 of Chapter 7 of Title 44 of the O.C.G.A. relating to dispossessory proceedings.

            The bill specifies that a copy of the summons and a copy of the affidavit shall be personally served upon the defendant not later than 10 days from the date such summons was issued, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays.

            It further adds that the trial court shall hold a trial of the issues not later than 30 days following the date the answer is filed. If such trial is not held within such time due to the fault of the defendant, the trial court shall issue a write of possession on the 30^th day after the answer was filed.