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GA HB155

GA HB155
Local government; selection and objection to arbitrators; revise procedures

summary

Introduced
01/28/2025
In Committee
03/13/2025
Crossed Over
02/20/2025
Passed
04/10/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/12/2025

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Article 7 of Chapter 36 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to procedure for resolving annexation disputes, so as to revise procedures for the selection and objection to arbitrators; to revise how arbitration panels report their findings and recommendations; to revise provisions relating to compensation of arbitrators; to amend Chapter 62 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to development authorities, so as to provide that county development authorities for certain counties shall not operate within certain municipalities; to provide for a definition; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to appellate practice, and Chapter 66 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to zoning procedures as pertaining to counties and municipal corporations, so as to provide for the appeal of superior court decisions on zoning decisions of counties and municipal corporations; to repeal provisions authorizing administrative officers to exercise zoning powers; to repeal provisions authorizing quasi-judicial boards and agencies to hear and render decisions on applications for special administrative permits and conditional permits; to revise definitions; to amend Code Section 36-36-20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to "contiguous area" defined, so as to revise provisions for certain properties owned by municipalities; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. HB 155/AP

AI Summary

This bill revises several aspects of Georgia's local government procedures, focusing primarily on annexation disputes, development authorities, and zoning decision processes. Specifically, the bill modifies the arbitration process for annexation disputes by changing the timeline for panel selection, expanding the pool of potential arbitrators, and adjusting the selection mechanism. The arbitration panel will now be composed of five members drawn from pools of municipal officials, county officials, and academic professionals, with each party allowed to strike certain arbitrators. The bill also introduces new provisions for county development authorities in counties with extensive municipal coverage, limiting their ability to operate within certain municipal boundaries. Additionally, the bill updates zoning procedures by modifying notice requirements, defining quasi-judicial decisions, and establishing new standards for hearings and appeals of zoning decisions. The changes aim to provide more clarity, transparency, and due process in local government land use and annexation processes, with most provisions becoming effective in 2025 and 2026. The bill also adds a referendum requirement for certain types of municipal annexations and establishes more specific guidelines for how local governments handle zoning and land use decisions.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Effective Date 2025-07-01 (on 05/12/2025)

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