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GeorgiaHB 11392025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Spalding County Water Authority Act; enact

Sponsored By: Beth Camp (Republican), Karen Mathiak (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.

Water protections bring inspections and service limits

The Authority can regulate, inspect, and repair water and sewer systems within and outside Spalding County. It can enter public or private property for listed surveys, tests, evaluations, and compliance checks. It can set standards and permit requirements, issue fines or stop-work orders, suspend or revoke permits, and secure covered charges with liens. Water-quality and watershed rules protect water resources, but violations can lead to refused or discontinued water or sewer service. Service limits also apply when local zoning rules, waivers, or enforcement fail to meet Authority water-protection standards.

Authority debts bring liens and appeal rights

Covered Authority debts can become liens on land and other property, including penalties, rates, fees, assessments, interest, and collection expenses. These liens have the same priority and collection and foreclosure powers as unpaid state or county property-tax executions. The general manager or a hearing officer can impose an authorized civil penalty after a hearing. People can seek review in Spalding County Superior Court; without an appeal within 30 days, the Authority can issue an execution to collect. Collected penalties go to the Authority’s water and sewerage revenue fund.

Homeowners face sewage repair charges and liens

The Authority can inspect on-site sewage systems on properties receiving its water service and recommend repairs. If an owner fails or refuses to make recommended repairs, the Authority can make repairs it considers necessary. It can charge the owner, place a property lien, pursue collection, or stop water service. These powers address sewage problems but can leave owners with repair bills.

Authority board members get capped meeting pay

Authority members receive at least $150 for each regular monthly meeting attended and $25 for each approved committee meeting attended. The chair receives at least $200 per month for serving as chair, plus $25 per approved committee meeting attended. Meeting pay is available only for meetings attended. Member compensation cannot exceed 20% of the lowest-paid Spalding County commissioner’s pay. The Authority sets pay each January by resolution; otherwise, the prior year’s pay continues.

Spalding County is protected from Authority fines

The Authority cannot levy or assess fines or civil penalties against Spalding County or county-owned property. This protection applies to the county, not to household customers or private property owners.

Authority sets customers’ water and sewer charges

The Spalding County Water Authority can set, change, and collect charges for its water and sewer services. It can finance system projects with revenue bonds and repay them with project revenues. Rates must cover operating costs, bond payments, and required reserves. The law sets no customer rate or bond amount.

Industrial wastewater violations bring daily fines

The Authority can set and enforce pretreatment rules for industrial wastewater entering its sewer system for treatment. These rules protect wastewater treatment, while violators face civil penalties of up to $1,000 for each day of continuing noncompliance. The Authority can also seek a court order to stop violations. It does not first need to show that other legal remedies are inadequate.

Local governments can make long-term utility commitments

The Authority and authorized public entities can make water or sewer service and facility agreements lasting up to 50 years. These agreements support service delivery but create long-term payment and performance obligations. A signing public entity’s obligations are general obligations backed by its full faith and credit—its overall financial resources. The law sets no contract price or household rate change.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Beth Camp

    Republican • House

  • Karen Mathiak

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 211 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 53 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/12/2026

Local Calendar

Yes: 158 • No: 0 • Other: 14

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026House

  2. Act 540

    5/11/2026

  3. Effective Date

    5/11/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/6/2026House

  5. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    2/24/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    2/24/2026Senate

  7. Senate Read and Referred

    2/17/2026Senate

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported

    2/12/2026House

  9. House Third Readers

    2/12/2026House

  10. House Passed/Adopted

    2/12/2026House

  11. House Second Readers

    2/4/2026House

  12. House First Readers

    2/3/2026House

  13. House Hopper

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1139/AP* (v4)

    PDF

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