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HB 608

Muscogee County; School District; revise how vacancies on board of education are filled

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Debbie Buckner and 4 co-sponsors

House Bill 608 streamlines how Muscogee County School Board vacancies are filled, ensuring timely appointments and maintaining board functionality for community needs.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 608

Summary of House Bill 608

Bill Number: HB 608
Title: Muscogee County; School District; revise how vacancies on board of education are filled
Status: Effective Date
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Effective Date: May 13, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 608 aims to amend the existing legislation governing the Muscogee County School District, specifically focusing on the process for filling vacancies on the Board of Education. The bill seeks to streamline and clarify the procedures for appointing members to the board when a vacancy arises, ensuring that the process is efficient and transparent.

Key Provisions

The bill revises subsection (g) of Section 5 of the Act creating the Muscogee County School District, originally approved on February 25, 1949. The key changes include:

  1. Filling Vacancies:

    • More than 90 Days Before Election: If a vacancy occurs more than 90 days before a general election, it will be filled through a special election held on the same date as the general election. The remaining board members will appoint a qualified individual to serve until the special election winner takes office.
    • 90 Days or Fewer Before Election: If a vacancy occurs 90 days or fewer before a general election, the remaining board members will appoint a qualified individual to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

  2. Qualifications:

    • Any individual appointed or elected to fill a vacancy must meet the same qualifications required for a full-term election to the board.

  3. Special Election Procedures:

    • The election superintendent of Muscogee County is responsible for issuing a call for a special election within 30 days of a vacancy being established. The special election will be conducted in accordance with the Georgia Election Code.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill directly impacts the Muscogee County School District Board of Education, its members, and the constituents within the district. It ensures that vacancies are filled in a timely manner, thereby maintaining the board's functionality and governance.
  • Election Process: The changes may lead to more frequent special elections, allowing for quicker representation of constituents in the event of a vacancy.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 17, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • February 24, 2025: Bill entered the House Hopper.
  • March 4, 2025: Bill passed the House and was favorably reported by the House Committee.
  • March 6, 2025: Bill read and referred to the Senate.
  • March 18, 2025: Bill passed the Senate and was favorably reported by the Senate Committee.
  • April 7, 2025: Bill sent to the Governor.
  • May 13, 2025: Bill signed by the Governor and became effective as Act 155.

Conclusion

House Bill 608 represents an important legislative update for the Muscogee County School District, enhancing the process for filling board vacancies. By establishing clear guidelines and timelines, the bill aims to ensure that the board remains fully operational and responsive to the needs of the community.

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

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