Georgia Senate bill proposes wider disciplinary measures for prosecutors

Sponsored by State Sen. Bill Cowsert, a new bill presented in the Georgia Senate is intended to extend the circumstances under which prosecutors statewide can be disciplined or removed, the Georgia State Senate reports.

The legislation, referred to as SB605 and introduced on Wednesday, Feb. 25 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, carries the formal description: ’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’.

This summary reflects our interpretation, guided by the bill’s text, in order to clarify key provisions.

Essentially, the bill would allow Georgia’s Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to discipline, remove, or involuntarily retire a district attorney or solicitor-general based on new grounds. Along with current reasons like incapacity, intentional misconduct, specified criminal convictions, and actions damaging to the office, the measure introduces causes such as inadequate efforts to adhere to the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, requirements for public records inspection, criminal discovery protocols, and state bar rules of professional conduct. It also covers certain improper decision-making factors and oversight of subordinates who commit violations. The bill is set to become effective upon gubernatorial approval or automatically upon becoming law, and applies to proceedings started after its enactment date.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Sen. Steve Gooch (Republican-51st), Sen. Greg Dolezal (Republican-27th), and Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (Republican-18th).

Since the start of the legislative session, Cowsert has put forward eight additional bills, with three adopted to date.

Cowsert earned his undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College in 1980, and received his JD from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1983.

Cowsert, a Republican, has represented Georgia’s 46th Senate District in the State Senate since his 2007 election, succeeding Brian Kemp.

In Georgia, the legislative process starts with a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, collaborating with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After submission to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is assigned to a committee for detailed analysis and discussion. If it is recommended by the committee, the bill moves to the full chamber for further consideration, debate, and voting. Bills must clear both legislative chambers, with differences reconciled in conference committee if needed, before being sent to the governor. The governor has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly convenes annually for a 40-day session starting on the second Monday of January.

Details in this article were drawn from the Georgia State Senate. The source material is available here.