JUDGE FOR THE DAY PROGRAM

1. Even though your particular county commission handles many issues, the Georgia General Assembly (State Legislature) has a significant effect on us. Not only is approval of the legislature (through local legislation) needed for creation of State Court judgeships, but also legislation is acted upon which directly affects the State Court. Issues legislated that affect us run the gamut from jurisdictional to substantive legal to personal entitlements and benefits (e.g.: salary and retirement).
2. The legislature meets annually for 40 working days, convenes on the second Monday in January and has been adjourning in the late-March/early-April time frame.
   • Judge for the Day will operate on Mondays through Thursdays (excluding holidays and recesses), as Friday is a limited day of business in which most legislators attempt to get back home for the weekend.
   • Due to frequent last minute recesses throughout the session, your date might be cancelled/switched and I will let you know at the earliest moment if that should happen.
3. The goals of Judge for the Day are for you to:
   • let all legislators and policy makers (but particularly your county’s delegation and others you already have a relationship with) know the Council’s positions on introduced legislation and State Court issues in general.
   • ensure a State Court presence at key committee meetings (usually Judiciary and Special Judiciary in both the House and Senate), including answering questions and testifying if necessary.
   • network in general to enhance the status of the State Court.
4. Your participation is essential to the betterment of justice through a strong State Court system and Council.

Procedure:

1. Ensure that you confirm your day as far in advance as possible.
2. Arrive in the morning on your day and meet with the Tonya Griesbach/Debra Nesbit. {EXACT TIME AND LOCATION WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU WHEN CONFIRMED BY SENDING YOU A MAP AND INFORMATION WHEN A DATE IS SET WHICH WILL BE THE EARLY JANUARY TIME FRAME}
3. You will be given all of the information that you need for the day’s activities, including notes on any positions taken by the Council, committee meetings, etc.
4. In the morning you will be able to meet with legislators and observe the general session of the House and Senate. After lunch, you will usually attend committee or sub-committee meetings (usually the House or Senate Judiciary or Special Judiciary, but sometimes others).
5. Upon completion of your day, you are entitled to submit for reimbursement of your per diem (mileage, lunch, parking and lodging, if necessary). The reimbursement form with instructions can be found on our website at http://www.georgiacourts.org/councils/state/meetings.html under the Meetings button or I can give you a manual one when I see you.
6. Thanks for your support, and I hope to see you!

Respectfully Yours,

Tonya L. Griesbach
For Stephan J Frank, Esq.
Executive Director