This model ordinance for setting a term of office for the office of municipal court judge is not and should not be treated as legal advice. This model ordinance has been developed in response to House Bill 691 from the 2015-2016 legislative session.

HB 691 states that an individual appointed as a municipal court judge shall serve a minimum term of one year and until a successor is appointed or if removed under the statute. The city may have a term of longer than one year. The law now states that the city shall memorialize in a written agreement, in an ordinance, or in the charter the term of office for the judge. If done by a charter amendment the charter amendment could still be effectuated by an ordinance, pursuant to the procedures under O.C.G.A. §36-35-3. This model ordinance can be enacted as a stand-alone ordinance or can be utilized to effectuate such charter amendment.