Subcommittee approves shifting bond determinations to superior court for shooters who target officers
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Summary
The Leverett subcommittee adopted an amendment and advanced a bill to require bond determinations in superior court for cases involving discharge or use of a firearm against public‑safety officers; sponsors said the change is intended to ensure an elected superior‑court judge handles bond for serious offenses.
Representative Gamble of Cartersville presented House Bill 8 21 (LC481581), prompted by a local case in which an officer was fired upon. The bill would move bond jurisdiction for certain offenses involving firing at a public‑safety officer from magistrate court to superior court so that an elected superior‑court judge determines bond on these more serious charges.
Committee members debated statutory phrasing to ensure consistency with existing Georgia code. Vice Chairman Hong proposed an amendment to change language to "aggravated assault with a firearm," which members said aligns better with other code sections. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. Supporters, including local prosecutors, said serious offenses should have bond considered by a superior‑court judge.
With the Hong amendment adopted, the subcommittee voted the bill "do pass" and scheduled it for full committee.
