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HB 709

Demorest, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for a referendum

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Victor Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 709 empowers Demorest to undertake redevelopment projects and issue bonds, pending voter approval in a referendum on November 4, 2025.

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Bill Summary · HB 709

Summary of House Bill 709

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 709
  • Title: Demorest, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for a referendum
  • Status: Effective Date
  • Introduced: March 03, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 709 aims to empower the City of Demorest, Georgia, to utilize redevelopment powers as outlined in the Georgia Constitution and the Redevelopment Powers Law. The bill seeks to facilitate community redevelopment efforts, including the establishment of tax allocation districts and the issuance of tax allocation bonds.

Key Provisions

  1. Authorization of Redevelopment Powers:

    • The City of Demorest is authorized to exercise all redevelopment powers under Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A., which includes:
      • Undertaking community redevelopment projects.
      • Creating tax allocation districts.
      • Issuing tax allocation bonds.
      • Incurring other obligations as permitted by law.

  2. Referendum Requirement:

    • A referendum will be held to allow the citizens of Demorest to vote on the approval of the bill.
    • The election is scheduled for November 4, 2025.
    • The ballot will ask voters whether they approve the city’s exercise of redevelopment powers.

  3. Automatic Repeal Clause:

    • If the referendum does not pass or if the election is not conducted as specified, the bill will automatically be repealed on January 1, 2026.

  4. Publication and Notification:

    • The election superintendent must publish the date and purpose of the election at least 90 days prior and weekly for two weeks leading up to the election in the official organ of Habersham County.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The bill will become effective upon approval by the Governor or if it becomes law without such approval.

  6. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • Any laws conflicting with this Act will be repealed.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be the residents and businesses in the City of Demorest, who may see improvements in community infrastructure and economic development as a result of the redevelopment initiatives.

  • Financial Implications:

    • The city will have the ability to issue tax allocation bonds, which could provide funding for redevelopment projects, potentially leading to increased local revenue through enhanced property values and economic activity.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 3, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • March 28, 2025: Passed by the House.
  • April 4, 2025: Passed by the Senate.
  • April 10, 2025: Sent to the Governor.
  • May 13, 2025: Signed by the Governor; Act 213 becomes effective.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 709, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the City of Demorest and its residents.

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

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