WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 816

REVENUE-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 816 creates the Greene County Public Facilities Authority to enhance local infrastructure, manage public projects, and finance them through revenue bonds.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 816

Summary of House Bill 816: Greene County Public Facilities Authority Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 816, known as the Greene County Public Facilities Authority Act, aims to establish a public authority in Greene County, Georgia. This authority will facilitate the development and management of public facilities within the county, enhancing local infrastructure and services.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Creation of the Authority:

    • Establishes the Greene County Public Facilities Authority as a public body corporate and politic, allowing it to operate as a political subdivision of the state.
    • The authority will have perpetual existence and the ability to enter into contracts, sue, and be sued.

  2. Membership:

    • The authority will consist of five members appointed by the Greene County Board of Commissioners.
    • Initial appointments will coincide with the terms of the nominating commissioners, with subsequent terms lasting four years.
    • Members must be at least 21 years old, residents of Greene County for at least two years, and free of felony convictions.

  3. Powers of the Authority:

    • The authority can acquire property through various means, including purchase and condemnation, for its corporate purposes.
    • It has the power to issue revenue bonds to finance projects, which will be self-liquidating through generated revenues.
    • The authority can enter into contracts and agreements necessary for the acquisition, construction, and operation of public projects.

  4. Financial Provisions:

    • The authority is authorized to receive funds, manage trust funds, and is granted tax exemptions related to its operations.
    • It will also have tort immunity, protecting it from certain legal liabilities.

  5. Definitions:

    • The bill outlines specific definitions related to the authority, including terms like "project," "costs of the project," and "revenue bonds."

Impact

The establishment of the Greene County Public Facilities Authority is expected to:
- Improve local infrastructure by facilitating the construction and management of public facilities.
- Provide a structured approach to financing these projects through revenue bonds.
- Enhance collaboration between county officials and the authority in managing public resources.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 21, 2025
  • Passed: The bill passed through various legislative stages, including committee reviews and readings in both the House and Senate.
  • Effective Date: The act became effective on May 13, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

Related Legislation

  • SB 851: This bill serves as a companion to HB 816, potentially addressing similar issues or providing additional context for the establishment of public facilities authorities in Georgia.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 816, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on Greene County.

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

Sign in to ask a question.