Georgia Legislature approves SB605 to expand discipline rules for prosecutors

A recently approved law written by State Sen. Bill Cowsert seeks to expand the criteria under which the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission can take disciplinary action or remove district attorneys and solicitor-generals, the Georgia State Senate reports.

The bill cleared both legislative bodies as of Friday, March 27, earning passage in the House with a 156-7 vote and in the Senate with a 34-18 tally.

Filed as SB605 on Wednesday, Feb. 25, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the measure’s summary reads: ’Prosecuting Attorneys; additional grounds for discipline of a district attorney or solicitor-general or for his or her removal or involuntary retirement from office; provide’.

Below is our summary, drawing upon the official language of the bill, with explanations to improve clarity.

In summary, SB605 increases the list of reasons the state’s Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission can use to discipline, dismiss, or involuntarily retire a district attorney or solicitor-general. Beyond existing provisions for causes such as incapacity, deliberate misconduct, relevant criminal convictions, and conduct damaging to the office’s reputation, the law now also includes failing to reasonably comply with the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, laws on public records access, rules for criminal discovery and state bar professional conduct standards, making decisions based on clearly outlawed bases, and allowing subordinates to commit these offenses. The new statute is effective once signed by the governor or upon becoming law without a signature. It will apply to any disciplinary case begun after that threshold.

Senate approval came with support from three Democrats and 31 Republicans, while 18 Democrats refused endorsement.

House passage consisted of 58 Democratic and 98 Republican votes in favor, with seven Democrats in opposition.

SB605 lists co-sponsors Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (Republican-18th), Sen. Greg Dolezal (Republican-27th), and Sen. Steve Gooch (Republican-51st).

Cowsert earned a BS from Presbyterian College in 1980, then received his JD from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1983.

He was elected as a Republican to Georgia’s State Senate representing the 46th District in 2007, succeeding Brian Kemp in that role.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB605 into law on Monday, May 11.

In Georgia’s legislative process, a lawmaker—often responding to constituents—works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. The bill is filed with the proper chamber’s clerk, undergoes its first reading, and is assigned to a committee for detailed examination. If advanced, the bill goes to the floor for a third reading, final discussion, and a vote. For the bill to become law, both legislatures must pass it, potentially negotiating any differences via a conference committee. The governor can then sign, veto, or let the bill become law after six days during session or 40 days post-adjournment. The General Assembly has a 40-day lawmaking session starting each year on the second Monday in January.

This article’s information comes from the Georgia State Senate. The original source data is available here.