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GeorgiaHB 7632025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority Act; enact

Sponsored By: Lehman Franklin (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 airport authority and board

The law creates the Richmond Hill–Bryan County Airport Authority with an 11-member board. The county and city managers hold two seats; others are appointed for four-year terms, and vacancies are filled by the original appointor. The Authority must meet at least quarterly, elect officers each January, and four members make a quorum. The first meeting is on or before April 30, 2026 at Richmond Hill City Hall, with at least 15 days’ public notice. Members may receive pay and expense reimbursement. The Act takes effect upon approval and repeals conflicting laws.

Revenue bonds for airport projects

The Authority can issue revenue bonds to fund projects, with terms up to 30 years. Bonds are paid only from pledged airport revenues and are not debts of Richmond Hill or Bryan County, so no new taxes are required to repay them. Bond income is exempt from Georgia state tax, and the Authority can use trust agreements and sinking funds to secure repayment. Bond money must be used for project costs, and extra funds go to a sinking fund or added construction as allowed. Bondholders have legal remedies, refunding bonds are allowed, suits are heard in Bryan County Superior Court, and all Authority receipts are treated as trust funds.

Airport projects, fees, and safety rules

The Authority can buy land, build, lease, and run public airports and related facilities. It can act outside Bryan County only with approval from both the City of Richmond Hill and Bryan County. It sets rates, rents, and fees to keep the airport as self-sustaining as possible and must follow federal and state grant rules without unjust discrimination. Before operating, it must carry enough aviation liability insurance and follow grant assurances. It may ask the city or county to use eminent domain for needed property, and it must pay all costs and fair compensation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Lehman Franklin

    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

House vote • 3/25/2025

Local Calendar

Yes: 170 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/1/2025House

  2. Act 61

    5/1/2025

  3. Effective Date

    5/1/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/9/2025House

  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 763/AP* (v4)

    PDF

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