Bill > HR755

This resolution creates a House Study Committee on Electric Franchise Fees for Unincorporated Areas to investigate the current system of electric utility franchise fees, particularly focusing on how these fees impact unincorporated areas. The committee will consist of 11 members, including seven state representatives, two county commissioners, and two mayors or city council members, all appointed by the Speaker of the House, who will also designate the committee's chairperson. The committee's primary purpose is to examine the economic implications of electricity utility rights-of-way, the assessment of franchise fees, and the potential inequities in how these fees are currently distributed, especially for large-load electricity customers. The committee is authorized to conduct meetings, receive legislative allowances, and will be required to submit a report of its findings and potential legislative recommendations by December 1, 2025. The underlying context is that residents in unincorporated areas have been paying municipal franchise fees for cities they do not reside in, and the committee aims to study and potentially rectify this situation by ensuring fair assessment and allocation of franchise fees for electric services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71726