Bill > HB521

This bill revises procedures for annexation and deannexation of municipal properties in Georgia, introducing several key changes. First, it establishes equal reporting requirements for both annexations and deannexations, mandating that municipalities file detailed reports with the Department of Community Affairs, the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office, and the county governing authority within 30 days after the end of the quarter in which the change occurs. The reports must include specifics such as legal authority, total acreage, effective dates, roadway information, and a digital shapefile of the affected area. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that in counties with a large airport, any proposed annexation requires consent from the county governing authority. For deannexations, the bill limits the process to no more than ten parcels in one action and requires county consent, with a special provision that if the county owns all proposed parcels for deannexation, the municipal corporation must approve the deannexation within 90 days unless it would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of residents. These changes aim to create more transparency and oversight in municipal boundary changes, ensuring that both counties and municipalities have a say in territorial modifications.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70501