GA HB997

Creates the Early County Board of Elections and Registration, a five-member body that consolidates the powers and duties of the county elections superintendent (previously the Probate Court judge) and the Board of Registrars

Four members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners (two from odd-numbered districts for terms ending December 31, 2018, and two from even-numbered districts for terms ending December 31, 2017), while the fifth member serves as the supervisor of registration and elections, appointed by the county administrator as a full-time county employee and board chairperson

Persons holding or qualifying as candidates for elective public office are prohibited from serving on the board, and members may be removed for cause after notice and hearing

On January 1, 2015, all equipment, records, and materials from the former elections superintendent and board of registrars must be transferred to the new board; the county commissioners must provide suitable offices, equipment, and staffing

Effective July 1, 2014, for initial member selection and January 1, 2015, for all other purposes; authorizes the commissioners to contract with municipalities for the board to conduct municipal primaries or elections