ATLANTA (February 25, 2025) — Yesterday, Senate Bill 145 passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. Sen. Harold Jones II (D–Augusta), Leader of the Democratic Caucus, co-sponsored the measure with Senators Max Burns (R–Sylvania) and Lee Anderson (R–Grovetown). SB 145 would provide a sixth judge to the superior courts of the Augusta Judicial Circuit.
“The Augusta Judicial Circuit serves over 200,000 people in Richmond and Burke counties, providing essential public safety services to our community,” said Leader Jones. “Adding a sixth judge will help our judges to ensure a fair and speedy trial for those accused of a crime, and in clearing the current backlog of cases in the circuit. This is not a partisan issue, but something that will better everyone in the Greater Augusta area. I look forward to seeing this legislation pass swiftly through the Senate and House.”
Sen. Burns, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education and sponsor of the legislation, added, “I have advocated for a sixth judge since 2023. As the bill’s sponsor, I’m happy to see this necessary piece of legislation pass through committee with unanimous support, and look forward to favorable consideration in the Rules Committee.”
The additional position would be appointed by the Governor for a term beginning on January 1, 2026.
SB 145 can be found here.
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Sen. Harold V. Jones II serves as the Democratic Leader. He represents the 22nd Senate District, which includes portions of Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.656.0036 or via email at harold.jones@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, and Warren County as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond County. He may be reached at (404) 463-1376 or by email at max.burns@senate.state.gov.
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