Committee unanimously passes bill requiring sheriff candidates be certified peace officers

The Public Safety Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 527, a measure that would require candidates for sheriff to be certified peace officers at the time they qualify for that office.

Senator Robertson described SB 527 as "really simple" and noted it previously passed the Senate and had run into confusion in the House last year. Mike Mitchell of the Georgia Sheriff's Association told the committee the association supports the bill and asked for favorable action.

Senator Payne moved 'do pass,' the motion was seconded and the committee approved the bill by voice vote without recorded opposition. The chair closed the meeting and announced the committee will reconvene Wednesday to continue work on pending items.

Next steps: SB 527 will proceed to the next committee or floor steps per the Legislature's calendar.