by Stanley Dunlap, Georgia Recorder
May 16, 2025

A new Georgia law clarifies the power of legislative committees to issue subpoenas following a legal battle between Republican state senators and Democratic Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

The signing of Senate Bill 255 by Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday enacted a law that defines the power of state legislative committees to compel witnesses to testify and provide evidence.

Kemp issued an unusual signing statement warning state lawmakers to use the new law with discretion. The statement says that the law provides clear procedures for issuing subpoenas rather than creating new responsibilities for the General Assembly.

Kemp urged lawmakers to proceed with caution when using the tool for investigations.

“The General Assembly has a well-earned reputation for putting the business of legislating—and the people of Georgia—first,” Kemp wrote. “Americans of all political leanings have lamented the ineffectiveness of the United States Congress, in no small part due to the abundance of politically motivated ‘investigations’ which only generate sound bites and distract from important legislation.”

Athens Sen. Bill Cowsert introduced the bill this year as a response to a prolonged legal battle as Willis refused to appear before a special committee he chairs investigating Willis for potential financial and ethical violations related to the Fulton County 2020 election interference investigation.  

Republican supporters of the new law claim that it does not expand current legislative powers, but rather explains how committees are able to legally exercise their subpoena powers. 

Democratic lawmakers opposed the bill, citing the possibility that investigative legislative committees would misuse their subpoena powers against perceived political opponents, such as elected officials and public advocacy groups.

Under the new law, any dispute over the enforcement of the state lawmakers’ subpoena would be resolved by a local superior court.

The Senate Special Committee on Investigations case is at a standstill awaiting a final court order to determine whether Willis will be required to testify. The committee is also requesting that Willis turn over a trove of documents and other evidence as of their investigation. 

Willis came under fire last year when she admitted to a romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to lead the sweeping felony election interference case following former President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory over Republican Donald Trump.

The Fulton district attorney was disqualified last year due to prosecutorial misconduct allegations involving her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor who brought the case against Trump and 18 of his allies accused of illegally trying to overturn Georgia’s election results.

Cowsert’s Senate Special Committee on Investigations is expected to expand its list of targets this year as it opens a probe into the relationship between Stacey Abrams and New Georgia Project following a Jan. 15 settlement in a 2019 case alleging illegal campaign contributions to Abrams’ 2018 Democratic gubernatorial campaign.

Cowsert, a lawyer, launched his campaign to become Georgia’s next attorney general this spring by proclaiming his “fearless commitment to law and order” which included leading investigations into allegations of unethical conduct by Willis and financial improprieties between Abrams-related groups.

“DA Fani Willis, NY AG Letitia James, and other partisan prosecutors have undermined public confidence in the fairness of our criminal justice system,” Cowsert said. “Their abuse of power is a threat to the rule of law, and it’s time to put an end to the weaponization of our justice system.” 

Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.

The post New law breathes life into Georgia Senate panel probe of Fulton DA Willis, Stacey Abrams appeared first on georgiarecorder.com

Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

The content presents a relatively balanced view, detailing the legislative actions and legal disputes surrounding Georgia’s new subpoena law and its implications. However, the framing leans toward a conservative perspective by emphasizing criticisms of Democratic figures, particularly District Attorney Fani Willis and activist Stacey Abrams, highlighting potential political motivations behind their actions. The article also quotes Republican lawmakers, such as Bill Cowsert, asserting that investigations into perceived Democratic misconduct are necessary for transparency, which could be interpreted as supportive of the Republican position on these issues. The law’s signing by Republican Governor Brian Kemp further strengthens the Center-Right bias. The Democratic opposition to the bill is mentioned but does not receive as much prominence in the overall tone of the piece.

SUMMARY: With soaring temperatures this weekend, pet safety is a priority. The ASPCA advises early vet checkups and recognizing overheating signs in animals. Pet owners like Cole McKee ensure his labradoodle stays hydrated, exercises moderately, and remains cool indoors. Sarah Carrasquillo emphasizes that if she feels hot, so does her American bulldog. She warns against giving water immediately to over-panting dogs to avoid shock and stresses hydration, rest, and movement balance. Flat-faced breeds like pugs are more prone to heat stroke due to ineffective panting. Carrasquillo suggests frozen watermelon treats for hydration and entertainment. Contact a vet if your pet shows unusual symptoms.

Read the full article

The post Pet owners take precautions as heat wave hits appeared first on www.wjbf.com

SUMMARY: Cassie Ventura, the ex-girlfriend of Shawn “Diddy” Combs, continued her testimony in his federal sex trafficking trial. Defense attorneys presented sexually explicit texts between them, suggesting Cassie’s involvement was consensual. Cassie testified about enduring abuse, including a violent incident in 2016, which led her to seek therapy. Prosecutors claim Combs ran a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking and forced labor. The defense argues that while domestic violence occurred, sexual acts were consensual. In related news, Georgia’s new law allows women incarcerated for actions stemming from domestic violence to have their sentences reconsidered, offering a potential path to freedom for many.

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial continued with more testimony from his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. This time, defense attorneys questioned her about texts that she and the rapper exchanged during their relationship. We do want to warn you, the testimony and some of the video is disturbing.

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