Georgia Senate bill by Sen. Strickland passes House and Senate to add a fifth judge to Henry County State Court

Passed bill introduced by State Sen. Brian Strickland and approved by both chambers aims to add a fifth judge to the State Court of Henry County and revise related judicial provisions, according to the Georgia State Senate.

It passed both chambers as of Wednesday, April 2, clearing the House by a vote of 168-0 and the Senate by a vote of 53-0.

The bill, introduced as SB328 on Monday, March 10 during the 2025 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, was formally described as: ’State Court of Henry County; additional judge; provide’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends a prior act to provide for an additional judge on the State Court of Henry County, increasing the number of judges from four to five effective Jan. 1, 2026. The initial fifth judge will be appointed by the Governor for a term ending Dec. 31, 2028, after which successors will be elected every four years during nonpartisan elections. Judges are to work full-time and receive a salary equivalent to 90% of the Superior Court’s judges’ salaries. The longest-serving judge will serve as chief judge, receiving an annual $10,000 salary supplement for administrative duties. The bill also permits the appointment of a judge pro hac vice if necessary. This act takes effect upon being signed into law by the Governor or becoming law without his approval.

In the Senate, 22 Democrats and 31 Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with no opposition.

Meanwhile, in the House, 73 Democrats and 95 Republicans voted in favor, also with no opposing votes.

The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Noelle Kahaian (Republican-81st) and Sen. Gail Davenport (Democrat-17th), along with two other co-sponsors.

Strickland graduated from Valdosta State University in 2006 with a BBA and again in 2009 from Florida Coastal School of Law with a JD.

Strickland, a Republican, was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2025 to represent the state’s 42nd Senate District, replacing previous state senator Elena Parent.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday, May 13.

In Georgia, the legislative process begins when a lawmaker, often at a constituent’s request, works with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. After filing with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, the bill receives its first reading and is sent to a committee, where most of the debate and fact-finding takes place. If approved, it advances to the floor for a third reading, debate, and a vote. To become law, the bill must pass both chambers, sometimes through a conference committee if versions differ, before being sent to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly meets annually for a 40-day session beginning the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State Senate. The source data can be found here.