RELATING TO PROPERTY RIGHTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Holt and 12 co-sponsors

House Bill 224 allows Georgia to build and maintain private roads on military bases, funded by the Department of Defense, enhancing infrastructure for military operations.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 224 (HB 224) aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to facilitate the construction and maintenance of private roads on military bases or installations. The bill specifically allows the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to undertake these activities when funded by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal entities. This legislation is intended to streamline processes related to road management on military properties, ensuring that necessary infrastructure can be maintained without conflicting with existing laws.

Key Provisions

Amendment to Code Section 32-1-8: The bill revises the existing law that prohibits state and local officials from authorizing the construction or maintenance of private roads.

New Authorization: Under the new provision, GDOT is authorized to construct or maintain private roads on military bases or installations, provided that:
The work is done through an agreement with the DoD or another federal entity.
All funding for these activities comes exclusively from the DoD or the federal entity involved.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws: The bill includes a clause to repeal any laws that conflict with its provisions, ensuring clarity and legal consistency.

Affected Parties

Georgia Department of Transportation: The primary agency responsible for executing the provisions of the bill.

United States Department of Defense: The federal entity that will provide funding and agreements for road construction and maintenance.

Military Installations: The bill directly impacts military bases in Georgia, facilitating improved infrastructure for military operations.

Legislative Timeline

Introduced: February 3, 2025

House Actions:

Passed on March 6, 2025
Reported favorably from the Committee on CPC on February 28, 2025

Senate Actions:

Passed on April 4, 2025
Favorably reported by the Senate Committee on March 27, 2025

Governor's Approval: Signed into law on May 13, 2025

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 224 represents a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure on military bases in Georgia by allowing state agencies to work in collaboration with federal entities. By clarifying the legal framework for road construction and maintenance on military properties, the bill aims to ensure that these essential facilities can be properly managed and funded.

Bill