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Immigration Reports Due by Dec. 31
Since 2011, counties have been required to submit an annual immigration report to the Department of Audits and Accounts (DOAA). New legislation passed during the 2024 legislative session, HB 1105, enacting several new requirements for entities (state and local) with law enforcement personnel and entities that operate jails or detention centers. These new requirements are in addition to the reporting requirements that currently exist. The DOAA has made several changes to their reporting system to incorporate these new changes. Additionally, the style of the reporting system has changed and changes have been made to other sections, namely the sanctuary policy section, that may change who submits that section of the report for your county. Finally, DOAA is now required to provide random reviews of immigration reports. Any county staff who is charged with submitting parts of the immigration report needs to be aware of these changes.
The reporting portal opened on Nov. 1. All reports are due by Dec. 31. DOAA has provided several resources on their website regarding the new immigration compliance and reporting requirements as well as submission guidance.
Several Laws of County Significance Take Effect on Jan. 1, 2025
Please be aware of the below bills, passed during the 2024 legislative session, that take effect on Jan. 1, 2025:
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HB 451 – PTSD Insurance: State and local governments are required to provide insurance coverage to certain first responders.
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HB 581 - Comprehensive Property and Sales Tax Reform: This law provides a floating homestead exemption for all local governments including an opt-out provision. It also simplifies the local sales tax cap and creates a new type of local sales tax for property tax relief. For additional HB 581 information, please click here.
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SB 19 – Passport Fees: This legislation requires clerks of court and probate to disclose to the county governing authority the amount of all U.S. passport application fees they collect on a quarterly basis.
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SB 189 – Election Law Changes: The following provisions take effect Jan. 1, 2025:
- County election superintendents are authorized to provide paper ballots in certain county races.
- The mailing address for homeless persons is now the registrar's office address for voting purposes.
- New standards are set for challenging an elector's right to vote.
- Additional steps are required for election workers in sealing, storing, and documenting ballot custody.
- Election superintendents, after certification, must unseal and scan ballot images and other materials, at a specified resolution, for anyone who requests them.
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SB 212 – Elections: Probate Judges: Probate judges will no longer administer elections. Impacted counties must establish a board of elections.
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SB 232 – Probate Court Fee Revisions: The fees charged by the Probate Court for services rendered are revised. Fees are still rendered to the county.
Legislative Study Committees Final Reports and Updates
Please see here for a list of 2024 House and Senate study committees which have addressed issues of county importance. Several of these study committees have issued their final reports. Please contact ACCG’s Governmental Affairs staff if you have any questions.
2026 Highway Safety Grant - GOHS Request for Proposals
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) will begin taking applications for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants in January. GOHS has been granted federal funds from the NHTSA under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to promote the development and implementation of innovative programs to address highway safety problems. Grant applications must be submitted via the GOHS grant management system no later than Monday, Mar. 3, 2025.
Click here to view the request for Highway Safety Grant Proposals for FY2026.
GTA Accepting Applications for BEAD Program
The Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) is now accepting Round 1 BEAD applications. Local governments, internet service providers, and nonprofit organizations, among others can now apply for the $1.3 billion available in federal broadband grant funding. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday Jan. 15, 2025.
Click here to sign up for the application. A Q&A guide on the application process can be accessed here. More information on the BEAD Program can be found here.
DNR Notice of Proposed Amendments to Rules for Water Quality Control
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources proposes amendments to the Rules for Water Quality Control, Chapter 391-3-6. Public comments and input into the proposed rule amendments can be made during a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Webinar details can be found on page two of the public hearing notice.
ARPA SLFRF "Obligation of Funds" FAQ Sheet Available
The deadline to obligate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024. Counties are encouraged to review the FAQ sheet released by the U.S. Treasury on what's considered an obligation of funds.
Click here to access the FAQ sheet.
Reminder: $10 million in CHIP Grants Available Through 2025
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) grants. This grant cycle is offering $10 million in funding to local governments, nonprofits, and public housing authorities. Interested parties must submit applications using the Emphasys online portal by Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
More information on CHIP Grants and the application process can be found here.
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