Prosecutor oversight bill clears Georgia Senate despite criticism it thwarts local control

The Georgia Senate approved a version of a bill Tuesday that would enable a new commission to investigate complaints against prosecutors.

With a 29-22 vote in favor of Senate Bill 332, the Professional Attorneys Qualifications Commission moves a step closer to begin reviewing allegations of misconduct filed against district attorneys and solicitor generals across the state. The bill would allow the commission to operate under rules that it adopted without requiring a final review by the Georgia Supreme Court.

Last year, Republican legislators passed a law establishing statewide investigation and hearing panels to supervise local prosecutors. However, the commission has been at a standstill since a state Supreme Court ruling in November expressed “grave doubts” about the original legislation authorizing the justices to give final approval of its rules and guidelines.