Open Records/Meetings Act (28)
Use the drop down to the left to select the next 25 bills to display.

Date of Last Recorded Action: 3/29/2024

HB 0056 NegotiatingStatutory Guidelines for " No Knock Warrants" - Mandatory Reporting to the State Tanner, Kevin 9th
1/26/2015 House Second Readers JudyNC --
Debra Nesbit Law Enforcement Magistrate Court Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
State Court Superior Court
This legislation requires all law enforcement agencies who seek no-knock warrants to adopt guidelines and have an operational plan in place.  This bill also requires each judicial officer who signs warrants to report to the Administrative Office of the Courts the number and type of warrants issued on a monthly basis.
HB 0069 WatchProhibits Use of Vehicle Data Recorder Information Except by Law Enforcement Spencer, Jason 180th
4/2/2015 House Withdrawn, Recommitted MotV --
Debra Nesbit EMS/Ambulance Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
Traffic Enforcement
This legislation requires information retrieved from an event data recorder (i.e., a device that records a vehicle's data such as air bag deployment, vehicle sped, steering performance, brake performance or use, and seatbelt status before and during a crash) be private.  However, it allows information from the data recorder to be used by law enforcement in order to investigate any violations of law or the cause of the accident, as well as by emergency medical services to administer medical care to the driver or passenger.  Additionally, the information obtained from the event data recorder may be obtained through the discovery process in civil litigation.
HB 0093 NeutralRequirement That All Law Enforcement Destroy Captured License Plate Data After One Year Pezold, John 133rd
3/22/2016 Senate Tabled PS&HS PUB SAF -
Code Enforcement Debra Nesbit General County Government Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act
Public Safety and Courts Traffic Enforcement

This legislation requires law enforcement agencies to destroy all data captured by automatic license plate readers after one year. This bill also makes it clear that license plate reader data is not subject to open records disclosure.

HB 0097 NegotiatingProhibit Counties From Entering Into Non-Disclosure Agreements Turner, Scot 21st
2/9/2015 House Withdrawn Bill/Res Consideration GAff --
Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development General County Government Open Records/Meetings Act Procurement
Todd Edwards

This legislation prohibits counties from entering into any nondisclosure agreements with other parties. Any offers, incentives, terms or conditions would be required to be disclosed without delay. Any citizen of the state may sue to enforce this law and compel the disclosure of the information in the agreement. ACCG believes it is important preserve project and prospect confidentiality prior to the announcement of a project.   

HB 0326 OpposeRequirement that Law Enforcement Wear Audio and Video Recording Devices Jordan, Darryl 77th
2/17/2015 House Second Readers JudyNC --
Debra Nesbit General County Government Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
This legislation requires all law enforcement officers that conduct traffic stops or respond to emergency dispatch calls as their primary duty to wear audio and video recording devices as of January 1, 2017. Law enforcement agencies that do not comply with this legislation are subject to withholding of state funding and state administered federal funding. This legislation is a unfunded mandate, there is no funding provided.
HB 0461 NeutralMetal Theft Registry Requirements Shaw, Jason 176th
7/1/2015 Effective Date RegI RI&Util -
Business and Occupation Tax Debra Nesbit General County Government Georgia Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement
Nat. Res. & the Environment Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Solid Waste
This legislation addresses catalytic converters and burial objects being sold to secondary metal recyclers.  This legislation will have no fiscal impact on counties.
HB 0492 NeutralGuns - Clarity on Provisions of Georgia's Weapons Carry Law Jasperse, Rick 11th
7/1/2015 Effective Date PS&HS PUB SAF -
Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Georgia Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act
Personnel/Employment Probate Court Public Safety and Courts Superior Court Todd Edwards
This legislation is intended to provide clarity on several provisions of Georgia's weapons carry law, including: the prohibition on carrying of weapons near polling places only applies when locations are being used as polling places; what constitutes a renewal license (if license has 90 or fewer days remaining or has expired within the last 30 days, regardless of county of issuance) and how to address fingerprinting on renewals; proof of serving in the Armed Forces for those between the ages of 18 and 21 who seek a license; how judges report the revocation of licenses and check for license verification; and authorizing counties to prohibit unpaid volunteers from carrying weapons during volunteer functions.    
HB 0499 EvaluatingDriver's License Sanctions from Automated Traffic Control Devices On School Buses Powell, Alan 32nd
3/14/2016 Senate Read Second Time MotV TRANS -
Clerk of Court Debra Nesbit District Attorneys Econ. Dev. & Transportation Law Enforcement
Open Records/Meetings Act Probate Court Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Solicitors
State Court Traffic Enforcement
The current House substitute to this bill (LC 39 1240S) allows law enforcement or private companies authorized by law enforcement to establish automated traffic safety enforcement devices in school zones.
HB 0507 WatchChild Abuse Registry Requirements Oliver, Mary Margaret 82nd
3/3/2015 House Second Readers JuvJ --
Debra Nesbit District Attorneys General County Government Health and Human Services Juveniles
Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
This legislation updates the requirements for inclusion of and access to names on the child abuse registry.
HB 0677 NeutralLegalize Casino Gaming in Georgia Stephens, Ron 164th
3/2/2016 House Withdrawn, Recommitted RegI --
Alcohol/Tobacco Business and Occupation Tax Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons
General County Government Land Use/Zoning Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
Revenue & Finance Todd Edwards

This legislation authorizes up to four casino gaming establishments in Georgia: two in Metro Atlanta and two in other parts of the state.  The state would levy a 20 percent tax on casino revenues; require substantial investment and licensing fees in order for a casino to operate; set aside at least 90 percent of state revenues for the HOPE scholarship program; designate 1-2 percent of revenues for problem gambling organizations; and distribute 1-3 percent of revenues to the local government hosting the casino for infrastructure and public safety purposes.       

HR 807 is a Constitutional amendment that must be passed by Georgia voters in order for HB 677 to take effect.      

 

HB 0710 WatchGeorgia Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) ACT Turner, Scot 21st
1/14/2016 House Second Readers W&M --
Debra Nesbit General County Government Health and Human Services Open Records/Meetings Act Property Tax
Revenue & Finance
This legislation, similar to HB 768, creates the Georgia Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program that would allow the creation of Section 529A accounts to pay for qualified disability expenses of an individual.
HB 0725 WatchChild Abuse Records Protection Act Cantrell, Wes 22nd
7/1/2016 Effective Date JuvJ H&HS -
Coroners/Medical Examiners Debra Nesbit General County Government Health and Human Services Juveniles
Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
This legislation changes how records of child abuse and deprivation are accessed.
HB 0749 NeutralRegional Commission Councils - Allow to Meet by Teleconference Werkheiser, Bill 157th
2/29/2016 Senate Read and Referred SP&CA SLGO -
General County Government Open Records/Meetings Act Todd Edwards

This legislation allows regional commission councils to meet by teleconference.

HB 0768 NeutralEstablishment of ABLE Act and Tax Exemption for Certain Accounts Hawkins, Lee 27th
5/3/2016 House Date Signed by Governor W&M FIN -
Debra Nesbit General County Government Health and Human Services Open Records/Meetings Act Property Tax
Revenue & Finance
The current substitute to this bill (LC 33 6510S), is similar to HB 710, and creates the Georgia Achieving Better Life Experience (ABLE) prorgam that allows the creation of Section 529A accounts to pay for qualified disability expenses of an individual.  The bill also excludes the program from the definition of agency for purposes of the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act.
HB 0779 NeutralRegulation of Drones Tanner, Kevin 9th
5/3/2016 House Date Signed by Governor JudyNC S&T -
Air Quality Code Enforcement Criminal Procedure Debra Nesbit Econ. Dev. & Transportation
Emergency Management/Preparedness EMS/Ambulance Fire Services General County Government Health and Human Services
Juveniles Law Enforcement Nat. Res. & the Environment Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
Utilities
Pre-empts counties from adopting a resolution or ordinance to regulate drones, unless a no fly zone approval has been granted by the FAA.  Once approval is obtained from the FAA, ordinances regarding the use of drone within the no fly zone are allowed.  The bill does allow a county to prohibit take off, recovery, or use of a drone from or on public property, allows the use of drones by local governments for certain purposes, such as law enforcement (with a subpeona), EMS, mapping, emergency management, utilities, rescue, etc.
HB 0785 OpposeTownships - Create with Zoning, Land Use and Building Code Powers Dudgeon, Mike 25th
1/22/2016 House Second Readers GAff --
Annexation/Municipalization Auditing/Budget Business and Occupation Tax Code Enforcement Elections
Eminent Domain/Condemnation Ethics Form of Government General County Government Government Immunity
Land Conservation Land Use/Zoning Magistrate Court Open Records/Meetings Act Property Tax
Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local Service Delivery Tax Commissioner
Todd Edwards

This legislation, similar to SB 272, would allow for the creation of townships via local legislation with land use, zoning, subdivision, building permit and code enforcement powers, if the voters first approve a statewide referendum approving a constitutional amendment. Companion resolutions, HR 1051 and SR 724, if passed, will call for the statewide referendum to amend the constitution allowing townships to have zoning powers. Townships could levy up to a .5 mill property tax, annex and transition to cityhood. Though counties would have no say in the above decisions, counties must continue to provide all services and infrastructure to the area as they would any unincorporated area. Counties would have an opportunity to comment on township decisions, but nothing is binding or mediated.

HB 0851 SupportRevisions to the Local Law Library Statute and Requirement that Funds Be Audited Atwood, Alex 179th
4/26/2016 House Date Signed by Governor B&FAO S JUDY -
Auditing/Budget Clerk of Court Debra Nesbit General County Government Open Records/Meetings Act
Probate Court Public Safety and Courts Sewer/Septage State Court Superior Court
This legislation requires the county law library board of trustees to have an annual audit; include the District Attorney on the Board; and allows for equipment purchases from the fund for the courthouse.  The bill also clarifies that the law library fee charged on all civil filings is an add-on to filing fee, not a deduction from the county portion of the filing fee.
HB 0976 SupportRecords Retention Requirements for Law Enforcement Body Camera or Dash Camera Video Hitchens, Bill 161st
7/1/2016 Effective Date PS&HS JUDYNC -
Debra Nesbit General County Government Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts

This legislation establishes a records retention schedule for video recordings from law enforcement body worn cameras or devices located on or in a law enforcement vehicle.  These recordings are required to be kept for 180 days unless the recording is part of a criminal investigation, shows a car accident, shows the arrest or detainment of an individual, shows a law enforcement officer's use of force, or can reasonably be anticipated to be necessary for pending litigation, in which case it must be kept for 30 months. If litigation is commenced within that 30 months the video must be kept until the lawsuit is completed. Counties may charge an additional $10 to make copies of videos.

SB 0016 NegotiatingJob Creation Standards Act of 2015 Butler, Gloria 55th
1/13/2015 Senate Read and Referred -FIN -
Clint Mueller Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Financing General County Government
Open Records/Meetings Act Property Tax Revenue & Finance
Establishes a ratio for tax incentive given to jobs created and recapture provisions.

This legislation requires counties that expend $35,000 or more stimulating economic development through bonds, grants, loans, loan guarantees, enterprise zones, tax increment financing, fee waivers, land price subsidies, matching funds, tax abatements, tax exemptions or tax credits to cross check job creation and other performance data or conduct periodic audits of corporations that receives such development subsidies.  If the corporation fails to maintain wage and benefit achievements during the development subsidy or five years (whichever is longer), then the value of the development subsidy must be reduced on a prorated bases.  If the corporation has already accrued the development subsidy, then the state can recapture the subsidy reduction.

If the county fails to enforce any provision in this legislation, any individual who paid personal income taxes or any organization representing such taxpayers may sue to compel enforcement action.  If the plaintiff wins, he or she is entitled to recover attorney's fees and court costs. 

Counties are required to publish summary statitstics about enforcement, as well as a list of corporations that have received development subsidies on their websites. All records prepared or maintained pursuant to this legislation are open records.

SB 0046 NegotiatingMandatory Audio/Video Recording Devices for all Law Enforcement Fort, Vincent 39th
1/26/2015 Senate Read and Referred -PUB SAF -
Appropriations Debra Nesbit General County Government Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act
Public Safety and Courts

This legislation requires law enforcement officers that respond to emerency calls or perform traffic stops to wear audio and video recording devices while they are on duty. Only the portions of recordings involving an encounter (i.e., a stop, detention or investigation of another person) are public records subject to disclosure.  Recordings must be maintained for 90 days except that recordings involving an arrest, detention, use of force or for which a complaint has been lodged must be maintained for three years.

Counties that fail to implement the recording devices by January 1, 2017, are subject to losing state funding and state administrated federal funding. The legislation provides for grant funding to help small and underfunded law enforcement agencies to comply with this law.

SB 0094 NeutralRequire Written Procedures for Enhancing Witness Identification Accuracy and Revision of Search and Seizure Law Bethel, Charlie 54th
7/1/2015 Effective Date JudyNC JUDYNC -
Criminal Procedure Debra Nesbit General County Government Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act
Public Safety and Courts
This legislation requires law enforcement agencies that conduct live lineups, photo lineups or show ups to adopt written procedures to determine whether a witness identifies someone as a perpetrator of an alleged crime. The procedures are subject to the open records law. This legislation was amended in in the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee to include HB 430 which is the revision of Georgia's search and seizure law.  This legislation should have no significant fiscal impact on counties, but will require the adoption of policies and procedures for law enforcement.
SB 0135 NeutralRestricted Access to Clerk of Superior Court Records Bethel, Charlie 54th
5/6/2015 Senate Date Signed by Governor Judy JUDY -
Clerk of Court Debra Nesbit General County Government Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts

This legislation restricts access to records of the superior court clerk, and provides that only the clerk of superior court can authorize release of records. Thereby eliminating the potential for records request to vendors serving the clerk of court or the Clerk's Cooperative Authority. This bill also provides that the clerk can contract with any governmental agency, vendor, etc., to provide for records storage.  This legislation specifically states that it shall have no impact or mandate on local government budgets.

SB 0138 NeutralChild Welfare System Reform and Creation of Child Abuse Registry Miller, Butch 49th
7/1/2015 Effective Date Judy H&HS -
Coroners/Medical Examiners Debra Nesbit District Attorneys EMS/Ambulance General County Government
Health and Human Services Juveniles Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts

This legislation requires county commissioners to appoint pediatric health care providers, school teachers and administrators, emergency responders, law enforcement, juvenile court judges, private child welfare service providers, alumni of the child welfare system, mental health care providers, foster parents, court appointed special advocates, and leaders in the faith community when making appointments to the county Department of Family and Child Services board. It also establishes "abuse investigators," which include law enforcement, district attorneys, and coroners.  This bill was amended to include language from HB 507 which creates a child abuse registry.

 
SB 0272 OpposeTownships - Create with Zoning, Land Use and Building Code Powers Ligon, Jr., William 3rd
1/21/2016 Senate Read and Referred -SLGO -
Annexation/Municipalization Business and Occupation Tax Code Enforcement Elections Eminent Domain/Condemnation
Ethics Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons Form of Government General County Government Government Immunity
Land Conservation Land Use/Zoning Magistrate Court Open Records/Meetings Act Property Tax
Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local Service Delivery Todd Edwards

This legislation, similar to HB 785, would allow for the creation of townships via local legislation with land use, zoning, subdivision, building permit and code enforcement powers, if Georgia voters first approve a statewide referendum approving a constitutional amendment. Companion resolutions, SR 724 and HR 1051, if passed, will call for the statewide referendum to amend the constitution allowing townships to have zoning powers. Townships could levy up to a .5 mill property tax, annex and transition to cityhood. Though counties would have no say in the above decisions, counties must continue to provide all services and infrastructure to the area as they would any unincorporated area. Counties would have an opportunity to comment on township decisions, but nothing is binding or mediated.

SB 0276 EvaluatingGeorgia Personal Data Security Act Albers, John 56th
1/21/2016 Senate Read and Referred -S&T -
911 Animal Control Business and Occupation Tax Clerk of Court Code Enforcement
Coroners/Medical Examiners Correctional Institutions/Jail Elections Emergency Management/Preparedness EMS/Ambulance
Fire Services Firearms/Carry Laws Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons General County Government Health and Human Services
Impact Fees Insurance Juveniles Law Enforcement Magistrate Court
Nat. Res. & the Environment Open Records/Meetings Act Personnel/Employment Probate Court Probation
Property Tax Public Safety and Courts Retirement Revenue & Finance Sewer/Septage
Sex Offender Sheriff Solicitors Solid Waste State Court
Stormwater Superior Court Tags/Titles Tax Commissioner Todd Edwards
Traffic Enforcement Utilities

This legislation requires local governments to comply with the Georgia Personal Data Security Act. Because counties maintain electronic and physical copies of personal information, they must provide individuals with notice of any breach of security of the system that houses the personal information as soon as possible after the breach is discovered, but in no case later than 45 days. If the county uses a third party to store the personal information, the third party must notify the county within 72 hours of any data breach, so that the county can meet its notification requirements. If law enforcement determines that notification would impair an ongoing criminal investigation, notification can be delayed. If the county, after investigation and consultation with relevant federal, state or local law enforcement, determines that the breach was not likely to result in identify theft or financial harm to an individual, notification will not be necessary. The county will be required to provide a written certification within 30 days to the attorney general and to maintain a copy of the written certification for at least five years.

Green background on status indicates a bill has been acted on the last recorded legislative day.








Copyright @1996-2015 Association County Commissioners of Georgia