GeorgiaHR 10512025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Property; granting of non-exclusive easements of certain state owned property; authorize

Sponsored By: Arlene Beckles (Democrat), Debbie Buckner (Democrat), Emory Dunahoo (Republican), Robert Flournoy (Democrat), Gerald Greene (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State PropertiesState Institutions and PropertyGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 7 mixed.

Drainage projects gain access with safeguards

The law authorizes Chatham County to use about 0.5 acre at Wormsloe Historic Site for a stormwater pipe and ditch. It also authorizes HIC Altama to use about 2.5 acres at Altama Plantation in Glynn County for stormwater infrastructure and outlets. Each grant requires $10, plus any added amount set by the State Properties Commission. HIC Altama must limit wildlife harm, survey for affected gopher tortoises, and move them when needed. Both grantees generally pay for removal or relocation needed to protect state use. The State can pay when an advance written estimate is provided and the Commission finds the work solely benefits the State. HIC Altama can request an equivalent replacement easement within the property without state cost or reimbursement.

Electric cooperatives gain access with costs

The law authorizes shared land-use rights for three electric cooperatives to serve state sites. Little Ocmulgee gets authority for underground power lines across about 4.36 acres in Dublin for the Stewart Building renovation. Flint Electric gets authority for overhead power lines across about 0.2 acre at Camp John Hope in Peach County. Excelsior gets authority for underground power equipment across about 0.5 acre in Emanuel County to serve a new campground. Each grant requires $10, plus any added payment or terms set by the State Properties Commission. The cooperatives generally pay for relocation required to protect state use. The State can pay when an advance written estimate is provided and the Commission finds relocation solely benefits the State.

Gas providers gain access with costs

The law authorizes Southern Natural Gas to use about 3.1 acres at Central State Hospital in Baldwin County. Its shared land-use rights cover only underground gas distribution lines and related equipment. The company must pay fair market value of at least $650, plus any added amount set by the State Properties Commission. Summerville also gets authority to use about 1 acre at Hays State Prison for an underground gas line and equipment. That project serves the prison's ModCorr addition and requires $10, plus any added amount. Both grantees generally pay for relocation needed to protect state use, subject to the law's state-benefit exception.

Georgia Power gains land access with costs

The law authorizes shared land-use rights for Georgia Power at three state sites. These cover about 1.6 acres at Atlanta Farmers Market for moving electrical equipment during utility upgrades and repairs. They also cover about 1.6 acres in Gainesville for moving a transformer, cabinet, and power lines for a roundabout. Another 0.17 acre at Tifton Agricultural Laboratory supports a transformer, power lines, and related equipment for reliable power. The Gainesville grant requires fair market value of at least $650, plus any added payment or terms. Georgia Power generally pays when the State Properties Commission requires equipment removal or relocation to protect state use. The State pays only when the company supplies an advance written estimate and the Commission finds the work solely benefits the State. On written request, the Commission can approve an equivalent replacement easement within the property, without state cost or reimbursement.

Georgia road projects gain access with payments

The law authorizes the Georgia Department of Transportation to use state land for two road projects. In Bartow County, about 0.6 acre of Western and Atlantic Railroad property supports road project PI0013238. That grant requires $23,700, plus any added amount set by the State Properties Commission. In Dallas, about 0.283 acre supports widening and rebuilding State Route 61, project PI0013702. The route runs from south of Dallas Nebo Road to the US 278/State Route 120 Dallas Bypass. The land includes 0.161 acre of permanent easement and 0.122 acre of temporary easement. Payment totals $83,700: $48,300 for permanent rights, $24,400 for temporary rights, and $11,000 for site improvements. The Department generally pays for removal or relocation needed to protect state use.

Private companies gain limited state land access

The law authorizes Timberlands II to use about 2 acres at Upatoi Ravines in Talbot County for entry and exit. Timberlands II pays $650, plus any added payment or terms. Marathon Realty also gets authority for a slope easement on state land, with payment of at least $650. Both companies generally pay for relocation needed to protect state use, subject to the law's state-benefit exception. Across this law's grants, Georgia keeps ownership, and shared land-use rights are limited to each stated purpose. Grantees must obtain required permits, follow state and federal environmental laws, and limit tree and brush removal to necessary work. After an authorized use is abandoned, easement rights return to Georgia; facilities left behind become state property. Grants must be recorded in the appropriate county Superior Court, with a copy delivered to the State Properties Commission. The Commission can refine land descriptions without changing the authorized area or rights and require added payments or covenants. Each authorization to grant an easement expires three years after the resolution's effective date; this deadline does not end an existing easement.

Tennessee gains road access with costs

The law authorizes Tennessee's transportation department to use about 116 acres of Georgia-owned property in Chattanooga for road improvements. The shared land-use rights cover only projects PIN 129670.00, 133281.00, and 130545.00. The approved land description must match the area shown on the project's right-of-way survey. Payment is $10, plus any added amount or terms set by Georgia's State Properties Commission. Tennessee generally pays for removal or relocation needed to protect Georgia's use of the property, without reimbursement. Georgia can pay when Tennessee supplies an advance written estimate and the Commission finds the work solely benefits Georgia. On written request, the Commission can approve an equivalent replacement easement within the property without state cost or reimbursement.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Ed Harbison
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 375 • No: 0

House vote • 3/25/2026

Agree to Senate Substitute

Yes: 163 • No: 0 • Other: 9

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

ADOPTION BY SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 2/10/2026

ADOPT

Yes: 166 • No: 0 • Other: 8

Actions Timeline

House Date Signed by Governor
5/11/2026House
Act 502
5/11/2026
Effective Date
5/11/2026
House Sent to Governor
4/10/2026House
House Agreed Senate Amend or Sub
3/25/2026House
Senate Third Read
3/20/2026Senate
Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
3/20/2026Senate
Senate Read Second Time
3/19/2026Senate
Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
3/18/2026Senate
Senate Read and Referred
2/11/2026Senate
House Third Readers
2/10/2026House
House Passed/Adopted
2/10/2026House
House Committee Favorably Reported
2/6/2026House
House Second Readers
1/29/2026House
House First Readers
1/28/2026House
House Hopper
1/27/2026House

Bill Text

HR 1051/AP* (v5)
PDF

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