House Bill 471

Chair's Name: Austin Scott

Committee: Governmental Affairs

House Sponsor: Ron Stephens

HB 471 prohibits local government from requiring the transfer of ownership of a privately constructed water or sewage systems when it is not connected to a publicly owned system.  It is narrowly drawn so as to apply to only one private system in one county in Georgia.  The law will sunset January 1, 2009.

The committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Governmental Affairs Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Scott�s opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

This is a private property issue.  It prevents Bryan County from taking a privately constructed and operated water system.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

The need to protect this system.