All Roll Calls
Yes: 223 • No: 0
GeorgiaHB 7622025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Savannah Music Commission Act; enact
Sponsored By: Carl Gilliard (Democrat), Bill Hitchens (Republican), Jesse Petrea (Republican), Ron Stephens (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Commission can run projects and hold property
The commission can contract, hire staff, accept donations, loans, and grants, and buy insurance. It can buy, build, lease, improve, and operate property, and other public bodies can transfer property to it even without declaring it surplus. It can sign contracts and leases for up to 50 years with public or private partners. It can co‑own property with public bodies, and with private parties if the Georgia Constitution allows, when it serves public purposes.
Savannah Music Commission is created
The law creates the Savannah Music Commission to promote Savannah as a music destination. A nine-member board, appointed by state lawmakers from Chatham County, governs it. Seats include 3 artists/producers/managers; 2 venue or music‑business leaders; 2 arts or cultural‑affairs reps; and 2 city or tourism officials. Members serve three-year terms, may not serve more than two in a row, and vacancies fill the unexpired term. The board must write bylaws on officers, election dates, and nominations, and the general membership votes on them. A majority of board members is a quorum for official action.
Commission is tax-exempt public charity
The commission does not pay taxes or assessments on property it owns or leases. Its project operations, fees, and other income are also tax‑exempt. The law declares the commission a public charity performing a government function.
Financial records and audits required
The commission or its fiscal agent must keep records of all receipts, income, and spending. If the commission handled money in a taxable year without a fiscal agent, it must get an independent audit. The board is treated as trustees and is legally accountable for managing funds properly.
Lawsuits go to Chatham County court
Anyone suing the Savannah Music Commission must file in the Superior Court of Chatham County. That court has original and exclusive jurisdiction over these cases.
Faster deals and financing, less bidding
The commission can sell or lease property and assign payment rights without public bidding or notice. It can use trusts or certificates to package and sell payment streams. These tools can speed projects and raise money, but reduce public bidding safeguards.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Carl Gilliard
Democrat • House
Bill Hitchens
Republican • House
Jesse Petrea
Republican • House
Ron Stephens
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/28/2025
LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 53 • No: 0
House vote • 3/25/2025
Local Calendar
Yes: 170 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
House Date Signed by Governor
5/1/2025HouseAct 48
5/1/2025Effective Date
5/1/2025House Sent to Governor
4/10/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/28/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/28/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/27/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/25/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
3/25/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/25/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
3/18/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/13/2025HouseHouse Hopper
3/11/2025House
Bill Text
HB 762/AP* (v4)
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