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HB 794

Clayton County; Board of Commissioners; code of ethics and board of ethics; revise and update provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Bell and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 794 updates ethical standards for Clayton County officials, enhancing transparency and accountability to boost public trust in local government.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 794

Summary of House Bill 794

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 794
  • Title: Clayton County; Board of Commissioners; code of ethics and board of ethics; revise and update provisions
  • Status: Effective Date
  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 794 aims to revise and update the ethical standards governing the Clayton County Board of Commissioners and its employees. The bill seeks to enhance public confidence in the integrity of county officials by establishing clearer ethical guidelines and ensuring that public office is not used for private gain.

Key Provisions

The bill amends the original act creating the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, which was approved on February 8, 1955, and subsequently amended in 2024. Key provisions include:

  1. Code of Ethics Revision:

    • Establishes a comprehensive code of ethics for county officials and employees to prevent conflicts of interest.
    • Defines terms such as "agency," "business," "confidential information," and "official or employee" to clarify the scope of the ethics code.

  2. Administrative and Support Services:

    • Provides for administrative support to the Board of Ethics, ensuring it operates effectively and independently.

  3. Budgetary Independence:

    • Grants the Board of Ethics budgetary independence, allowing it to manage its finances without external influence.

  4. Reporting and Oversight:

    • Mandates the Board to return findings to the grand jury and outlines procedures for the examination and approval of these returns.
    • Establishes protocols for the employment of an ethics officer and ethics administrator.

  5. Hearing and Petition Processes:

    • Provides a framework for conducting hearings related to ethical violations and allows for petitions to be filed regarding ethical concerns.

  6. Referral of Criminal Activity:

    • Requires the Board to refer any potential criminal activity to law enforcement, enhancing accountability.

Impact

The bill affects all officials and employees of Clayton County, including those appointed or elected to various agencies. By instituting a robust code of ethics, the legislation aims to foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the county government.

Procedural Timeline

  • March 18, 2025: Introduced in the House.
  • March 27, 2025: Passed by the House.
  • March 31, 2025: Favorably reported and passed by the Senate.
  • April 7, 2025: Sent to the Governor.
  • May 13, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became Act 232, with an effective date on the same day.

Conclusion

House Bill 794 represents a significant step toward enhancing ethical governance in Clayton County. By updating the code of ethics and establishing clear guidelines for conduct, the bill aims to strengthen public trust in local government officials and ensure that ethical standards are upheld.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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