All Roll Calls
Yes: 307 • No: 77
GeorgiaHB 5162025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
State government; authorize county and regional library boards to conduct meetings via teleconference
Sponsored By: Bethany Ballard (Republican), Lee Hawkins (Republican), Rob Leverett (Republican), Kimberly New (Republican), Holt Persinger (Republican), Mitchell Scoggins (Republican)
Became Law
State Planning & Community AffairsState and Local Governmental OperationsGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Library boards can meet by teleconference
County and regional library boards can hold meetings by phone or video. They must give public notice and let people watch and comment without being there. At least half of the board members must be in the room at the meeting place. Joining by teleconference counts the same as being there. If the meeting is a public hearing and fewer than a quorum are in the room, the public must be able to take part as if in person.
Easier bond financing for charter schools
The Attorney General can approve tax‑exempt private activity bonds for state charter school facilities. After a written request, a public hearing must be held within 60 days with reasonable notice. Within 30 days after the hearing, approval is required if the school is authorized under state law, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the facility will be owned or mainly used by that school. This makes it easier for qualifying charter schools to finance or refinance their buildings.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Bethany Ballard
Republican • House
Lee Hawkins
Republican • House
Rob Leverett
Republican • House
Kimberly New
Republican • House
Holt Persinger
Republican • House
Mitchell Scoggins
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jason Anavitarte
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/4/2025
PASSAGE BY SUBSTITUTE
Yes: 49 • No: 1
House vote • 4/4/2025
Agree to Senate Substitute
Yes: 94 • No: 71
House vote • 3/4/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 164 • No: 5
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/14/2025HouseAct 271
5/14/2025House Sent to Governor
4/9/2025HouseSenate Taken from Table
4/4/2025SenateSenate Third Read
4/4/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
4/4/2025SenateHouse Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
4/4/2025HouseSenate Tabled
4/2/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/21/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/20/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/6/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
3/4/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/4/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
2/26/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/21/2025HouseHouse First Readers
2/20/2025HouseHouse Hopper
2/19/2025House
Bill Text
HB 516/AP* (v13)
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