Speaker Jon Burns Reappoints Joey Cowart to Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission

ATLANTA - On Monday, Speaker Jon Burns announced the reappointment of Joey Cowart to the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC). Created by legislation passed during the 2023 Session of the General Assembly, the PAQC serves as a valuable oversight mechanism for district attorneys and solicitors-general across Georgia, ensuring these officials fulfill their constitutional and statutory duties.

"District Attorneys have a duty to prioritize the safety of Georgia families by prosecuting dangerous criminals to the fullest extent of the law," said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. "I'm grateful to Joey and the members of the Commission for their continued willingness to serve our state and hold rogue prosecutors who refuse to do their jobs accountable."

Cowart is a graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in Macon, GA. He formerly served as the Bulloch County Solicitor General for 16 years and currently operates his law practice, Joseph H. Cowart Attorney at Law. Cowart and his wife, Ellen, reside in Bulloch County.

"I want to thank Speaker Jon Burns for his confidence in my ability to serve on the PAQC and for allowing me to continue my service to the people of our great state in this role," said Cowart.

The eight-member PAQC is able to investigate allegations of misconduct by district attorneys and solicitors-general and discipline, remove, or cause the involuntary retirement of those who meet the conditions for removal. The conditions for removal as established by SB 92 are as follows:

• Mental or physical incapacity that interferes with the performance of duties that is likely permanent;
• Willful misconduct in office;
• Willful and persistent failure to carry out statutory duties;
• Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude;
• Conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the office into disrepute; or
• Knowingly authorizing or permitting an assistant district attorney or assistant solicitor-general to commit any of the aforementioned acts.

For more information about the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifying Commission, please visit the following link:https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64008

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