12 LC 21 1767

House Bill 1302

By: Representatives Smyre of the 132nd, Smith of the 131st, Smith of the 129th, and Buckner of the 130th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend an Act establishing the Municipal Court of Columbus, Georgia, approved August 12, 1915 (Ga. L. 1915, p. 63), as amended, particularly by an Act approved March 29, 1983 (Ga. L. 1983, p. 443), so as to provide for nonpartisan elections for the judge of such court; to provide for the submission of this Act for preclearance under Section 5 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

An Act establishing the Municipal Court of Columbus, Georgia, approved August 12, 1915 (Ga. L. 1915, p. 63), as amended, particularly by an Act approved March 29, 1983 (Ga. L. 1983, p. 443), is amended by revising Section 4 as follows:

"SECTION 4.

There shall be a judge, clerk, and marshal of said court and also a deputy clerk or clerks and a deputy marshal or marshals of said court. The regular term of offices of the judge, clerk, and marshal of said court shall each be four years, and for such regular term of office each shall be elected by the qualified voters of Muscogee County quadrennially beginning in 1984. The election for judge of said court shall be nonpartisan and shall be held as provided by general law."

SECTION 2.

The governing authority of Columbus, Georgia, shall through its legal counsel cause this Act to be submitted for preclearance under Section 5 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended, no later than 45 days after the date on which this Act is approved by the Governor or otherwise becomes law without such approval.

SECTION 3.

This Act shall become effective on January 1, 2013.

SECTION 4.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.