Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed a law reactivating a committee that can monitor local prosecutors like Fulton County DA Fani Willis.
The Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission was initially established last year but blocked by the state Supreme Court.
The new law removes the high court’s approval, allowing the commission, comprised solely of Republican appointees, to potentially remove prosecutors whose decisions they disagree with.
“This legislation will help us ensure rogue and incompetent prosecutors are held accountable if they refuse to uphold the law,” Kemp said. “As we know all too well, crime has been on the rise across the country, and is especially prevalent in cities where prosecutors are giving criminals a free pass or failing to put them behind bars due to lack of professional conduct.”
Supporters say it provides oversight of rogue prosecutors, while critics argue it removes voter oversight and hands political appointees unchecked power.
“The signing of Senate Bill 332 shows that Republicans care little about the State Constitution and will stop at nothing to steal power from Georgia voters. The bill fails to address the constitutional concerns raised by the legal community over the last year about the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission and even worse, removes the Supreme Court’s oversight of the body. Now this group of political appointees—chosen solely by Republicans—has unchecked power to remove prosecutors whose decisions they disagree with, no matter how well a district attorney or solicitor general represents the voters who elected them in the courtroom,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
The move threatens Willis’ investigation against Donald Trump, as the commission could now more quickly remove her.
“I am thankful to Governor Kemp for signing this vital piece of legislation into law. Now, the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission can begin its important work and rein in rogue District Attorneys that refuse to uphold the rule of law in our state. If District Attorneys want to continue down this reckless road and put the interests of criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens, they will be held accountable,” Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said.
It comes as Trump sees some state charges dismissed and Willis faces scrutiny over hiring the prosecutor pursuing Trump, who she had a romantic relationship with.
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