HB1012: HB1012 Local government; construction or development of new data centers for a specified time; prohibit

26 LC 64 0026 House Bill 1012 By: Representatives Romman of the 97th, Ridley of the 22nd, Oliver of the 84th, and Frye of the 122nd A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1 general provisions of local government, so as to prohibit the construction or development of2 new data centers for a specified time; to provide for legislati ve intent; to provide for an3 exception; to provide for a definition; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related4 matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:6 SECTION 1.7 Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotate d, relating to general8 provisions of local government, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:9 "36-80-32.10 (a) The General Assembly finds and declares it to be the policy of this state that although11 data centers are a valuable economic resource, it is in the pub lic interest to pause new12 construction so that the impact of such data centers on the natural resources, environment,13 and vital areas of this state can be fully understood. The sta te has an essential public14 interest in establishing minimum standards for land use in order to protect and preserve its15 natural resources, environment, and vital areas.16 H. B. 1012 - 1 - 26 LC 64 0026 (b) As used in this Code section, the term 'data center' shall mean a facility, campus of17 facilities, or array of interconnected facilities which houses working servers and that is18 developed to cool, secure, and connect data associated with applications and services.19 (c) Under the authority granted by Article III, Section VI, Par agraph II(a)(1) of the20 Constitution of Georgia, between the effective date of this Act and March 1, 2027, no21 county, municipal corporation, local authority, or other politi cal subdivision of the state22 shall issue any permits, license, or certificates pursuant to this title or Title 8, 12, or 25 that23 would authorize or allow for the construction or development of a data center.24 (d) The prohibition provided for in subsection (c) of this Code section shall not apply to 25 any permits, licenses, or certificates issued prior to July 1, 2026, for the purpose of26 constructing a data center."27 SECTION 2.28 This Act shall become effective upon the approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law29 without such approval.30 SECTION 3.31 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.32 H. B. 1012 - 2 -