Georgia House Bill HB1318

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Report Pass: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Report Pass: 3/13/24

Caption

Georgia Rail Passenger Authority Overview Committee; repeal Chapter 10 of Title 28

Impact

The passage of HB 1318 will have significant implications for state law by removing certain provisions that pertain to defunct or inactive governmental bodies. As a result, responsibilities and liabilities associated with these entities will be formally transferred to the State of Georgia, which is anticipated to lead to a more focused and less cluttered governance framework. This aligns with efforts to enhance governmental accountability and ensures that the state code reflects current operational realities without the confusion of outdated entities within the statute.

Summary

House Bill 1318 is a legislative measure in Georgia aimed at amending various titles of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The bill focuses primarily on updating committee names, repealing provisions related to inactive boards and commissions, and making conforming changes throughout the legal code. These revisions are seen as necessary housekeeping measures in light of shifting needs and priorities within state government structures. By consolidating or eliminating outdated committees and authorities, the bill seeks to streamline governmental operations and enhance administrative efficiency, which proponents argue is crucial for effective governance.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1318 has been largely positive among legislators who recognize the importance of reforming and streamlining government operations. Supporters emphasize that such reforms enhance the responsiveness and efficacy of state government. However, the discussions have also revealed concerns regarding the potential removal of certain committees that, although inactive, may have historical or future potential value. The overall legislative discourse reflects a balance between removing obsolete structures while ensuring adequate oversight remains in place for essential state functions.

Contention

While there is a broad consensus on the need for reform, contention arises around the breadth of the repeals included in HB 1318. Some legislators argue that certain entities deserve to be preserved, even in inactive status, for their potential future utility. The discussions highlight a fundamental tension between efficiency and the preservation of legislative history, indicating that while the bill seeks to modernize state governance, it must also duly consider the implications of eliminating legislative bodies entirely.