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HB 155

Local government; selection and objection to arbitrators; revise procedures

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Victor Anderson and 5 co-sponsors

HB 155 revamps arbitration for annexation and zoning in Georgia, ensuring fairer selection of arbitrators and clearer processes for local governments and communities.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 155

Summary of HB 155: Local Government Arbitration Procedures

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 155
Title: Local government; selection and objection to arbitrators; revise procedures
Status: Effective Date
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Effective Date: July 1, 2025

HB 155 aims to amend various provisions related to the arbitration process for resolving annexation disputes and zoning decisions in Georgia. The bill revises the procedures for selecting arbitrators, how arbitration panels report their findings, and the compensation of arbitrators.

Key Provisions

1. Arbitration Panel Composition

  • The bill establishes a new process for appointing arbitration panels consisting of five members.
  • The Department will maintain three pools of potential arbitrators:
    • Municipal Officials Pool: Current or former municipal elected officials, managers, or administrators within the last six years.
    • County Officials Pool: Current or former county elected officials, managers, or administrators within the last six years.
    • Academic Pool: Individuals with a master’s degree or higher in public administration or planning, employed by a Georgia institution of higher learning (excluding the Carl Vinson Institute of Government).

2. Selection Process

  • Within 15 business days of receiving an objection to a proposed annexation, the Department will randomly select 11 potential arbitrators from the three pools.
  • Municipalities and counties can strike or excuse certain names from the list, allowing for a more tailored selection of arbitrators.

3. Training Requirements

  • Arbitrators must undergo joint training in alternative dispute resolution and zoning/land use, overseen by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, provided funding is available.

4. Compensation and Reporting

  • The bill includes provisions for the compensation of arbitrators and outlines how arbitration panels must report their findings and recommendations.

5. Zoning Appeals

  • The bill amends appellate practices related to zoning decisions, allowing for appeals of superior court decisions concerning zoning matters of counties and municipal corporations.

6. Repeal of Certain Powers

  • It repeals provisions that allow administrative officers and quasi-judicial boards to exercise zoning powers, centralizing these decisions within the established arbitration framework.

7. Definitions and Clarifications

  • The bill revises definitions related to zoning and annexation, including the definition of "contiguous area" concerning properties owned by municipalities.

Impact

Who is Affected?

  • Local Governments: The bill impacts municipalities and counties involved in annexation disputes and zoning decisions.
  • Arbitrators: Individuals selected to serve on arbitration panels will be affected by the new training and selection processes.
  • Residents: The changes may influence how annexation and zoning decisions are made, potentially affecting local communities and their governance.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 14, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • April 10, 2025: Sent to the Governor.
  • May 12, 2025: Signed by the Governor; Act 128.
  • July 1, 2025: Effective date.

Conclusion

HB 155 represents a significant overhaul of the arbitration process for annexation disputes and zoning decisions in Georgia. By establishing clearer procedures for selecting arbitrators and centralizing decision-making, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and fairness of local governance.

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

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