Bill > HB503

This bill modifies the rule-making authority of Georgia's State Election Board by restricting nonemergency rule changes to only odd-numbered years, starting after July 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill limits the board's ability to promulgate, amend, adopt, or repeal nonemergency rules and regulations to odd-numbered years only, and prohibits any nonemergency rule-making actions during even-numbered years. The bill still allows for emergency rule-making, but only in circumstances of imminent peril to public health, safety, or welfare. When proposing an emergency rule, the State Election Board must provide public notice and directly notify key government officials, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, House Speaker, committee chairs, Secretary of State, legislative counsel, and leaders of registered political parties. The board must also explicitly state the nature of the emergency and how it represents an imminent threat. Additionally, a majority of the board must certify in writing that any emergency rule was made in strict compliance with existing regulations. This legislation aims to provide more structured and predictable rule-making processes for election-related regulations in Georgia.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70427