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GeorgiaHB 15802025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Henry County Airport Authority; current operative provisions; repeal and replace

Sponsored By: Demetrius Douglas (Democrat), Robert Flournoy (Democrat), El-Mahdi Holly (Democrat), Regina Lewis-Ward (Democrat), Mary Ann Santos (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

County taxpayers are shielded from airport bonds

Authority bonds do not obligate Henry County to levy or pledge taxes or set aside county money for repayment. This protection applies to direct, indirect, and contingent obligations. Each bond must state these limits.

Airport bond investors get tax protections

Authority revenue bonds, their transfer, and income from them are exempt from all taxation within Georgia. While bonds remain outstanding, the Authority's powers, duties, or existence cannot be weakened in ways that harm bondholders' rights. The law also bars creating competing public bodies to the extent that competition harms those interests. The law states no dollar amount of tax savings.

Local appointment rules shape airport board

The law sets a seven-member airport board, with at least five members living in Henry County. The county manager and the county development authority's executive director also serve because of their jobs. County officials make appointments, including selections from nominees offered by Henry County's state House and Senate delegation members. Members serve without pay but can receive repayment for actual expenses from their board duties.

Henry County airport authority gains powers

The law recreates the Henry County Airport Authority as a public corporation with no end date. With county approval, its powers cover airport-purpose land owned by the county or Authority within or next to Henry County. It can build, run, improve, lease, and sell airports and related property. It can hire staff, make contracts, accept grants and loans, and borrow money for its purposes. It must set operating rules for projects built under the law, including rules for aircraft use.

Airport injury claims face liability limits

The Authority is not liable for wrongful acts committed by its officers, agents, or employees. A trustee acting under its bond trust agreement has the same protection. This limits recovery from those entities for people seeking compensation for such acts.

Airport users face Authority-set fees

The Authority can set, change, and collect fees, tolls, and other charges for airport services, facilities, and goods. It can also charge for leases, subleases, and concessions on its land or facilities. The law sets no fee amounts and requires no specific increase. Costs for airport users and tenants depend on the charges the Authority sets.

Airport projects can require property takings

The Authority can take property through eminent domain when needed for its work, following Georgia law. This power covers land, rights-of-way, and easements. The law names no properties and sets no compensation amounts. Authority-owned property remains under the jurisdiction of the county where it is located.

Airport bonds fund projects and commit revenues

The Authority can issue project bonds under Georgia's Revenue Bond Law, with repayment terms no longer than 30 years. Bond proceeds must pay project costs; principal and interest come only from a designated special fund. It can pledge fees, earnings, and property-sale proceeds, including other projects' revenues unless already pledged and allocated. Money received under the law, including grants and fees, is held in trust and used only as legally allowed. The Authority can refinance outstanding bonds and accrued interest under the same bond rules; the law specifies no savings.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Demetrius Douglas

    Democrat • House

  • Robert Flournoy

    Democrat • House

  • El-Mahdi Holly

    Democrat • House

  • Regina Lewis-Ward

    Democrat • House

  • Mary Ann Santos

    Democrat • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 49 • No: 0 • Other: 5

House vote • 3/25/2026

Local Calendar

Yes: 164 • No: 0 • Other: 12

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026House

  2. Act 605

    5/11/2026

  3. Effective Date

    5/11/2026

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026House

  5. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    4/2/2026Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    4/2/2026Senate

  7. Senate Read and Referred

    3/27/2026Senate

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute

    3/25/2026House

  9. House Third Readers

    3/25/2026House

  10. House Passed/Adopted By Substitute

    3/25/2026House

  11. House Second Readers

    3/20/2026House

  12. House First Readers

    3/19/2026House

  13. House Hopper

    3/18/2026House

Bill Text

  • HB 1580/AP* (v7)

    PDF

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