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GA HB1247

GA HB1247
Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act; enact


summary

Introduced
02/09/2026
In Committee
03/20/2026
Crossed Over
03/04/2026
Passed
04/10/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Titles 15, 28, 31, 48, and 50 of the Official Code of Georgia, relating to courts, the General Assembly, health, revenue and taxation, and state government, respectively, so as to prohibit courts and administrative officers from deferring to agency interpretations of laws and regulations; to provide for construction; to provide for conforming changes; to make portions of certain records of the General Assembly subject to public disclosure; to provide jurisdiction for enforcement; to provide for attorney's fees and litigation expenses; to provide for good faith reliance as defense to action; to provide penalties for violations; to provide procedure for commencement of prosecution; to provide for application; to provide for construction; to revise procedures concerning the adoption of administrative rules; to revise procedures within the General Assembly concerning objections to proposed administrative rules; to provide for periodic review and automatic sunset of agency rules; to provide for notice to agencies subject to review; to require that agencies review and report upon rules and regulatory requirements in preparation for review; to provide for forms and reporting procedures; to provide for public hearings; to provide a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide for short titles; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. HB 1247/AP

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act," aims to reduce the influence of state agencies in legal interpretations and streamline administrative rule-making processes. Key provisions include prohibiting courts and administrative officers from automatically accepting an agency's interpretation of laws and regulations, meaning they must independently evaluate the law rather than deferring to the agency's view. It also makes certain settlement agreements related to unlawful employment practices within the General Assembly public, with specific procedures for disclosure and enforcement, including penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill revises procedures for adopting administrative rules, giving the General Assembly more power to object to or override proposed rules, and introduces a requirement for periodic review and potential automatic expiration of agency rules to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Finally, it mandates that agencies consider the economic impact of proposed rules, especially on small businesses and charitable organizations, and requires them to report on their rules' effectiveness every five years.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

House Sent to Governor (on 04/10/2026)

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