Georgia HB1208: Civil practice; require depositions to be taken before certified court reporters

What the bill says

To amend Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to depositions and discovery, so as to require depositions in this state to be taken before certified court reporters; to repeal requirements that depositions in this state shall be recorded by stenographic means; to provide an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to depositions and discovery, so as to require depositions in this state to be taken before certified court reporters; to repeal requirements that depositions in this state shall be recorded by stenographic means; to provide an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to depositions and discovery, is amended in Code Section 9-11-28, relating to persons before whom depositions may be taken, disqualification for interest, and consent of parties, by revising subsection (a) as follows: "(a) Within the United States and its possessions. Within the United States or within a territory or insular possession subject to the dominion of the United States, depositions shall be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States or by the laws of the place where the examination is held or before a court reporter appointed by the court in which the action is pending or, if, except that within this state, H. B. 1208 LC 49 2566 depositions shall …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050) · primary sponsor
• Stan Gunter (R, 8) · primary sponsor
• James Burchett (R, 176)
• Rob Leverett (R, 123)
• Tyler Smith (R, 18)
• Trey Kelley (R, 16)
• Esther Panitch (D, 51)

Latest actions

1. July 1, 2026: Effective Date
2. May 5, 2026: Act 387
3. May 5, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 6, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. March 27, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted
6. March 27, 2026: Senate Third Read
7. March 19, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
8. March 18, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
9. March 9, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
10. March 6, 2026: House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

Votes

• Senate Vote #834 (March 27, 2026): 48 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Vote #689 (March 7, 2026): 138 yea, 17 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1208?

HB1208 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Civil practice; require depositions to be taken before certified court reporters.

What does HB1208 do?

In its own words: To amend Article 5 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to depositions and discovery, so as to require depositions in this state to be taken before certified court reporters; to repeal requirements that depositions in this state shall be recorded by stenographic means; to provide an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB1208?

Signed into law as of May 5, 2026. Latest action: Effective Date (July 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1208?

Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1208?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72884