GA SB599

Establishes a financial health warning program requiring the state auditor to annually review local government financial data and identify those in fiscal distress, defined as conditions including cash flow shortfalls, inability to pay obligations, deficit spending, excessive debt, or failure to submit audited financial reports within 18 months of fiscal year end.

Authorizes the Governor, after consultation with legislative leadership, to approve state intervention plans providing assistance, oversight, or targeted intervention to local governments in fiscal distress, with plans specifying objectives, duration, resources, and measurable benchmarks.

Empowers the Department of Community Affairs to appoint an emergency fiscal manager for local governments unwilling or unable to address fiscal distress, with authority to approve all contracts, payrolls, debt payments, and budgets while suspending the local governing authority's financial powers.

Requires emergency fiscal managers to develop remediation plans with specific corrective actions, measurable benchmarks for exiting state control, and estimated timelines, with public notice and comment before approval by the Department of Community Affairs.

Directs the Department of Administrative Services to establish a master roster of qualified turnaround specialists for local government fiscal recovery, updated at least every three years through competitive solicitation.