Gold Dome Update: January 8, 2021

IN THIS UPDATE

The Georgia General Assembly convenes on Monday, January 11, 2021. As your initial Gold Dome Update, this newsletter includes important reminders for monitoring the legislative session, tips to staying connected with GMA and a preview of legislation anticipated to impact Georgia’s cities.

As the legislative session begins again in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic it is important for city officials to be engaged on issues and ready to communicate GMA's 2021 legislative policies with legislators.

Before visiting the State Capitol, be aware of the COVID-19 protocols for the building.

ISSUES AT A GLANCE

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver has prefiled three bills related to tax abatements and annexation. All are awaiting committee assignments.

House Bill 23 - Annexation Dispute Process, Adding School Boards
This legislation would allow school boards to dispute proposed municipal annexations if a proposed change in zoning or land use would create a financial impact on a school system's current and planned capacity.

House Bill 24 - Annexation Dispute Process, Adding Proposed Tax Abatements as a Reason for Objection
This legislation would allow a county to object to proposed annexations if any proposed tax abatements or financial incentives are offered by the city or, if known, offered by a development authority.

House Bill 25 - Bond Validation Hearings: Standing for School Boards
This legislation would give school boards standing to object to municipal, county or development authority bond validations.

We invite you to attend the Municipal Government/Revenue and Finance Policy Committee meeting during the Cities United Virtual Summit to hear Rep. Oliver's remarks on this legislative package.
Register Here for the Summit.

STUDY COMMMITTEE REPORTS

Each year members of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate participate in Special Committees and Study Committees while outside the legislative session to focus on specific issues. These committees can provide a potential preview of issues that will become relevant when the legislatures reconvenes. A complete list of these committees and their supporting documents can be found for the House of Representatives and the Senate.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

SAVE THE DATE:
Cities United Virtual Summit

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's annual legislative summit will be virtual. Tune in on Monday, January 25, 2021 beginning at 8:00 a.m. to hear from the state’s top elected officials, get updates on legislation important to cities and attend policy committee meetings.

Register Here for the Summit.

MEET THE ADVOCACY TEAM

Governor Kemp Announces Administration Floor Leaders for 2021-2022 General Assembly

Georgia House of Representatives Floor Leaders

Representative Dominic LaRiccia

Representative Jodi Lott

Representative Bert Reeves

Representative Josh Bonner

Georgia State Senate Floor Leaders

Senator Clint Dixon

Senator Russ Goodman

Senator Bo Hatchett

Read the full press release here.

Stay Connected

Local Legislation Update: If you are interested in seeing if local legislation has been introduced that impacts your city, or surrounding local governments, and subscribe to GMA's Local Legislation Alert to receive an email when any local legislation has been introduced and assigned to a committee.