Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that divides the state into 12 regions, each with a regional commission that would assume the economic planning duties previously handled by regional development centers.

Highlights:

- Enumerates the duties of regional commissions, which include the following [sec. 5 (50-8-35)]:

- Make and enter into contracts; - Utilize the services of the Department of Administrative Services; - Acquire and dispose of real and personal property; - Prepare studies of the area's resources; - Collaborate with local, state or federal governmental agencies, educational institutions, and public and private organizations.

- Designates the regional commission as the official regional planning entity for land use, environmental purposes, transportation, and historic site preservation [sec. 5 (50-8-32)]. - Establishes that no one county shall be divided among more than one region [sec. 5 (50-8-32)]. - Requires regional commissions to collect annual dues of at least 25 cents from each resident of each county under the jurisdiction of the commission [sec. 5 (50-8-33) (2)]. - Establishes the composition of regional commissions as chief elected officials from each county, elected officials appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House, and any other members deemed necessary by the Commissioner [sec. 5 (50-8-34) (b)]. - This is a substitute bill offered by the House Rules Committee.

Full Bill Text