All Roll Calls
Yes: 212 • No: 0
GeorgiaSB 2062025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
"South Georgia Energy Authority Act"; enact
Sponsored By: Carden Summers (Republican), Blake Tillery (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Bond financing and investor protections
The Authority can issue revenue bonds to pay project costs or refund older debt. The board sets bond interest rates, and bond income and transfers are exempt from Georgia tax. Bonds are paid only from Authority revenues, not the State’s credit. Funds are held in trust for bondholders, and bond documents can include strong remedies, like a receiver after default. The Authority and local governments may sign contracts to make payments that support operations and debt service.
New regional gas authority formed
The law creates the South Georgia Energy Authority as a public body. It serves five South Georgia cities and their gas service areas. An eight-member board runs it, with five city representatives and three members with economic development experience. Members are unpaid but can be reimbursed for approved expenses. Earlier laws that conflict with this Act are repealed.
Legal limits on lawsuits and venue
The Authority and its staff have the same tort immunity that cities have when doing public work. The Authority’s property cannot be seized or sold to pay a judgment. You can sue the Authority on a contract only if it is written, approved by the board in a meeting, and entered in the minutes. Lawsuits and bond or contract validation cases must be filed in Coffee County, and service is by serving an officer.
Sets its own natural gas rates
The Authority sets and changes the rates and fees it charges for its gas services. It can sign gas supply, prepayment, and hedging deals to manage fuel costs. It can pledge its revenues to back its bonds. For natural gas service, it is treated like a city and is exempt from the state Public Service Commission. Rate oversight comes from the Authority, not the PSC.
Broad powers to build gas projects
The Authority can plan, build, own, and run natural gas pipelines, storage, and related projects. It can buy or lease land and, when law allows, use eminent domain. It can sign contracts and leases with cities or counties for up to 50 years. It can hire staff, accept grants, and borrow money. These powers help expand gas service in the region.
No taxing power; property tax-exempt
The Authority cannot levy or collect any tax on people or property. Its offices and project property are treated as public and are exempt from state and local taxes, as general law allows. This lowers the Authority’s costs but can reduce the local tax base where projects sit.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Carden Summers
Republican • Senate
Blake Tillery
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Noel Williams
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/28/2025
Local Calendar
Yes: 160 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/3/2025
LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR
Yes: 52 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Senate Date Signed by Governor
5/13/2025SenateAct 245
5/13/2025Effective Date
5/13/2025Senate Sent to Governor
4/7/2025SenateHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/28/2025HouseHouse Third Readers
3/28/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/28/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
3/6/2025HouseHouse First Readers
3/4/2025HouseSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/3/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
3/3/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
2/20/2025SenateSenate Hopper
2/19/2025Senate
Bill Text
SB 206/AP* (v10)
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