WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 448

Gilmer County; appointment of a county surveyor; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johnny Chastain

House Bill 448 replaces the elected county surveyor in Gilmer County with an appointed position, ensuring qualified oversight and management of surveying duties.

Effective Date
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 448

Summary of House Bill 448

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 448
  • Title: Gilmer County; appointment of a county surveyor; provide
  • Status: Effective Date
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 448 aims to abolish the elected position of county surveyor in Gilmer County, Georgia, and replace it with an appointed position. The bill seeks to streamline the process of appointing a county surveyor and ensure that the individual in this role meets specific qualifications set forth by state law.

Key Provisions

  • Abolishment of Elected Position: The bill abolishes the office of the elected county surveyor in Gilmer County.
  • Appointment Process: The governing authority of Gilmer County will appoint a qualified individual to serve as the county surveyor.
  • Term Length: The appointed county surveyor will serve a term of one year, with successors also appointed for one-year terms.
  • Qualifications: Appointees must meet the qualifications specified in Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 36-7-2).
  • Current Officeholder: The individual currently serving as the elected county surveyor will continue in their role until the end of their elected term, with no further elections for this office to be held.
  • Effective Date: The bill becomes effective upon approval by the Governor or automatically if it becomes law without such approval.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The legislation primarily affects the governance structure of Gilmer County, specifically the role of the county surveyor. It also impacts the current officeholder and future appointees.
  • Governance Changes: This change may lead to more consistent oversight and management of surveying duties within the county, as the appointed surveyor will be selected based on qualifications rather than elected popularity.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 13, 2025: Bill introduced in the House.
  • February 21, 2025: Bill passed by the House.
  • February 24, 2025: Bill read and referred to the Senate.
  • March 10, 2025: Bill passed by the Senate.
  • April 7, 2025: Bill sent to the Governor.
  • May 13, 2025: Bill signed by the Governor and became Act 143, effective immediately.

Conclusion

House Bill 448 represents a significant shift in the governance of surveying responsibilities in Gilmer County, moving from an elected to an appointed position. This change aims to enhance the qualifications and oversight of the county surveyor role, potentially leading to improved management of land surveying activities within the county.

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

Sign in to ask a question.