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Found 122 matching passages in 13 documents.
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · January 28, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, January 28, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 903, which the sponsor described as expanding oversight of state agency rules, and HB 140, which would limit cities’ reliance on fines and forfeitures. For HB 140, members adopted an amendment phasing in the limits through 2030 before sending the amended bill to Rules. Both bills passed by voice vote, with no vote counts stated. The chair announced that HB 613 had been withdrawn from the agenda at the sponsor’s request. The committee also heard from DeKalb County’s chief executive about housing affordability, rental registries and rent increases, and from a citizen urging protection of voting access and opposition to federal executive involvement in elections.
So none of the cities are routes with football games and people are going to football games? Ah. Maybe Friday Night Lights. I have no idea. It's not a ... Thank you. Sure. Okay. Thank you, ah, Representative Burnough. Ah, excuse me. I'm sorry. We just finished. Thank you, Representative Burnough. Ah, Representative Bazemore. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank...
Thank you. Thank you. Okay. That's all the questions from the committee. Now, we do have a couple of folks signed up to speak to the bill. Mr. Hackney, was that, uh... Mr. Chairman, uh, just briefly- If, if you don't mind, go ahead and step to the podium so we can get your comments on the record here. So, um, I'm, I'm here. This is the first, uh, meeting of...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · February 25, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, February 25, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 812 with changes to construction-permit review procedures, HB 1166 allowing certain small secondary homes, HB 400 offering funding incentives for local housing-policy changes, and HB 863 encouraging state contracts with Georgia small businesses. Members amended the first three before approving them. The committee tabled HB 1315, concerning limits on development moratoriums and compensation for affected property owners, and agreed to send it back to subcommittee. After discussing emergency contacts for apartment properties, response deadlines and penalties under HB 779, the chair designated that discussion a hearing only and said it would return to subcommittee. The meeting ended after the committee lost the attendance needed to conduct business, with remaining business deferred to a future meeting.
Thank you, sir. All right, we're gonna go a little bit out of order today for a couple reasons, part of what I just said. Uh, one is to make sure we have authors here for the bills. Uh, we will be having another committee meeting, full committee, on Monday, which is a committee day. So some of the, the things that are on our list today will get pushed to...
We have the, the laws and the regulations and the codes in place, but they're taking their time. And so that's why we, uh, uh, uh, address this. I have personal experience with it. Um, actually, on the 29th of December, I had another situation. I've developed real estate myself, and this was a mini storage facility. And, um, um, I've, I've had multiple...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · June 23, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, June 23, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved an amended substitute for SB 3, concerning recommendations for future election equipment, hand recounts and election audits. Members questioned how recount results would be used, certification deadlines and whether equipment requirements could limit vendors. The committee adopted an amendment directing equipment recommendations toward hand-marked paper ballots printed on demand. An amendment to remove the mandatory hand-recount section failed, 7 to 13. The amended substitute then passed by voice vote.
Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, again, uh, committee, I appreciate your, uh, diligence and your work. I appreciate the chairman, uh, making recommendations that both Um, bodies can be comfortable with. And I, as is, as in every piece of legislation, it's a process, and in most processes, uh, no one, uh, party gets everything that they'd like to see. But at...
Okay, and then the last question, if this is, i- if this is, recount does come up, does that mean, uh, we're, um, having to delay certification and delay who declares, who's declared the winner? And so for example, say, on election night, they declare something, someone won by, say, .4%, would this mean that the, that, that declaration is no longer valid...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · February 18, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, February 18, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved all five bills it considered: SB 51, HB 502, HB 1129, HB 1247 and HB 963. Members amended SB 51 to delay its effective date to July 1, 2027. Discussion covered local government contracting, voting access for people with young children, limits on enterprise zones, courts’ treatment of agency interpretations of law, and foreign money in referendum campaigns. The longest debate concerned HB 1247, including questions about judicial independence, agency expertise and possible appeals. A motion to table that bill failed before the committee approved it. Opposition was heard on the voice votes for SB 51, HB 1247 and HB 963, but no vote counts were stated.
Uh, that was about the Administrative Procedures Act and some very important rulemaking issues. This bill would apply to any case that goes to court to make it clear that elected officials make the law, judges interpret the law, agencies are there to execute the law. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, sir. We have a few questions here. Uh, Representative Roberts....
And we have Scott Turner, uh, of Eternal Vigilant action, uh, who might be able to shed some more light on that question, Representative Roberts. All right. Mr. Turner, you're recognized. Please begin. Uh, sorry for interrupting. Uh, I just, I, I was, uh, just trying to offer ye- yesterday's memo that we offered the subcommittee- I wasn't there, so ... that...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · June 22, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, June 22, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee held a hearing only on SB 3, which addresses future voting equipment, election audits and the deadline for removing QR codes from vote counting. Discussion centered on a Senate-added requirement to hand-count the top two races before certification. Committee members and witnesses raised questions about accuracy, staffing, costs, deadlines and whether parts of the bill fit the special session’s scope. Supporters said hand counts could uncover machine errors and increase confidence. Many witnesses asked the committee to remove the hand-count requirement. The chair said discussions about a possible substitute were underway and another meeting might occur the next morning. No amendment or vote occurred before adjournment.
Um, so there does appear to be some language in that, uh, you know, provision where the General Assembly could consider multiple issues related to, um, issues relating to, uh, Senate Bill 289's effective date on the, the QR code ban. Um, there are two cases from the Georgia Supreme Court which provide some insight into this con- constitutional provision,...
Uh, the Supreme Court ultimately threw out the conviction, finding that the enactment of the speed limit and the DUI statute in 1915 went beyond the governor's call because those did not address the limited nature of the call addressing the question of the automobile licensing tax. So these are the only two gu- this, these cases are the only guidance the...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · March 18, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, March 18, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved a substitute for SB 284 that combined authority to order repayment to securities-fraud victims with school-roofing procurement provisions presented from HB 669. Members asked who would be covered by the repayment authority and how victims currently recover money. The committee also approved SB 593, which would require local governments to disclose development impact fees upon a written request describing a project. Both measures passed by voice vote, with no vote counts stated.
All right, we're gonna, first thing we're gonna do is, uh, we're gonna hear Senate Bill 284. And, uh, this is a committee substitute and a presenter substitute. So I will, uh, welcome Chairman Hilton and Chairman Meeks to the table to go over Senate Bill 284 for the committee. Y'all may proceed when you're ready, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm sure the...
I'll just simply highlight the last section of the bill, Section 5. Uh, th- this act shall become effective upon the governor's signature. The rationale, again, being there, we'd like for the governor to get it quick, sign it so victims can start getting their money back. Uh, and with that, I'll turn it over to Chairman Meeks to walk you through Section 2...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · March 5, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, March 5, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved six bills: HB 467 on monument protection and relocation, HB 1482 on county use of Atlanta’s jail, HB 868 on health coverage for retiring county officers, HB 613 on apprenticeship information, HB 1227 on voter-registration notifications, and HB 1442 on limits to local development moratoriums. Members debated monument lawsuits, local control over jail facilities, retirement benefits and development decisions. The committee initially tabled HB 1482, then brought it back and approved it 9-4 without public testimony. It approved HB 467 6-5 after rejecting a naming amendment. Members amended HB 868 to include county commissioners and change coverage-administration provisions, and amended HB 1442 with changes suggested by the Georgia Municipal Association.
Chairman Gullett. I'd like to move House Bill 1482 off the table. Okay. We have a motion and a second to remove House Bill 1482 from the table. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? No. Okay. The ayes have it. We are removing that bill from the table. It is, uh, now eligible for consideration. Uh, Representative Sainz. Like to motion do pass. Second. We...
This bill does not address the underlying causes of the unconstitutional and inhumane conditions of the Fulton County Jail and the DOJ connected under staffing at the jail to the failure to protect incarcerated people, the excessive and unreasonable use of force, and the failure to maintain hygienic and safe facilities. Um, so all of these things are, are a...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · March 26, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, March 26, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved three bills and tabled another. Members tabled SB 21 after its original sponsor asked to restore language allowing lawsuits against local governments over violations of Georgia immigration law. The committee approved a monument-protection substitute to SB 175 by a 9-5 vote. Members approved SB 423 with an amendment narrowing its proposed limit on out-of-state campaign contributions to candidates and campaign committees, following debate over constitutional concerns and reporting burdens. The committee also approved SB 437, covering private residential building inspections, after changing the project-cost threshold for higher insurance coverage.
Any opposed? No. Okay, the ayes have it. The amendment passes. Now we're to the underlying bill as amended. Whoop, we got one- Are we discussing the main bill? Uh, yes, we're still in discussion on the main bill. Yes. Recognize you, Representative Roberts. Um, I was just wondering if I could get a legal opinion from Stuart Murrell on whether or not this...
Okay. Thank you. Now we're to the question. Uh, all in favor of the passage of Senate Bill 423 as amended, say aye. Aye. All opposed say no. No. Okay, we're gonna do a hand count. All in favor, raise your hand. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. Okay. All opposed, raise your hand. One, two, three... Okay. Motion carries. Bill passes as...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · March 17, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, March 17, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered a substitute for SB 214 that would move Georgia toward ballots printed on demand, marked by voters and counted by scanners, with full implementation by January 1, 2028. Members and witnesses discussed training, funding, accessibility, equipment security and transferring a ballot-image audit pilot to the State Election Board. Local election officials and several advocacy organizations supported the longer transition, while opponents sought earlier changes or hand-counting. The committee adopted three amendments and rejected three others concerning audit authority or timing. The committee approved the substitute as amended by voice vote, with opposition heard but no final vote count stated.
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Thank, thank you, Mr. Christensen. All right. So that concludes our speakers on, for, and behalf of the bill. Uh, th- I would just comment, um, in the future for anybody who wants to sign up for a bill, if you write for amendment, if the question is for or against, so that doesn't tell me exactly what it is that you're wanting to do, so it makes it a little...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · February 4, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, February 4, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved two bills. HB 1066 would protect established racing facilities from certain nuisance claims within five miles. Members debated the size of that area, residents’ access to courts and whether protection should cover nuisances other than noise. Amendments to reduce the radius and limit protection to noise claims failed, and the bill passed by voice vote. HB 1027 would allow participating local governments to make retail electricity contracts lasting up to 20 years rather than 10. The sponsor said longer contracts would help recover infrastructure costs from large customers. It passed with no opposition voiced. The chair initially announced HB 166, but the presentation that followed concerned HB 1066; no substantive discussion of HB 166 followed.
Move to pass. Pass. Second. And with that, all those in favor, aye. Aye. All those opposed. Seeing none, Mr. Chairman, your bill passes. Thank you.
Um, we, we took a different approach than Iowa and many of the other states who are considering this. Um, Iowa, for example, did not even put a s- set definition on what the radius would be. It is not even in their state law. So I felt like for Georgia, we're not gonna do things the same way another state does. So I felt like after talking with many folks,...
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · February 23, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, February 23, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee heard proposals on workforce coordination, homelessness services, public officials’ financial interests, housing and local school superintendents. It approved HB 1396, approved HB 1362 with an amendment extending restrictions to federal agencies and departments, and approved HR 1348. Members heard HB 1166 without voting and requested revisions addressing concerns about its scope. The committee amended HB 1177 to raise its income limit, then tabled it while another amendment remained unresolved. The opening portion covered HB 1302, but the transcript shows no vote on that proposal.
Uh, do we have a second on that motion? We have a second. Any discussion on the amendment? Seeing none, all in favor of the amendment say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The amendment carries. Now we're back to the underlying bill as amended. Uh, no s- no further discussion showing on the screen. Uh, all in favor of the bill, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Bill carries....
Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, I see no other questions at this time. The chair will entertain a motion. We have a motion do pass. We have a s- we have a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. The bill passes committee. Thank you. Thank you, sir. All right. Now we're gonna move on to the next bill....
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · March 2, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, March 2, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 1177, HB 1260 and HB 1299, covering development-authority housing financing, training requirements for local elected officials and hospital partnerships with physicians. It also approved HB 1447 after adding a requirement to review utility bond structures. The committee heard competing arguments on HB 1384, which would redirect part of municipal utility franchise revenue to counties, but held no vote. After testimony supporting and opposing expanded city control over development-authority activity in Fulton County, the committee approved HB 1386.
Thank you. All right. R- Representative Mary Frances Williams. Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the proper time, I'd like to offer a motion. Okay, let's see. Nobody on this. Okay, we have no one signed up to, uh, speak to the bill, and there's, uh, no more committee questions, so now would be the proper time. So we have a motion to pass. Second. We have a second....
Oh, man.
Meeting transcript · Georgia House Governmental Affairs Committee · February 11, 2026
House Governmental Affairs Committee, February 11, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee advanced all five agenda bills: HB 913 on government software contracts, HB 1066 on racetrack nuisance claims, HB 1130 on campaign-funded security, HB 1133 on financing solar projects at closed landfills, and HB 1180 on removing a housing authority bond limit. The racetrack substitute passed 9 to 8 after debate over property owners’ access to courts, changes in racing operations and local authority. The other bills passed by voice vote, with no opposition recorded. During public comment, two witnesses opposed ending Georgia’s participation in the Electronic Registration Information Center, citing concerns about costs, voter records and data security. No action followed those comments.
Fair. No, I, I agree, and I, I would... Before we take one question, would it be okay if we allow, um, legislative council, Mr. Morelli, to respond to your earlier question and then based on the feedback, if there's a way to provide additional clarity to the policy objective? Uh, let m- Is that appropriate, Mr. Morelli? I have no issue. Okay. Uh, well,...
Motion to We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Representative Roberts. All right. I just have to say this. It's okay. Uh, I'll be quick. I mean, for generations, Georgia law has protected our most basic civil and economic rights, private property rights. We represent, I don't even know, millions of constituents who buy their homes, spend their...
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