Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation SB 332 on Wednesday that seeks to rein in "rogue" prosecutors in the midst of the contentious positions of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her prosecution of former President Donald Trump.
Last year, Kemp signed bill SB 92 that created the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission. Yet, the state Supreme Court would not approve the rules that governed its conduct expressing hesitation about their ability to regulate district attorneys. Wednesday's bill removes the requirement of Supreme Court approval.
"This legislation will help us ensure rogue or 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 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.
"When out of touch prosecutors put politics over public safety, the community suffers, and people and property are put at risk. Today, we are renewing our commitment that we won't forfeit public safety for prosecutors. They let criminals off the hook. Georgians deserve better, and they deserve to feel safe in their own communities."
Jon Burns, the Republican speaker of the House sought to assuage Democrat fears that the bill was aimed directly at Willis, telling reporters, "For us in the House, our focus is not on any one person, not on any one situation.
"It's about asking the folks that are elected, just like me, to do their jobs and protect the citizens of this state."