Appellate practice; digital recording of certain trial proceedings; provide
HB 179 requires Georgia courts to use digital recording systems for specific proceedings instead of traditional court reporters. It mandates digital recording for all felony trials (excluding arraignments and pleas), felony evidentiary hearings, and Georgia State-wide Business Court cases, while allowing judges discretion for misdemeanors and civil cases. The bill establishes rules for implementing and regulating these systems, ensuring key elements like objections, rulings, and evidence appear in the official record. This change directly affects courts handling these cases, defendants in felony trials, and the public by improving access to accurate court records.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 29, 2025
Signed Apr 30, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons
What changed between versions
LC 48 1561S/hcs
→
HB 179/AP*
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to reflect its final passage through both legislative chambers, with the title updated from 'Committee Substitute' to 'As Passed House and Senate'. The substantive content regarding digital recording requirements for court proceedings remains consistent with the previous version, covering felony trials, misdemeanor cases, and civil proceedings subject to appeal.
Scope change
No substantive scope changes; the bill maintains the same digital recording requirements for felony trials, misdemeanor cases, and civil cases subject to appellate review.
TECHNICAL
Updated bill title and version designation from 'Committee Substitute' to 'As Passed House and Senate' to reflect final legislative approval.
Reorganized the bill's text structure and page numbering to match the final passed version format.
REQUIREMENT
Core provisions for digital recording of felony trials, misdemeanor cases, and civil proceedings remain substantively identical to the committee substitute version.
Floor votes · Senate Apr 2, 2025 · House Mar 4, 2025
How they voted
52–0
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 55
Apr 2, 2025
D
Democratic22
95% Yea
R
Republican33
93% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
6
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Apr 30, 2025
Signed into law
Act 23
upper
Apr 30, 2025
Signed into law
House Date Signed by Governor
lower
Apr 4, 2025
Introduced
House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
upper
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
upper
Mar 6, 2025
Committee
Senate Read and Referred
upper
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
lower
Feb 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
lower
Jan 29, 2025
Introduced
House Hopper
lower
5 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Rob Leverett
RRepublican
P
Soo Hong
RRepublican
P
Stacey Evans
DDemocratic
P
Stan Gunter
RRepublican
P
Tyler Smith
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 179
Scope: GA
Hi! I can help you understand HB 179. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline