Bill > HB979

This bill amends existing Georgia law concerning the state's acceptance of jurisdiction over land owned by the United States. Previously, jurisdiction could be retroceded, meaning returned, to the state upon written notice from a federal agency and acceptance by the Governor. The bill now establishes a more detailed procedure for the Governor to accept such requests, requiring the request to identify the individual making it, clearly state the subject of the jurisdiction being returned, precisely describe the affected United States military installation by metes and bounds (a detailed description of its boundaries), and indicate if future expansions of the land are included. If the Governor accepts, their acceptance must specify what is being accepted, and official documents, including the request, the acceptance, and the land description, must be recorded and provided to the requesting party. The bill also allows the Governor to execute necessary documents for the retrocession and permits state agencies, local governments, or districts to enter into agreements with federal agencies to share responsibilities related to this shared jurisdiction.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72239