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HB 635

RELATING TO THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT CODE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 10 co-sponsors

House Bill 635 establishes a licensing board for contractors in Georgia, ensuring only qualified individuals are licensed, enhancing construction service quality.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#attorney'sfees #damages #residentiallandlord-tenantcode
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Bill Summary · HB 635

Summary of House Bill 635: Relating to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 635
- Title: Relating to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
- Status: Introduced and Passed First Reading
- Introduced Date: February 26, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Attorney's Fees, Damages, Residential Landlord-Tenant Code

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 635 aims to amend the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code in Georgia. The primary intent of the bill is to revise and clarify the qualifications for licensure as a residential or commercial general contractor, as well as to update the provisions related to the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors. This legislation seeks to enhance the regulatory framework governing contractors, ensuring that licensing standards are clear and effectively enforced.

Key Provisions

  1. Creation of the State Licensing Board:

    • Establishes a 15-member State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors, appointed by the Governor for five-year terms.
    • The board will consist of two divisions: a residential contractor division and a commercial general contractor division.

  2. Membership Requirements:

    • Members must be licensed in their respective categories and actively engaged in the contracting business for at least five consecutive years prior to their appointment.
    • The residential contractor division will have eight members, while the commercial general contractor division will have seven members.

  3. Jurisdiction and Authority:

    • The residential contractor division will oversee residential-basic and residential-light commercial contractors.
    • The commercial general contractor division will focus on commercial general contracting, ensuring representation from small-volume builders and professionals such as architects or engineers.

  4. Meeting and Quorum Requirements:

    • The board will meet at least once every two months, and decisions will require participation from a majority of the members from the affected division.

  5. Licensing Process:

    • Applicants for licensure must submit an application along with a fee and pass an examination approved by the appropriate division.
    • The bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for different contractor categories, including residential-basic and residential-light commercial contractors.

Impact

  • Contractors: The bill will directly affect individuals and businesses seeking to obtain or maintain licensure as residential or commercial general contractors in Georgia. It aims to ensure that only qualified individuals are licensed, thereby enhancing the quality of construction services.
  • Public Interest: By including a public member on the board with no ties to the construction industry, the bill seeks to represent the interests of the general public in regulatory matters.

Procedural Timeline

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025
  • Key Legislative Actions:
    • May 9, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became Act 91.
    • April 10, 2025: Sent to the Governor.
    • April 2, 2025: Passed by the Senate.
    • March 6, 2025: Passed by the House.
    • February 26, 2025: Introduced and passed the first reading.

Related Bills

  • SB 831: A companion bill that may address similar issues within the realm of contractor licensing and regulation.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of House Bill 635, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on contractors and the public in Georgia.

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

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