Under the Service Delivery Act cities and counties cannot charge residents outside their jurisdictions water and sewer fees that are arbitrarily higher than the fees charged to residents of their jurisdiction. HB 174 adds that arbitrarily-higher "rates" would also be prohibited and the definition of fees would now include "account fees or other customer fees." If the reasonableness of a rate or fee is challenged by a county or city, current law requires that a qualified engineer must prepare a rate study. HB 174 removes the requirement for this rate study.

HB 830 would require any legislation introduced to create a new city be introduced in the first year of the two-year legislative calendar.  Such bills could not be considered for passage until the second year.  During the interim between sessions, the viability of the proposed new city and the impact of the new city on  other cities within the county and on the county itself would have to be studied.

HB 881 affects counties, other than consolidated governments, where more than 90% of the population resides within municipalities. If passed and ratified, counties that are substantially municipalized would be limited to providing, within the municipal areas of the county, only those services counties are required to provide by general law. Other services could be provided but they would be limited to unincorporated special districts. Presently, the requirements of the bill apply exclusively to Fulton County. 

SB 122 authorizes local governments and the state (at their discretion) to contract with private firms to procure permits and licenses, plan, finance, build, acquire, operate and maintain a water reservoir, facility or system -- acting in concert with GEFA's Water Supply Division if they wish. The local government may pay the firm with the user fees, purchase payments and other revenue for these services. This bill also establishes a process that counties can partner with other governments to enter into agreements up to 50 years with a private partner. Unlike proposals from previous sessions, SB 122 ensures that local governments participate in all aspects of the process.