SB 8 Georgia Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Courts; arrest warrant requirements when juvenile courts are acting as courts of inquiry; provide

Summary

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, so as to provide for arrest warrant requirements when juvenile courts are acting as courts of inquiry; to amend Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, so as to make conforming changes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2025

House Passage

Mar 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2025 Last action Mar 27, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As passed Senate → LC 44 3546S/hss · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten to shift focus from juvenile court procedures to establishing a framework for remote online notarization and electronic document execution. The new version replaces the original text regarding arrest warrants and juvenile courts with provisions defining remote notaries, setting standards for electronic signatures, and updating powers for the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed entirely from juvenile justice procedures to consumer protection and electronic notarization standards.

SCOPE

Removed all provisions regarding juvenile courts acting as courts of inquiry and arrest warrant requirements for minors.

Expanded the bill's scope to include electronic execution of real estate documents and penalties for unauthorized practice of law.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for remote online notarization, digital signatures, and communication technology standards.

REQUIREMENT

Established new requirements for remote online notaries, including credential analysis and electronic journaling.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 10, 2025 · House Mar 27, 2026

How they voted

49–2

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 55

Feb 10, 2025

D Democratic22

21 Yea 1 Nay

95% Yea

R Republican33

28 Yea 1 Nay 4

84% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

lower

Mar 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

lower

Apr 4, 2025

Committee

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

lower

Mar 31, 2025

Committee

House Withdrawn, Recommitted

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

House Committee Favorably Reported

lower

Feb 10, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate Passed/Adopted

upper

Feb 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Senate Committee Favorably Reported

upper

Jan 15, 2025

Committee

Senate Read and Referred

upper

Jan 14, 2025

Introduced

Senate Hopper

upper

6 primary · 0 co-sponsors