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GeorgiaHB 7622025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

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

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New commission supports Savannah music

The law creates the Savannah Music Commission, a public corporation, to promote music events, the local music industry, and school music education. State lawmakers representing Chatham County appoint its nine-member board, drawn from music, business, arts, city government, and tourism groups. Members serve three-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive full terms and a one-year wait before serving again. The commission can hire staff, manage property, make contracts, and accept loans, grants, gifts, and sponsorships. Agreements with public bodies can last up to 50 years, and public grants must follow Georgia's constitutional limits. The commission or its financial agent must keep records of all money received and spent. An independent audit is required when the commission receives or spends money during a tax year without a financial agent. The law sets no funding amount or start date for these activities.

Savannah Music Commission gets tax exemptions

The Savannah Music Commission is exempt from taxes and assessments on property it owns, leases, controls, or supervises. The exemption also covers its activities and income, including rates, fees, tolls, and other charges. This tax break applies to the commission, not household taxpayers. The law sets no dollar amount or end date.

Savannah music projects get flexible property rules

Georgia public bodies can give or lease land or buildings to the commission when it considers construction of a project suitable. Transfers can be free or at an agreed price that takes the public benefit into account. Public bodies do not have to first declare the property surplus, or no longer needed. The commission can sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise dispose of covered property, assets, contract rights, and payment interests without public bidding or notice. These rules give music projects more flexibility but remove those opportunities for public notice and competition.

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

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/28/2025

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 53 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/25/2025

Local Calendar

Yes: 170 • No: 0 • Other: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/1/2025House

  2. Act 48

    5/1/2025

  3. Effective Date

    5/1/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/10/2025House

  5. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/28/2025Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/28/2025Senate

  7. Senate Read and Referred

    3/27/2025Senate

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/25/2025House

  9. House Third Readers

    3/25/2025House

  10. House Passed/Adopted

    3/25/2025House

  11. House Second Readers

    3/18/2025House

  12. House First Readers

    3/13/2025House

  13. House Hopper

    3/11/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 762/AP* (v4)

    PDF

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