Committee backs requirement that sheriff candidates be certified peace officers
February 23, 2026 | 2026 Legislature Georgia, Georgia
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The Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday approved SB 527, a measure that would require candidates for the office of sheriff to be certified peace officers at the time they qualify for the ballot.
Sponsor Senator Robertson said the bill "requires that candidates for the office of sheriff are certified peace officers at the time of qualifying as a candidate." The measure was described as a qualifications bill supported by law enforcement leadership.
Mike Mitchell of the Georgia Sheriffs Association told the committee the association "wants to thank Senator Robertson for bringing this bill" and urged favorable consideration, calling it the association's "elusive qualifications bill." The committee moved the bill and approved it unanimously; the sponsor and association representatives expressed optimism that the language would succeed in Rules.
Next steps: SB 527 will go to the Rules Committee.
Sponsor Senator Robertson said the bill "requires that candidates for the office of sheriff are certified peace officers at the time of qualifying as a candidate." The measure was described as a qualifications bill supported by law enforcement leadership.
Mike Mitchell of the Georgia Sheriffs Association told the committee the association "wants to thank Senator Robertson for bringing this bill" and urged favorable consideration, calling it the association's "elusive qualifications bill." The committee moved the bill and approved it unanimously; the sponsor and association representatives expressed optimism that the language would succeed in Rules.
Next steps: SB 527 will go to the Rules Committee.
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