State Representative Matt Reeves said on May 15 that he appreciates Governor Brian Kemp for signing House Bill 1020, a measure that revises district attorney compensation and updates the Judicial Retirement System. Reeves sponsored the legislation during the 2026 legislative session.
The legislation is significant because it marks the first statewide pay raise for Georgia’s district attorneys in more than ten years. The bill aims to support prosecutors as they work to maintain public safety across Georgia.
“Georgia’s district attorneys play a vital role in protecting public safety by prosecuting felony crime and helping ensure Georgians can feel safe in their homes, at work, at school and in their communities,” said Reeves. “I appreciate Governor Kemp for signing HB 1020 into law, the first statewide pay raise legislation for Georgia’s district attorneys in over a decade. I also want to thank State Senator Bo Hatchett for carrying the bill in the Senate, along with House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration and Chairman Rob Leverett for their work and leadership in advancing this important legislation. Their efforts ensure that we are supporting the prosecutors who keep Georgia communities safe.”
House Bill 1020 allows the General Assembly to set annual salaries for each district attorney, capping them at no more than 88 percent of what judges of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia earn annually. District attorneys may choose to opt into this new salary structure by January 1, 2030. The bill also changes retirement requirements so that those hired after June 30, 2026 must reach age 65 instead of age 60 to receive full benefits from the Judicial Retirement System.
Burns, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State House in 2005 to represent the state’s 159th House District, replacing previous state representative Ray Holland, according to Ballotpedia.
Reeves said he is grateful for bipartisan support on this issue and highlighted contributions from several lawmakers involved with advancing HB 1020.
