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Rep. Robins proposes solicitors qualification commission modeled on Georgia; committee pauses bill for review
Summary
Representative Robins introduced H.B. 51-33 to create a Circuit Solicitors Qualification Commission modeled on Georgia's 2023 law; the committee agreed to a simple adjourned debate to allow legal review and stakeholder input.
Representative Robins introduced House Bill 51-33 on Feb. 17, 2026, proposing a Circuit Solicitors Qualification Commission that would review complaints about circuit solicitors, investigate through a five-member panel and hold hearings before a three-member panel, and recommend discipline including forced involuntary retirement or removal to the governor.
Robins said the proposal is modeled on a Georgia commission created in 2023 and is intended to “take politics out of this discussion” about prosecutorial oversight and reduce ad-hoc public pressure from social media or individual legislators. He told the subcommittee the commission’s investigative panels would be composed of former prosecutors and former judges and would be appointed by the governor to ensure expertise and remove direct legislative influence.
Members and witnesses agreed the bill raises constitutional and procedural questions — several speakers said the committee would benefit from the outside counsel review already approved for H.R. 45-64. Chairman Newton and Representative Robbins agreed to a simple adjourned debate to permit further legal analysis and stakeholder engagement. No final action on substantive provisions was taken.
Robins said he is open to revisions and stakeholder conversations. The adjourned debate preserves time for the outside counsel review and for the committee to consider whether existing law covers some commission functions or whether statutory changes are required.
