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GeorgiaHB 7892025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Oglethorpe, City of; certain hearings of the governing authority; revise provisions

Sponsored By: Patty Marie Stinson (Democrat)

Became Law

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.

Clearer rules for mayor and vacancies

Beginning July 1, 2025, the council elects a mayor pro tem at its first regular meeting after new members take office. If no choice is made, it must elect within 10 days; otherwise, the councilmember who most recently got the most votes becomes pro tem. The pro tem does the mayor’s duties during absence or inability and fills any unexpired mayoral term. Except when filling the office, the pro tem cannot act for the city without the mayor’s consent. The law also defines vacancies and how to fill them, including for resignation, death, moving outside the city, four missed regular meetings without leave, six months’ disability, incompetence, or certain crimes or election-law violations. The mayor and council appoint to finish the term; if a tie lasts 15 days, the mayor (or pro tem for a mayoral vacancy) appoints. No more than two appointees may serve at once; if another vacancy occurs then, a special election is held on the eighth Tuesday after the vacancy unless a regular election is within six months.

Oglethorpe zoning hearings follow state rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, Oglethorpe holds zoning public hearings under Georgia’s Zoning Procedures Law (Chapter 66, Title 36). The city, applicants, and the public follow the same state procedures. This standardizes how local zoning hearings are run.

New Municipal Court replaces recorder's court

Beginning July 1, 2025, the city repeals the old mayor’s or recorder’s court and creates the Municipal Court of Oglethorpe. Judges are appointed by the city council and serve until a successor is appointed; court rules must be filed with the city clerk. The court hears city ordinance cases, may issue warrants, set bail, and enforce its orders. Penalties can include fines up to $1,000, jail up to 180 days, and up to 10 days for contempt; fees may be charged as allowed by law. You can seek review in the Superior Court of Macon County under state appeal rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Patty Marie Stinson

    Democrat • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/27/2025

Local Calendar

Yes: 164 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective Date

    7/1/2025

  2. House Date Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Act 230

    5/13/2025

  4. House Sent to Governor

    4/7/2025House

  5. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/31/2025Senate

  6. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/31/2025Senate

  7. Senate Read and Referred

    3/28/2025Senate

  8. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/27/2025House

  9. House Third Readers

    3/27/2025House

  10. House Passed/Adopted

    3/27/2025House

  11. House Second Readers

    3/21/2025House

  12. House First Readers

    3/20/2025House

  13. House Hopper

    3/18/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 789/AP* (v4)

    PDF

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