Bill > HB140

This bill, titled the "End Local Taxation by Citation Act," amends Georgia law to limit the amount of money municipalities can collect and use from criminal or civil fines and forfeiture actions in their yearly budgets. Specifically, it establishes a decreasing percentage cap on these funds, starting at 30% for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and reducing by 5% each subsequent year until it reaches 15% for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2030. Any funds collected by a municipality above these caps will be surrendered to the state, meaning they will "escheat" to the state treasury. This provision overrides any conflicting local government powers, known as "home rule powers," which generally allow local governments to govern themselves. The bill aims to prevent municipalities from relying too heavily on revenue generated from fines and forfeitures to fund their operations.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69562