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Resolution would make probate‑judge elections nonpartisan; sponsors ask to place change on November ballot
Summary
Representative Nade told the Rules Committee that HR251 would require probate judges be elected in nonpartisan races and put the change before Georgia voters; the resolution is backed by several judicial councils and former governors Nathan Deal and Roy Barnes.
Representative Nade told the Rules Committee that House Resolution 251 would place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot to require probate judges be elected in nonpartisan contests.
"This resolution is brought to us by the Council of Probate Court Judges, the Council of Magistrate Court Judges, the Judicial Council of Georgia," Nade said, and added that the measure also has the support of former governors Nathan Deal and Roy Barnes. He described the change as a statewide constitutional amendment and said the resolution asks citizens of Georgia to decide the matter at the ballot box.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about scope and whether the change would apply statewide; Nade confirmed that the resolution is intended for statewide application and described the groups that requested the change. The committee did not take a roll‑call vote on the resolution in this session; HR251 was included later in the package the committee referred to standing rules.
If the amendment reaches voters and passes, the change would alter how probate‑court judges stand for election in Georgia; the measure's placement on the ballot would still require scheduling and approval by subsequent legislative steps before appearing to voters.
