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Bill Summary · HB 756

Summary of House Bill 756 (HB 756)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 756 aims to amend the existing Act that established the Chatham Area Transit Authority, originally approved on March 28, 1986. The primary intent of the bill is to overhaul the governance structure of the authority by abolishing the current membership and instituting a new board with defined membership criteria and terms of office.

Key Provisions

  1. Abolishment of Current Membership:

    • All current members of the Chatham Area Transit Authority will vacate their positions as of June 30, 2025.

  2. New Board Structure:

    • Effective July 1, 2025, the authority will be governed by a new board consisting of up to 11 members, appointed as follows:
      • 2 members from the Board of Commissioners of Chatham County.
      • 1 member from the Board of Aldermen of the City of Savannah.
      • 1 member from the City Council of Port Wentworth (if participating).
      • 1 member from the City Council of Garden City.
      • 1 member appointed by the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority.
      • 1 member appointed by the Board of Commissioners who is a person with a disability.
      • 1 member appointed by the Board of Aldermen who is a resident of Savannah.
      • 3 members appointed by the Chatham County legislative delegation, including representatives from business and tourism advocacy organizations, and one resident of Chatham County.

  3. Terms of Office:

    • Members appointed by the legislative delegation will serve two-year terms.
    • Members representing persons with disabilities and residents will serve four-year terms.
    • Elected officials will serve terms concurrent with their elective office.

  4. Eligibility and Vacancies:

    • Members must meet specific qualifications, and seats may be forfeited for reasons such as felony convictions or failure to attend meetings.
    • Vacancies will be filled in the same manner as initial appointments.

  5. Quorum and Voting:

    • A majority of members constitutes a quorum, and members cannot vote on matters where they have a financial interest.

  6. Compensation:

    • Members will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for authorized expenses incurred while conducting authority business.

Impact

  • Governance: The bill significantly alters the governance of the Chatham Area Transit Authority, aiming to enhance accountability and representation.
  • Community Representation: By including members with disabilities and representatives from advocacy organizations, the bill seeks to ensure diverse perspectives in transit decision-making.
  • Effective Date: The changes will take effect on June 30, 2025, following the transition period for current members.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • House Passed: March 31, 2025
  • Senate Passed: April 2, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 14, 2025
  • Effective Date: June 30, 2025

Related Legislation

  • SB 972: A companion bill that addresses similar issues regarding the Chatham Area Transit Authority.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of HB 756, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the governance of the Chatham Area Transit Authority.

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

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