Indicted Georgia senator’s fate begins with Gov. Brian Kemp

Former President Donald Trump — along with 18 other defendants — was indicted in Georgia on Aug. 14. The Fulton County grand jury's expansive 41-count indictment alleges a racketeering conspiracy to overturn the state's 2020 presidential election result. 

The only current Georgia lawmaker indicted with Trump is freshman state Sen. Shawn Still (R-Norcross) — and determining whether he remains in office as his legal process plays out begins with Gov. Brian Kemp. 

Still is accused of impersonating a public officer, forgery, and criminally attempting to file false documents. 

As one of the self-designated “alternate” electors — Still is one of 16 Georgians who signed a certificate falsely declaring  Trump's victory in Georgia. 

A spokesman for the governor’s office tells GPB News they are reviewing the provisions of the law but have not received a formal transmission of the indictment from the Fulton County District Attorney’s office. 

After that happens, by law, the governor must wait 14 days before deciding whether to appoint a commission to determine if Still is suspended from office pending the outcome of his legal process. 

As for his compensation, last November, Georgia voters overwhelmingly passed Amendment One — which would suspend pay for certain elected officials, including lawmakers — if they are suspended for a felony.

If the person is proven innocent, they receive back pay. 

In June, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce named Still 2023 Freshman Legislator of the Year.

The Chamber’s press release said, “The award is given to members of the Georgia General Assembly whose efforts have focused on promoting economic development, job creation and free enterprise in their first term of office.”

GPB News reached out to Still for comment on this story.