Peach Tree Times

Today, the governor of Georgia signed Senate Bill 332 into law. This bill outlines the details of a prosecutorial oversight commission based on the 2023 Senate Bill 92, which established an unelected commission with authority to override active investigations.

The new legislation removes certain provisions related to the Supreme Court of Georgia's approval of the commission's rules. It also changes definitions regarding mental or physical incapacity and eliminates provisions for appealing decisions made by the commission's hearing panel to the court.

Aunna Dennis, executive director of Common Cause Georgia, responded to this development with a statement expressing concern: “By signing this bill into law, the Governor is sowing distrust in the ability of our elected public officials.”

Dennis further commented on specific aspects of the bill: “This bill takes away the required oversight of the Supreme Court to approve the commission’s rules.” She emphasized that “The Supreme Court is the highest court in our state, which provides critical oversight over matters and positions in our state.”

She also raised concerns about prosecutors' safety and their ability to challenge corruption without adequate protections: “Prosecutors who defend our state constitution should be able to do so safely. How are prosecutors able to defend themselves from challenging corruption in our government without proper protections?”

Dennis criticized what she sees as a lack of attention to diversity and inclusion standards as well as equal protection claims available to prosecutors. She described the oversight commission as "a preemptive reaction to political decisiveness."

Highlighting opposition from within Georgia's legal community, Dennis stated: “Georgia’s Department of Justice has already spoken against this ambiguous bill and the chilling effect it will have for Georgia prosecutors.” She added that "The voters of Georgia do not align with this bill and its lack of protections."

Common Cause Georgia plans to continue advocating for democratic principles. Dennis concluded her statement by saying: “Common Cause Georgia will uphold the core values of democracy by holding our elected officials accountable who chill the rights of prosecutors. We deserve a transparent, effective, and accountable government for all Georgians.”