As the Georgia Senate began its investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis Wednesday, lawmakers approved the creation of a commission to provide oversight of state prosecutors. The measure moves to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for his signature.
The governor already indicated he will sign the commission into existence. Senate Bill 332 potentially brings the state one step closer to ending Willis’ role in the witch hunt of former President Donald Trump.
Kemp signed legislation for the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission last year, but the State Supreme Court blocked the move. But Tuesday’s measure stripped the high court from the process, leaving the path open for the commission to begin its work.
The Tuesday vote was 97-73 along party lines.
Its passage was celebrated by state Rep. Joseph Gullett (R), who told his colleagues that the commission will finally be able to do its intended job. That, he explained, “is bringing accountability to those rogue prosecuting attorneys who abuse their office.”
BREAKING REPORT: ⚠️ Georgia House commission with powers to DISCIPLINE & REVIEW prosecutors voted 97-73 for Senate Bill 332 to allow investigation of Fani Willis..
The bill in now on KEMP's DESK for signature.
WILL HE SIGN IT?
A Georgia commission with powers to discipline… https://t.co/oF1ArallFE pic.twitter.com/vxi4pnoCRi
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) March 5, 2024
The measure had been challenged by four Georgia DAs, but the state Supreme Court set that action aside.
The new law would require prosecutors to handle each case on an individual basis. No longer could they decide to disregard the law and not prosecute entire classes of criminal activities.
Democratic prosecutors are notoriously fond of announcing that they will ignore laws that do not align with the leftist narrative. This would no longer be permitted in the Peach State under the new statute.
Georgia Republicans insisted that the new law has nothing to do with Willis, who leads a crusade to bring down Trump.
They point toward alleged misdeeds committed by other DAs, including the lead prosecutor for Paulding County who stands accused of harassment. House Speaker Jon Burns (R) explained that the move “is not a knee-jerk reaction to anything that’s happening in our state this month…or anytime.”
Burns further told WSB-TV that he believes the commission is the proper way to probe allegations against Willis.
His position was echoed by state Sen. Bill Cowsert (R), who said that Willis would absolutely be permitted to have her say. “I will certainly give her the opportunity, you know. And if I was her, I would want to be heard.”
