Georgia Senate Bill SB353

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/12/24
• Report Pass: 1/23/24
• Engrossed: 1/29/24
• Report Pass: 2/9/24
• Enrolled: 3/4/24
• Chaptered: 3/4/24
• Passed: 3/4/24

Caption

Highways, Bridges, and Ferries; duties when death results from an accident upon a highway in certain instances; allow for delegation

Impact

The implementation of SB353 would result in notable changes to state regulations governing transportation and public safety. By establishing clearer guidelines for the election process of transportation board members and facilitating more flexible contracting approaches, the bill is expected to streamline project management and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the changes to delegation rights for coroners could improve response times and resource allocation during investigations related to traffic accidents, potentially benefiting overall roadway safety.

Summary

Senate Bill 353 aims to amend several provisions related to the management and regulation of highways, bridges, and ferries in Georgia. Key components include updating the notice provisions surrounding the election of board members for the Department of Transportation and refining procurement procedures for public-private partnerships (P3s). Furthermore, the bill allows for alternative contracting methods and introduces specific weight and dimension requirements for transport vehicles. The bill also delegates certain responsibilities to county coroners or medical examiners in cases of fatalities on highways, allowing them to delegate their duties under specific conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding this bill appears to be generally supportive among stakeholders involved in transportation and infrastructure development. Proponents argue that the bill's amendments will foster better governance in transportation project execution and enhance public-private collaboration. However, there may be concerns raised by transparency advocates regarding the exemptions from public disclosure, particularly those relating to financial information of motorist data related to toll roads, which could raise questions about accountability and access to information.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding the delegation of responsibilities to coroners. Critics may argue that empowered delegation could lead to inconsistencies in investigations and public health safety standards. Similarly, the exemptions from public disclosure could be viewed skeptically by those who advocate for transparency in government operations. These aspects may catalyze further discussions on the balance between effective governance and the need for accountability in public administration.