This bill removes cities' ability to annex unincorporated islands without residents' consent effective January 1, 2013. This provision was enacted in 1992 to encourage cities to incorporate unincorporated islands that existed prior to the prohibition of their creation. The bill failed twice in the Senate.

This bill shortens the duration of in person, no excuse, early voting from 45 days to 21 days, making the early voting period in Georgia consistent for all elections - from city (which is presently 21 days) to county, state and federal. It also brings Georgia closer to the national average of 24 days. To provide an increased opportunity to vote early for those who normally have to work, it mandates that polls must be open the second Saturday prior to an election for early voting. The bill was introduced with bipartisan support. To read more, click here.

This bill prohibits public employees from using any computer, fax machine, telephone, e-mail, word processing software, printer or other telecommunications device owned by the government for the purpose of promoting or opposing the passage or veto of legislation. County employees whose duty is to communicate with legislators would be exempt.  While the bill was passed by the House Governmental Affairs Committee on February 28th, the author of the legislation said the he does not intend to push the bill to passage this year.  

HB 124 clarifies that annexation arbitration panel members are entitled to a per diem of $115 plus reimbursement for mileage.

This bill adds another requirement to the 100% method of annexation. Cities would be required to prepare a plan for extending services and improvements to the area proposed for annexation. If the city fails to provide these services after two years, then the property owners could deannex the property. The county's consent for the deannexation would be required.