All Roll Calls
Yes: 216 • No: 0
GeorgiaHB 8162025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Greene County Public Facilities Authority Act; enact
Sponsored By: Trey Rhodes (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Board appointments, pay, and meetings
A five‑member board, appointed by the county commissioners, runs the Authority. Initial members serve with the nominating commissioner’s term; later terms are four years. Members must be 21, live in the county for two years, and have no felony conviction. Members are not paid but get reimbursed for actual expenses. The board elects officers each year, three members make a quorum, and vacancies do not stop the board from acting.
New county authority for public facilities
The law creates the Greene County Public Facilities Authority to finance and provide public buildings, facilities, equipment, and services. The Authority can buy land, build projects, lease or sell space, make contracts, hire staff, and set operating policies. If the Authority dissolves, its assets go to Greene County. The law keeps the county and cities’ existing powers to run facilities and issue revenue bonds. It also repeals any state laws that conflict with this Act.
How the Authority borrows and repays
The Authority can issue revenue bonds under state law to fund projects, with maturities up to 40 years. These bonds are paid only from pledged project revenues and do not create county or state debt. Before selling bonds, the Authority must pass a resolution finding the project is self‑liquidating. It can use a trust indenture and corporate trustee; bond proceeds and all Authority receipts are held as trust funds for authorized uses. Bondholders and trustees can enforce rights in court, and all suits and bond validations start in Greene County Superior Court. While bonds are outstanding, the state cannot cut the Authority’s powers or create a rival that harms bondholders.
Tax-exempt bonds and Authority property
Authority revenue bonds are negotiable and exempt from Georgia taxes, including their income and transfer. The Authority’s income, property, and its bonds and notes are also exempt from state and local taxes, as allowed by state law. These tax breaks lower costs for the Authority and can improve investor returns.
Authority gets county-level lawsuit immunity
The Authority and its staff have the same tort immunity as Greene County when doing Authority work. This limits some legal claims and damages against the Authority.
Fees for county-run facilities
The Authority can set and change rates, tolls, and fees for the services and facilities it runs. It can pledge future revenues from these charges to repay its debt. If you use Authority services, you may pay these fees.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Trey Rhodes
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/2/2025
LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 51 • No: 0
House vote • 3/31/2025
Local Calendar Without HBs 851 & 852
Yes: 165 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
House Date Signed by Governor
5/13/2025HouseAct 235
5/13/2025Effective Date
5/13/2025House Sent to Governor
4/10/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
4/2/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/31/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
3/31/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/31/2025HouseSenate Read and Referred
3/31/2025SenateHouse Second Readers
3/27/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/25/2025HouseHouse Hopper
3/21/2025House
Bill Text
HB 816/AP* (v4)
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