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HB 587

RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Tarnas

House Bill 587 establishes a finance director for Cartersville, streamlines financial duties, and allows a $20 tech fee to enhance court and police technology.

Introduced and Pass First Reading.
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Bill Summary · HB 587

Summary of House Bill 587

Bill Number: HB 587
Title: Relating to the Department of the Attorney General
Status: Introduced and Passed First Reading
Introduced Date: February 21, 2025
Effective Date: May 13, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 587 aims to amend the Act that reincorporates the City of Cartersville in Bartow County, originally approved on March 28, 1974. The bill seeks to enhance the governance structure of the city by introducing a finance director position, redistributing certain financial responsibilities, and establishing a technology fee for the Municipal Court.

Key Provisions

  1. Appointment of a Finance Director:

    • The mayor and city council will appoint a finance director, who will also serve as the ex officio treasurer.
    • The finance director will maintain accurate records of the city's receipts and expenditures.
    • A surety bond of at least $100,000 will be required to ensure the faithful performance of duties.

  2. Removal of Treasurer Duties from City Clerk:

    • The responsibilities of the ex officio treasurer will be removed from the city clerk, streamlining financial oversight.

  3. Technology Fee Authorization:

    • The Municipal Court of Cartersville is authorized to charge a technology fee of up to $20.00 on each criminal and quasi-criminal fine.
    • The fee will fund technological needs for the court and police department, including:
      • Computer hardware and software
      • Imaging and communication equipment
      • Body-worn cameras
    • Funds collected will be maintained in a segregated account and can only be used for the specified purposes.
    • The authorization for this fee will expire on July 1, 2030, unless renewed by the city council.

  4. Repeal of Conflicting Laws:

    • The bill includes provisions to repeal any laws that conflict with its enactments.

Impact

  • City Governance: The introduction of a finance director is expected to improve financial management and accountability within the city government.
  • Municipal Court Operations: The technology fee will provide necessary funding for modernizing court and police department technology, potentially enhancing public safety and operational efficiency.
  • Financial Oversight: The requirement for a surety bond for both the finance director and city clerk aims to safeguard against financial mismanagement.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 21, 2025: Bill introduced and passed first reading.
  • March 10, 2025: House passed/adopted after favorable committee report.
  • March 21, 2025: Senate passed/adopted after favorable committee report.
  • May 13, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became Act 149, effective immediately.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 587, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the City of Cartersville and its governance structure.

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

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