Kemp signs law reviving Georgia sanctions panel that could disrupt Willis prosecution of Trump

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed a bill Wednesday that allows the commission to begin sanctions and removals against prosecutors in the state. This could potentially disrupt Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ prosecution of former President Trump.

“This bill will help ensure that corrupt and incompetent prosecutors are held accountable when they refuse to abide by the law,” Kemp said before signing the bill.

Kemp originally signed the bill into law last May, creating a prosecutorial qualifications commission to discipline and remove “far-left prosecutors” in particular who “make the community less safe.”

The state Supreme Court in November refused to approve rules governing the commission’s actions, saying there were “serious questions” about its ability to regulate the duties of district attorneys beyond the practice of law. A bill passed by the state House in January removed the Supreme Court confirmation requirement.

The legislation would require district attorneys and the solicitor general to independently evaluate each case, rather than refusing to prosecute various crimes. Democrats argue that Republicans are trying to override the will of voters and inviting abuse by creating a commission without a separate body to review their actions.

Judge Scott McAfee ruled Friday that if Willis, a Democrat, had not resigned before his office could proceed with its election interference case against Trump and his allies, the prosecutor with whom she had a romantic relationship would have to resign. It was decided that it would not.

McAfee ruled that Willis’ previous romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade constituted a conflict of interest in the racketeering case.