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Bill

HB 834

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Reyes Oda

House Bill 834 empowers Cedartown to initiate redevelopment projects and create tax districts, enhancing local infrastructure and community development, pending voter approval.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 834

Summary of House Bill 834: Relating to Transportation

Bill Number: HB 834
Introduced: March 25, 2025
Status: Introduced and Passed First Reading
Author: Representative Kelley of the 16th District
Effective Date: May 14, 2025
Act Number: 339

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 834 aims to empower the City of Cedartown, Georgia, to utilize redevelopment powers as outlined in the Georgia Constitution and the "Redevelopment Powers Law." The bill is designed to facilitate community redevelopment efforts, allowing the city to create tax allocation districts, issue tax allocation bonds, and undertake various redevelopment projects.

Key Provisions

  1. Authorization of Redevelopment Powers:

    • The City of Cedartown is authorized to exercise all redevelopment powers permitted under Article IX, Section II, Paragraph VII(b) of the Georgia Constitution and Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.).
    • This includes the ability to undertake community redevelopment initiatives and create tax allocation districts.
  2. Referendum Requirement:

    • A referendum will be held to allow the citizens of Cedartown to vote on whether to approve the Act.
    • The election is scheduled for the Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2025.
    • The ballot will include a simple "Yes" or "No" option regarding the approval of the Act.
  3. Automatic Repeal Clause:

    • If the Act is not approved by the voters or if the election is not conducted as specified, the Act will be automatically repealed on January 1, 2026.
  4. Effective Date:

    • The Act will become effective upon approval by the Governor or if it becomes law without such approval.
  5. Conflict Repeal:

    • Any laws conflicting with this Act will be repealed.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this legislation will be the residents and businesses of Cedartown, who may see improvements in local infrastructure and community development.
    • The local government will gain additional tools for economic development and urban renewal.
  • Procedural Aspects:

    • The election superintendent of Cedartown is responsible for conducting the election and certifying the results to the Secretary of State.
    • The costs associated with the election will be borne by the City of Cedartown.

Legislative Actions Timeline

  • March 25, 2025: Bill introduced and passed first reading.
  • March 31, 2025: Bill passed in the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 2, 2025: Senate committee favorably reported the bill; Senate passed/adopted.
  • April 8, 2025: Bill sent to the Governor.
  • May 14, 2025: Bill signed by the Governor; effective date established.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 834, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on the City of Cedartown and its residents.

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

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