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GeorgiaSB 782025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

"City of Tybee Island Buildings and Public Facilities Authority Act"; enact

Sponsored By: Clint Dixon (Republican), Billy Hickman (Republican), Derek Mallow (Democrat), Ben Watson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Intragovernmental CoordinationState and Local Governmental OperationsLocal Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Investor safeguards and tax-free bonds

Interest and income from the authority’s revenue bonds are exempt from Georgia taxes. These bonds are not debts of the State or City and are paid only from the authority’s own revenues. The authority can pledge rents and project revenues and set up sinking funds to pay bond costs. Bond proceeds and project revenues are trust funds with a lien for bondholders until used as the bond documents require. Lawsuits and bond validation go to the Superior Court of Chatham County. Authority property is protected from levy and sale, and its powers cannot be cut in ways that harm bondholders while bonds are outstanding.

New Tybee Island public facilities authority

The law creates the City of Tybee Island Building and Public Facilities Authority. It can buy, build, improve, and run public projects for the City. Projects must be inside Tybee Island’s legal boundaries. A five-member board, appointed by the City Council, runs it; no more than two may be council members. If the authority dissolves after all bonds are paid, its property goes to the City.

Tax breaks and legal immunity

The authority pays no taxes or assessments on its property, projects, or income, as allowed by general law. This does not include a sales and use tax break on its purchases. The authority and its officers, agents, and employees have the same tort immunity as the City when doing authority work. Conflicting laws are repealed so these rules control.

Higher rents and tougher leases

The authority sets rents, fees, and charges for its projects. It sets amounts to cover operations, maintenance, reserves, and bond payments. Leases can require rent before a project is finished and even when space is untenantable. Tenants may have to run, maintain, or rebuild facilities, indemnify the authority, and allow rent assignment to a trustee.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Clint Dixon

    Republican • Senate

  • Billy Hickman

    Republican • Senate

  • Derek Mallow

    Democrat • Senate

  • Ben Watson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jesse Petrea

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 221 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2025

Local Calendar

Yes: 172 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/11/2025

LOCAL CONSENT CALENDAR

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate Date Signed by Governor

    5/1/2025Senate

  2. Act 53

    5/1/2025

  3. Effective Date

    5/1/2025

  4. Senate Sent to Governor

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. House Committee Favorably Reported

    3/4/2025House

  6. House Third Readers

    3/4/2025House

  7. House Passed/Adopted

    3/4/2025House

  8. House Second Readers

    2/13/2025House

  9. House First Readers

    2/12/2025House

  10. Senate Committee Favorably Reported

    2/11/2025Senate

  11. Senate Passed/Adopted

    2/11/2025Senate

  12. Senate Read and Referred

    2/4/2025Senate

  13. Senate Hopper

    2/3/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • SB 78/AP* (v5)

    PDF

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