GA HB930

Creates the Atlanta-region Transit Link "ATL" Authority, a 16-member board (10 from authority districts, 5 appointed by the Governor/Lieutenant Governor/Speaker, plus the commissioner of transportation as a non-voting member) to serve as the sole entity for coordinating, planning, and dispersing federal and state transit funding within its jurisdiction, which encompasses counties designated as Clean Air Act nonattainment areas.

Authorizes counties to impose a transit special purpose local option sales and use tax (T-SPLOST) of up to 1 percent, in 0.05 percent increments, for up to 30 years, subject to voter approval by referendum; counties in nonattainment areas must select projects from the ATL Authority's regional transit plan and obtain authority approval, while counties outside nonattainment areas must partner with two or more neighboring counties via intergovernmental agreement.

Authorizes the City of Atlanta to levy an additional retail sales and use tax of up to 0.50 percent for MARTA expansion (subject to voter referendum), and authorizes Fulton County (outside Atlanta) to levy up to 0.20 percent for transit (excluding heavy rail) after an intergovernmental agreement with municipalities representing at least 70 percent of the affected population and voter approval.

Establishes pathways for Gwinnett County and Cobb County to enter into rapid transit contracts with MARTA, each requiring voter approval by referendum; creates a Cobb County Special District for Transit Committee (abolished December 1, 2019) to formulate a proposed special district map and contract terms; and allows Gwinnett County to appoint three members to the MARTA board upon approval of a rapid transit contract.

Removes limitations on state contributions to MARTA, requires MARTA to adopt "ATL" branding on new capital assets over $250,000 by January 1, 2019 and on all property by January 1, 2023, and transfers transit-related planning, funding, and coordination powers from the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority to the new ATL Authority while the GRTA retains land public transportation functions.