HB 1227 Summary

• Increases council membership from 10 to 11 members and requires two county governing body members instead of one on the governing board.

• Requires county governing body approval by resolution before a council on children's services can purchase real estate or construct buildings.

• Requires councils to submit tentative budgets and proposed millage rates to the county governing body by June 15 each year; county must hold public hearings and approve budgets before council adoption.

• Specifies that millage levied by councils does not count against constitutional millage limits for counties and prohibits county governing bodies from redirecting council tax revenues for other purposes.

• Requires electors to vote every 8 years (beginning May 2016) on whether to retain or dissolve the council on children's services, with county holding public hearing on council effectiveness beforehand.

• Directs councils to prioritize funding for children's services provision over real estate purchases or building construction.