HB 1255 Georgia House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Criminal procedure; motions and discovery; modify provisions

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 17 and Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure and subpoenas and notice to produce, respectively, so as to modify provisions relating to motions and discovery in criminal cases; to modernize discovery processes; to revise provisions relating to service of subpoenas; to amend Code Section 35-3-151 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to responsibilities of the Division of Forensic Sciences, so to correct a cross-reference; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 9, 2026 Last action Mar 6, 2026

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What changed between versions

LC 48 1709/a → LC 48 1817S/hs · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill substitute updates the notification process for defendants by allowing copies of indictments and accusations to be sent via email in addition to mail. It also clarifies discovery rules by adding a specific definition for forensic interviews and adjusting the timeline for filing pretrial motions when discovery is served late.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on criminal procedure and discovery rules, but the applicability of notification methods has expanded to include electronic delivery.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the requirement for sending indictment and accusation copies to allow email delivery in addition to physical mail.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'forensic interview of a witness' to the list of discoverable materials.

TIMELINE

Added a specific provision stating that if the state serves discovery within 30 days of trial, they must file a notice identifying the items served.

TECHNICAL

Corrected several grammatical errors and formatting inconsistencies in the definitions of 'law enforcement agency' and 'statement of a witness'.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Feb 9, 2026

Introduced

House Hopper

lower

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors