GA HB1271

Grants the Brunswick-Glynn County Joint Water and Sewer Commission and its officers, agents, and employees full immunity from tort liability and negligence claims when performing public duties, while requiring claimants to file written notice within six months and present claims to the commission before pursuing court action.

Requires at least two public hearings (one on the mainland and one on St. Simons Island) before any increase in water or sewer rates, fees, tolls, or charges, with published notices including five-year financial projections and a history of prior rate changes.

Mandates a performance audit or review by an outside contractor within one year of the Act's effective date and every four years thereafter, with results published on the commission's website and available for public inspection within 60 days.

Restructures the commission to seven members: one appointed each by the city and county governing authorities, and five citizen members selected either through a combination of grand jury appointment and county-wide election (Option 1) or entirely by grand jury appointment (Option 2), with citizen members paid $500 per month.

Requires a local referendum during the 2012 statewide general primary to approve the membership changes, with voters choosing between the two commission composition options, and mandates submission to the U.S. Department of Justice for Voting Rights Act preclearance within 45 days of enactment.