Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB688

Caption

Appeal and error; service of process; provide by certified mail and statutory overnight delivery, return receipt requested

Impact

The implementation of HB 688 is poised to improve the efficiency of legal proceedings in Georgia by providing additional, reliable methods for document service. The changes are particularly significant in scenarios where parties may not have easy access to in-person delivery options. By allowing these new methods of service, the bill seeks to reduce delays in legal processes and court cases, and also opens avenues for electronic communications if consent is granted.

Summary

House Bill 688 amends Code Section 5-3-10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically regarding the methods by which service of process can be accomplished. The bill introduces provisions allowing service by certified mail and statutory overnight delivery, provided that a return receipt is requested. This amendment aims to modernize and streamline legal notifications, ensuring that parties receive legal documents in a timely and verifiable manner.

Contention

While the bill seems to be broadly beneficial, potential points of contention could arise surrounding the handling of delivery confirmations and the responsibilities of both parties involved in the service process. Critics might express concerns about the implications of relying on postal services or courier companies for legal service, particularly regarding the accuracy of addresses and the potential for lost mail. However, the bill addresses some of these concerns by ensuring that documentation of service can be reliably tracked through return receipts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB264

Revenue and taxation; handling of appeals of property tax assessments; revise certain deadlines and procedures

GA SB448

Official Code of Georgia Annotated; revise, modernize, correct errors or omissions in, and reenact the statutory portion of said Code, as amended, in furtherance of the work of the Code Revision Commission

GA SB131

Permanent Guardianship; service by publication; provide

GA HB934

Self-service storage facilities; enforcement of unsigned rental agreements under certain circumstances; provide

GA HB530

Civil practice; protective orders for certain high-ranking officers; provide

GA SB74

Commerce and Trade, Courts, and Torts; the disclosure of the nature and practices of businesses that provide legal services; require

GA HB126

Appeal and error; judgments deemed directly appealable; change a provision

GA HB292

Property; nonjudicial foreclosure of time-share estates; revise procedures

GA HB225

Food, drugs, and cosmetics; third-party food delivery platform to provide certain information to customers and food service establishments participating in an online order; require

GA HR1134

State of Georgia; people have the power to enact, repeal, or amend general statutory law by direct initiative and referendum process; provide - CA

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.