GA SB535

Community service boards providing mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases services are re-created effective July 1, 2026, with existing governing board members reconstituted on that date.

Executive directors will be appointed and subject to removal by the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, becoming department employees rather than being hired by local governing boards.

Current executive directors employed as of June 30, 2026, may elect by August 1, 2026, to remain as community service board employees under a three-party contract or become department employees.

The department must establish unified bylaws for all community service boards by December 31, 2026, addressing appointment/removal procedures, term staggering, quorum requirements, and ensuring consumers and family members constitute at least 50% of certain board positions.

Community service boards may conduct teleconference meetings and must provide public viewing and commentary methods, with the previous requirement that 50% of board members be physically present removed.