hb326_LC_35_0381_a_2.html
07 LC 35 0381
House Bill 326
By: Representatives Talton of the 145th, O`Neal of the 146th, Day of the 163rd, Brooks of the 63rd, and Starr of the 78th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Article 1 of Chapter 16 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to sheriffs, so as to require candidates for sheriff to be certified peace officers in good standing at the time of qualifying for election to the office; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
Article 1 of Chapter 16 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to sheriffs, is amended in Code Section 15-16-1, relating to qualifications and training of sheriffs, by striking subparagraph (J) of paragraph (1) of subsection (c) and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
"(J) Is a registered peace officer as provided in Code Section 35-8-10 or is a certified peace officer as defined in Chapter 8 of Title 35. Any person who is not a registered or certified peace officer at the time such person assumes the office of sheriff shall be required to complete satisfactorily the requirements for certification as a peace officer as provided in Chapter 8 of Title 35 within six months after such person takes office; provided, however, that an extension of the time to complete such requirements may be granted by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council upon the presentation of evidence by a sheriff that he or she was unable to complete the basic training course and certification requirements due to illness, injury, military service, or other reasons deemed sufficient by such council. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council shall make every effort to ensure that space is available for newly elected sheriffs who are not certified or registered peace officers to attend the course as soon as possible after such persons take office. Such council shall notify the appropriate judge of the probate court whenever a newly elected sheriff who is not certified fails to become certified as a peace officer pursuant to the requirements of this subparagraph."
SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.