02/13/2026 Senate Committee on Investigations [Source] Translate

During the meeting, the Dolezal subcommittee discussed ongoing investigations and the status of subpoenas issued to Nathan Wade and Jeff DeSantis, who have agreed to accept their subpoenas electronically. Their legal counsel has requested a delay in their testimony, with negotiations underway for a suitable date expected within the next two to three weeks. The committee anticipates no motions to quash the subpoenas. The full committee will continue to hear testimony primarily on Fridays, with upcoming meetings tentatively scheduled for February 21 and February 27, starting approximately 30 minutes after the adjournment of rules. The committee aims to gather input from district attorneys and state court solicitors regarding funding and standards of conduct for prosecutors. The committee is also investigating campaign finance violations related to the New Georgia Project and ensuring compliance and transparency in campaign finance laws. Concerns were raised about public confidence in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding prosecutions related to the 2020 presidential election. Mr. Josh Belenfonte provided an overview of the committee's authorizing legislation and ongoing litigation surrounding subpoenas. He noted that the investigations are guided by several Senate resolutions addressing misconduct in prosecutions, funding for district attorneys, and campaign finance issues. Key issues discussed included whether Georgia prosecutors should adhere to a higher ethical standard than other attorneys, the definition of conflicts of interest in political prosecutions, and the appearance of impropriety in cases involving political figures. The committee is considering legislative reforms to clarify guidelines on conflicts of interest and the political activities of district attorney office employees. Evidence and testimony are being gathered to support findings and recommendations for future legislation. Justice McMillan's dissent regarding the Supreme Court's decision not to review a Court of Appeals case was discussed, highlighting concerns about confusion in the law related to the appearance of impropriety in legal representation. The trial court's order attempted to define "appearance of impropriety," raising questions about appropriate remedies and the necessity of showing prejudice. Potential legislation was proposed to clarify standards for judges, prosecutors, and defendants regarding the appearance of impropriety. The committee examined the role of special assistant district attorneys (SADAs) and noted their rare use, typically involving attorneys from other counties. Previous legislation has prohibited SADAs from being paid on a contingency basis for forfeiture prosecutions due to concerns about perverse incentives. The committee also discussed transparency and guidelines surrounding SADAs compared to special assistant attorneys general (SAGs), who operate under more defined statutes. The funding sources for SADAs, which can vary by county, were noted as not always transparent. Campaign finance and independent committees were addressed, with the executive director of the State Ethics Commission explaining the differences between candidate committees and independent committees. The committee acknowledged the increasing role of independent committees in campaign finance and the need for clearer statutory definitions and regulations regarding their activities. The meeting concluded with a call for committee members to provide suggestions for legislation addressing these issues and a plan to reconvene to gather further input from relevant stakeholders. Questions were raised about the ethical implications of prosecutors seeking personal benefits from cases and the use of forfeiture funds, emphasizing the need for clarity in state law. Additionally, the timeline and details surrounding DA Willis's actions related to the January 6th incident were discussed, including President Biden's concerns about ensuring that President Trump would not take power. An eight-hour meeting involving Mr. Wade related to January 6th was noted, with questions about the legitimacy of billing practices associated with this meeting. The committee reviewed the timeline of the special grand jury, which was convened on January 24, 2022, and dissolved on January 9, 2023, with indictments issued on August 14, 2023. The committee expressed interest in obtaining a copy of the grand jury report, central to claims of election interference made by President Trump regarding the DA's conduct. Members were encouraged to share ideas for legislation while maintaining a balanced budget, concluding with an acknowledgment of the ongoing work of Senators Gooch and Tillery.