A key House panel Wednesday passed a measure to allow a constitutional amendment be placed on the ballot to let voters decide whether a revenue stream set up to fund Georgia's indigent defense system can be dedicated solely for that reason.

House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Chairman Rich Golick, R-Smyrna, who sponsored House Resolution 977, said the public defender system needs to be on as solid financial footing as possible.

During a special session in 2004, the Legislature established a system to fund the financially struggling defender program through increased court fines and fees. But in past years lawmakers have diverted millions of dollars in collections to other programs. If the constitutional amendment is ultimately approved, this will no longer be possible and all collections must go to the defender system.

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Members of the Democratic House Representatives held a protest in the north steps after walking out of the House Chamber as the SB 185 bill was introduced during Legislative Day 39 at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. SB 185 prohibits using state funds or resources for specific treatments for state inmates.
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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The last Michelin Guide Awards ceremony took place at the Georgia World Congress Center on Monday, Oct 28, 2024.

Credit: Jenni Girtman