In an effort to address alleged malfeasance by outgoing (lame-duck) local officials, this legislation drastically moves the date on which a newly elected county commissioner takes office to the first Monday following the election, which is at least five days following the election's certification.  Though the author stresses the need for election uniformity, the bill singles out city councils and county commissions.  It does not apply to school boards or constitutional officers.  

Furthermore, any actions taken by the BOC during the time between the date of an election and the date that incoming city and county officials take office shall be voidable if such actions are rescinded by the governing authority for a 30-day period - beginning on the date when the last member of the governing authority elected takes office.   

Please contact your House Representative(s) or ACCG'sTodd Edwards tedwards@accg.org with any concerns you may have with this bill.        

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.