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HB525 • 2025

Criminal procedure; discovery in misdemeanor cases; change provisions

Criminal procedure; discovery in misdemeanor cases; change provisions

Crime
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Gullett, Joseph
Last action
2025-02-21
Official status
House Second Readers
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary mentions providing procedures but does not detail what those specific steps are.

HB525: Changes to Evidence Sharing in Misdemeanor Cases

This bill changes the rules for sharing evidence in misdemeanor cases by requiring the accused to provide witness and alibi information to prosecutors.

What This Bill Does

  • Amends Chapter 16 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated regarding discovery procedures.
  • Requires reciprocal discovery on behalf of the accused.
  • Mandates that the accused provide a list of witnesses and alibi information to the prosecuting attorney.
  • Provides for penalties if these disclosure rules are not followed.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People charged with misdemeanor crimes (the accused).
  • Prosecuting attorneys handling misdemeanor cases.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The official summary does not specify the exact penalties for failing to follow these rules.
  • The effective date of this law is not listed in the provided metadata or text.
  • Specific details on how courts will enforce these new procedures are not included.

Bill History

  1. 2025-02-21 Georgia General Assembly

    House Second Readers

Official Summary Text

Criminal procedure; discovery in misdemeanor cases; change provisions