Bill > HB374

This bill amends Georgia's local government code to authorize local governing bodies to establish housing management databases for residential rental properties, with specific provisions and limitations. The bill defines key terms such as "residential rental property" (dwelling units for human habitation, excluding certain large multifamily properties and healthcare-licensed properties) and establishes rules for database registration. Local governments can require registration only for property owners with at least ten contiguous dwelling units, and must limit registration information to basic owner/property manager contact details and property identification. The database registration is free, with potential penalties for non-compliance ranging from $500 to $1,000 depending on the number of violations. Notably, the bill mandates that property owners disclose any partial or full ownership by foreign adversaries as designated by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, with the same penalty structure for non-disclosure. The bill also provides exemptions from registration requirements for specific groups like deployed military personnel, individuals with serious medical conditions, hospice patients, estate representatives, and those experiencing financial hardship from natural disasters. Short-term rental properties are explicitly excluded from these requirements, and local governments are still prohibited from conducting investigations of residential rental properties without probable cause of code violations.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70136