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HB 763

Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lehman Franklin and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 763 creates the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority to enhance local aviation services, boost economic growth, and improve airport management in the region.

Effective Date
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Bill Summary · HB 763

Summary of House Bill 763: Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 763 aims to establish the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority as a new airport authority for Bryan County and the City of Richmond Hill, Georgia. The primary intent of the bill is to facilitate the development, operation, and management of airports and landing fields in the region, thereby enhancing local aviation infrastructure and economic development.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Creation of the Authority:

    • Establishes the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority as a public corporation and political subdivision of the State of Georgia.
    • Grants the authority perpetual existence.

  2. Powers and Responsibilities:

    • Authorizes the authority to acquire, construct, equip, maintain, operate, own, and improve airports and related facilities.
    • Allows the authority to lease, sell, or convey property necessary for its operations, both within and outside Bryan County.

  3. Membership:

    • Composed of 11 members:
      • 7 members appointed by the governing authorities of Bryan County and Richmond Hill.
      • 4 members appointed by the legislative delegation of Bryan County.
    • Members serve varying terms, with some serving as long as they hold specific managerial positions.

  4. Financial Provisions:

    • Authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds or obligations, which will be payable from the authority's revenues, fees, and charges.
    • Bonds issued by the authority will be exempt from taxation.

  5. Meetings and Governance:

    • The authority is required to hold its first organizational meeting by April 30, 2026, and must meet at least quarterly thereafter.
    • All meetings must comply with the Open Meetings Law of Georgia.

  6. Vacancies:

    • Procedures are established for filling vacancies on the authority, ensuring continuity in governance.

Impact

The establishment of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority is expected to:
- Enhance local aviation services, potentially attracting more air traffic and related businesses.
- Provide a structured governance framework for airport management, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
- Stimulate economic growth in Bryan County and Richmond Hill through improved transportation infrastructure.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Passed by House: March 25, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: March 28, 2025
  • Signed by Governor: May 1, 2025
  • Effective Date: May 1, 2025

This bill represents a significant step towards improving the aviation landscape in Bryan County and Richmond Hill, with potential long-term benefits for the local economy and community.

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

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