All Roll Calls
Yes: 213 • No: 0
GeorgiaHB 7972025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Homelessness Prevention Act of Chatham County; 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 Chatham-Savannah homelessness council and plan
The law creates the Interagency Council on Homelessness for Chatham‑Savannah. It coordinates HUD funds, supports the homeless data system, runs coordinated entry, and sets provider standards. A 21‑member board includes city and county leaders, transit and housing heads, and public members. Public members include a person with lived homeless experience and a Chamber member. Anyone who works or lives in Chatham County can join the general membership.
Powers to buy land and run projects
The council can hire staff, make contracts up to 50 years, and accept grants and loans. It can buy, lease, sell, or co‑own land and other property for projects. Public bodies may give or lease land to the council, even if not declared surplus. Property and income used for the council’s mission are tax‑exempt, lowering costs.
Records, audits, and lawsuit rules
The council or its fiscal agent must keep records of all money received and spent. If it handles money without a fiscal agent in a tax year, it must get an independent audit. All lawsuits against the council must be filed in Chatham County Superior Court. This limits where people can bring claims.
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 • 3/31/2025
LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 49 • No: 0
House vote • 3/27/2025
Local Calendar
Yes: 164 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
House Date Signed by Governor
5/1/2025HouseAct 50
5/1/2025Effective Date
5/1/2025House Sent to Governor
4/7/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/31/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/31/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/28/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/27/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
3/27/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/27/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
3/21/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/20/2025HouseHouse Hopper
3/18/2025House
Bill Text
HB 797/AP* (v4)
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