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GeorgiaSB 6212025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

"Barrow County Public Facilities Authority Act"; enact

Sponsored By: Bill Cowsert (Republican), Clint Dixon (Republican), Frank Ginn (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, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Barrow County gets a facilities authority

The law creates the Barrow County Public Facilities Authority to finance, build, own, lease, operate, and sell county facilities and equipment. It can acquire property, including through condemnation under legal limits, sign contracts, hire staff, and accept government loans or grants. Its five-member board includes three county commissioners and two county residents appointed by the county commission. Members must be at least 21, live in Barrow County, and have no felony conviction. Commissioners serve while holding their county positions; resident members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed. Members receive no pay, but can receive repayment for actual expenses and can be removed for failing their duties. A majority forms a quorum, and the board can adopt operating rules. If the authority dissolves, its assets go to Barrow County.

Barrow authority bondholders gain legal protections

While any authority revenue bonds remain unpaid, government actions cannot weaken its powers, duties, or existence to bondholders' detriment. The law also bars new competing public bodies or state actions that harm bondholders' rights or interests. Bonds can be backed by trust agreements, with repayment funds held in trust for bondholders. Bondholders and trustees have legal tools to enforce payment promises and collect pledged revenue. Barrow County Superior Court has exclusive authority over bond validation and enforcement cases. The law otherwise preserves local governments' existing authority to own facilities and issue revenue bonds.

Barrow County gains project bond financing

The authority can issue revenue bonds to pay county project costs or refinance earlier debt. Its board must first pass a resolution finding that a project can pay for itself. Financed costs can include land, equipment, professional fees, working capital, and six months of interest after construction ends. Bonds cannot fund projects for the school district or other local governments besides Barrow County. Bonds are authority debts, not county or state debts; neither government must levy taxes or provide money for repayment. Repayment comes from pledged authority funds, including fees, rents, grants, project earnings, and payments under government contracts. Local governments can still agree to pay for facilities or services.

Tax exemptions cover authority assets and bonds

The authority's income, land, buildings, and other property are exempt from state and local taxes and special assessments. The exemption also covers its revenue bonds, certificates of participation, notes, and other debt. These exemptions apply only to the extent Georgia general law allows. The law does not state the amount of tax savings or lost revenue.

Barrow facilities authority can charge users

The authority can set and change rates, fees, tolls, fines, and other charges for its services, facilities, and goods. People using those services or facilities may have to pay these charges. The authority can pledge some or all of this money to repay project debts. The law sets no specific prices.

Legal immunity limits Barrow authority claims

The authority gets the same immunity from negligence and other civil harm claims as Barrow County, where law permits. Its officers, agents, and employees get the same protection as county personnel while performing authority work. These protections can limit legal options for people seeking payment for harm.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Bill Cowsert

    Republican • Senate

  • Clint Dixon

    Republican • Senate

  • Frank Ginn

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Chuck Efstration

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 75

House vote • 4/2/2026

Supplemental Local Calendar

Yes: 94 • No: 75 • Other: 6

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 49 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/11/2026Senate

  2. Act 621

    5/11/2026

  3. Effective Date

    5/11/2026

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/10/2026Senate

  5. House Committee Favorably Reported

    4/2/2026House

  6. House Third Readers

    4/2/2026House

  7. House Passed/Adopted

    4/2/2026House

  8. House Second Readers

    3/23/2026House

  9. House First Readers

    3/20/2026House

  10. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  12. Senate Read and Referred

    3/16/2026Senate

  13. Senate Hopper

    3/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 621/AP* (v6)

    PDF

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