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HB 714

Rincon, City of; designation of electors; revise provisions

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Hitchens

House Bill 714 enhances governance in Rincon's community improvement districts by redefining electors and streamlining board member elections, benefiting property owners.

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Bill Summary · HB 714

Summary of House Bill 714 (HB 714)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 714 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the creation and governance of community improvement districts (CIDs) in the City of Rincon, Georgia. The bill seeks to revise the provisions related to the designation of electors and the appointment and election of board members, thereby enhancing the governance structure of these districts.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the existing law, originally approved on April 25, 2022:

1. Designation of Electors

  • Definition of Electors: The term "electors" is defined to include:
    • Owners of real property within the district subject to taxes, fees, and assessments.
    • One officer or director of a corporate elector, one trustee of a trust that is an elector, or one designated representative of an elector.
  • Voting Rights:
    • Owners of multiple parcels are entitled to only one vote.
    • Multiple owners of a single parcel can cast one vote, designated by one of the owners.

2. Board Composition and Elections

  • Board Structure: The governing board of each CID will consist of five members:
    • One member appointed by the city council.
    • One member appointed by the city manager.
    • Three members elected by a caucus of electors.
  • Term Length: Elected board members will serve four-year terms.
  • Recall Provisions: Board members can be recalled through:
    • A resolution from the city council.
    • A petition signed by one-third of the electors in the district.

3. Election Procedures

  • Initial Elections: The first board members will be elected within 60 days after a resolution from the city council.
  • Annual Elections: Elections for board members with expiring terms or vacancies will occur annually, no later than 60 days after the ad valorem property tax return deadline.
  • Special Elections: If a vacancy occurs, a special election must be called within 60 days unless it is close to the next scheduled election.

4. Exemptions and Bylaws

  • The bill specifies that certain chapters of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) do not apply to the election or recall of district board members, allowing the board to adopt bylaws for election matters.

Impact

This bill primarily affects property owners within the community improvement districts in Rincon by altering how electors are defined and how board members are appointed and elected. The changes aim to streamline governance and ensure that the interests of property owners are adequately represented.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • Effective Date: May 1, 2025
  • Legislative Actions: The bill underwent several readings and amendments in both the House and Senate before being signed into law by the Governor.

Conclusion

HB 714 represents a significant update to the governance of community improvement districts in Rincon, focusing on enhancing representation and streamlining election processes for board members. The revisions aim to ensure that the interests of property owners are effectively managed and represented within these districts.

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

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