January 15, 2021
Volume 12, Issue 1
2021 Legislative Session Begins
The 2021 session of the Georgia General Assembly commenced on Monday, January 11. Leaders of the state House and Senate gaveled in, a familiar sign of the start of official business for the elected leaders of both chambers. Another familiarity signifying the start of session was the Governor's State of the State Address. Delivered on Thursday, January 14, Gov. Kemp's address touted economic success amid a pandemic; the prioritization and continuation of the fight against COVID-19; and broadband funding for local communities, an ACCG priority.

Click here to watch the Governor's address in its entirety.
Gov. Kemp Includes Broadband Funding in Budget
Gov. Kemp announced that his proposed amended FY 2021 and FY 2022 budgets include funding for rural broadband - $20 million for AFY 21 and $10 million for FY 22. An ACCG Legislative Priority for the 2021 session is a request for the state to fund the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative's Grant and Loan Program. ACCG and Georgia's county officials applaud Gov. Kemp for including this funding in his budget proposals. Such funding will assist in closing the digital divide and ensure all Georgians have adequate broadband access.  
AFY 2021 and FY 2022 Budget Recommendations

Gov. Kemp’s Amended FY 21 and FY 22 Budget Recommendations were released after the completion of the State of the State on Thursday. Many of ACCG’s funding priorities were included in his budget recommendations. Click here for an overview of the items of particular interest to counties.
Click on "This Week's Bills" to review the bills included in this week's Legislative Update.
Access the Legislative Tracking Database for a compilation of all bills ACCG is following. 
More from the Gold Dome
Representative Gambill Introduces Property Tax Notice Clarification Bill

On Wednesday, Rep. Matthew Gambill introduced House Bill 75, an ACCG 2021 Legislative Agenda item. HB 75 would clarify the confusing language of the required published notice whenever a county or other local government is proposing a millage rate higher than the “rollback rate”. Please see the above link for detailed information and background on HB 75.


Contact ACCG Deputy General Counsel Larry Ramsey ([email protected]) with any questions regarding this legislation.
House Introduces Public Hearings by Teleconference Legislation

Rep. Eddie Lumsden introduced House Bill 98, authorizing counties and cities to conduct “public hearings” by teleconference during emergency conditions (e.g. pandemics). Participation by teleconference means full participation as if those conducting the public hearing are physically present and members of the public must be afforded the means to participate fully in the same manner as if they were physically present. This is part of ACCG’s 2021 Legislative Agenda and ACCG is working closely with the sponsor, the Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia’s Homebuilders Association and others to achieve this legislative objective. There may soon be identical legislation introduced in the Senate.   

Contact ACCG Deputy Legislative Director Todd Edwards ([email protected]) with any questions regarding this legislation.
Senate Announces New Committee Chairs

Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and the Senate Committee on Assignments announced new committee chairs for the first session of the 156th Georgia General Assembly. See the full list of Senate Committee Chairs and Senate Committee membership here. 
Fridays Are Now for Zoom - Join Us for a Live Legislative Update

In previous years, Fridays were reserved for Facebook Live. However, things have changed. County officials can now join the ACCG policy team for a live legislative update via Zoom. Same time - Friday at 9:00 a.m. (unless notified otherwise). Different place - Zoom.

Zoom webinar details will be shared next week, as the first Live Legislative Update on Zoom will take place on Friday, January 22.
ACCG News
News You Can Use - Articles Related to ACCG Policy Issues
Articles covering some of ACCG's major policy issues are found here. Click the hyperlinked title to begin reading.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution- January 14, 2021

Henry Herald - January 10, 2021
Questions? Email the
ACCG Legislative team:

ACCG is YOUR county association. We are here to advance all Georgia county governments. Please feel free to contact a member of the policy team if they can assist in any way.