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GA SB420
Bill
Status
Passed
5/3/2016
Primary Sponsor
Lindsey Tippins
Click for details
AI Summary
- Counties that are mass transportation regional system participants must obtain majority approval from qualified voters in a referendum before expending any public funds on the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a fixed guideway transit system (e.g., rail lines or bus rapid transit using dedicated rights of way).
- "Expenditure of public funds" is broadly defined to include use of tax proceeds or general fund money, incurring general obligation or revenue debt, and entering intergovernmental agreements that impact future tax revenue or obligate debt payments.
- Prior to calling the referendum, the county governing authority must adopt a resolution specifying the type and location of the fixed guideway transit, capital costs, the date capital costs will be paid in full, and estimated annual maintenance and operation costs.
- The referendum must be held during a general election, general primary, or presidential preference primary, with the question and resolution published in the county's official organ once a week for two weeks before the election, at the county's expense.
- The requirement does not apply to extensions of existing fixed guideway transit or sales and use taxes authorized under the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965, nor to projects wholly within the boundaries of counties that have already approved such MARTA sales and use taxes.
Legislative Description
Local Government; require referendum approval prior to the expenditure of public funds; establishment of a fixed guideway transit
Last Action
Effective Date
7/1/2016
Committee Referrals
Transportation3/2/2016
Transportation2/23/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available